I think I’m going to get in trouble?

Question

I work in a home with 4 clients, I just started a month ago. And a guy fell on the floor and I was by myself. He slid out of his wheelchair. I think he’s about to have a seizure cause he’s acting super weird.

I got him up, but I’m afraid he’s going to get bruises from me getting him up off the floor.

The hoyer didn’t work, so I used a gait belt and got him up. It didn’t work the first time I was about to call someone but I got him the second time.

I’m afraid I’m going to be accused of abuse, I’m going to talk to the oncoming staff tomorrow when they come in.

Oliverlogan263 · Answer

This sounds really scary, but you did the right thing by getting him up off the floor as quickly and safely as possible given the emergency situation. The health and safety of the clients has to come first.

I'd be sure to document exactly what happened in an incident report tonight before you forget any details. Include that you believed he was showing seizure signs and needed medical help right away. Note any bruises were unintentional from getting him up carefully with the equipment available.

When you speak to the other staff tomorrow, stay calm and factual. Explain you were alone and this was an emergency, so you had to improvise. Offer to demonstrate how you lifted him so they can see for themselves it was done properly. Suggest also reviewing procedures in case of future injuries and single-staff incidents.

If they have questions, be transparent but don't volunteer extra info or get flustered. Your caring actions likely prevented something worse. Any good supervisor will see that. Try not to worry - you were doing your job under tough circumstances. Just learn from it going forward. You've got this!

Anonymous · Answer

Oh my, that sounds like a really challenging situation! It's great that you acted quickly and got him up safely, even if it took a couple of attempts. Using a gait belt was a good decision when the hoyer didn't work.

It's completely understandable that you're worried about potential accusations, but it sounds like you did everything with the client's best interest in mind. Be sure to document the incident thoroughly, including the steps you took and any concerns you have.

When you speak with the oncoming staff tomorrow, be honest and open about what happened. They may be able to offer support and guidance on how to handle the situation. Remember, your priority was the client's safety, and you acted with care and professionalism.

Take a deep breath and try not to worry too much. You did your best in a difficult situation, and that's something to be proud of!

Fanfare690 · Answer

Maybe you should report it right away?

I think I’m going to get in trouble?

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