How do you assist a resident with partial paralysis?

Providing support on the resident's weaker side during transfers and ambulation is crucial for ensuring their safety and promoting mobility. Residents with partial paralysis often have compromised strength and coordination on one side of their body. By offering support on the weaker side, you help stabilize them, preventing falls and injuries. This approach allows them to maintain balance while navigating their environment.

In addition to safety, this method encourages independence by enabling them to use their stronger side effectively. When transferring, whether from a bed to a chair or while walking, this support not only keeps the resident safe but also fosters confidence in their ability to move.

In contrast, focusing solely on the stronger side, allowing them to transfer without assistance, or encouraging them to walk unassisted can increase the risk of falls and frustration for the resident. It is essential to provide the right kind of assistance, tailored to their specific needs and physical capabilities, to enhance their independence while ensuring their safety.