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Just dropped DS for his first over night respite and got into a discussion with one of the staff about the difficulties we have in manually handling DS now he's 7 and going on 4 stone.
In particular, when we physically have to move him/support him/restain him to prevent him from doing dangerous things, like when dragging him off window sills (!) or when he won't walk (he can walk with lots of assistance preferable from two people) and does that thing where his he makes he legs go floppy...
In these circs I end up lifting him from his upper arms.. or picking him up bodily which is obviously getting harder and harder. And I am aware that I (and probably DH) are probably causing the brusing that is sometimes on his upper arms, by handling him in this way.
And bear in mind we've NEVER had any manual handling training of any kind.. that's only for staff, becuase it matters if they hurt themselves as they may sue! (Bitter.. me? )
Anyway, this lady told me there are such things as lifting belts that children/people wear discreetly under their clothes and then if you need to manually handle them, you do so via the "straps" of the lifting belt.. it's easier for the parent/carer and more comfortable for the child/person.
I have looked up lifting belts, but in general you just get weight lifting belts, or if you go on disability equipment sites, you just get hoists and the like. He doesn't need a hoist; he is very active and mobile, just can't walk/stand independently and is also often very uncooperative meaning we have to boldily move him quite often.
Are they called something else? Does anyone know where I can find them to look/price them up?
If it's any help I did a short course at school & have some notes I can pass on to you about various techniques - just general stuff really about moving people. EMail me with your addy if you are interested
(Bitter.. me? 
)
