Some moves should never be attempted single-handed: lifting a person from the floor after a fall, moving someone who cannot bear any weight without a mechanical lift, and any transfer where the person is combative, much heavier than you, or attached to equipment you could dislodge. Recognizing these situations in advance is a skill, because in the moment the pressure to 'just help them up' is strong. The alternatives are to make the person safe and comfortable where they are, call for another helper, use a lift device, or call the non-emergency line — many services assist with lift-only calls. If the person is injured, unresponsive, or in pain after a fall, do not move them at all; call emergency services.
Before helping anyone up, a caregiver must decide whether to lift at all. This lesson teaches the gate: confirm the person is alert and oriented, and check for hip, back, or other pain — if any injur…