How to learn techniques for transfers, helping balance/keep safe. Are there community or online courses? Equipment guidance?

Okay, Plains, so if this is starting in the late afternoon and the UTI culture was negative, it is what is called "sundowning". Google that term.

You need to let the doc know that this is happening and that it happens at a specific time of day. There are meds for that. (((Hugs)))))

took specimen on 4/17 and it was negative. That is good. Mom’s orientation has been better, too, yesterday and today. I have seized on chances to talk with her in the morning, when she seems clear...but not to go over the same litany about why she is here and who lives in the house. Instead I start out with how much it means to me for her to live in my home, and how glad I am to have the chance to talk about our shared memories, and then I recall something with her and have a laugh or a sweet thought. It certainly calms her, and I think her day stays clear longer. It is 4pm where I am, and she only just now asked me “how long have you worked here” . :)

She just took her indoor walk, and now I will get supper ready. I sure appreciate you folks here.

Long ago I volunteered at the local rehab facility. The PT department there put all of us volunteers through a 2 week training session. Safe way to help with a hiking strap, how to be safe while helping to transfer, etc.

try calling one of those facilities in your area and ask them about training

Good luck!

Let us know when you can how this gets resolved; we care! (((((Hugs)))))))

Barb, I’d heard about UTI and somehow forgot all about it. I’m reporting the move and this change to her doctor’s site right now.

Ok, I lost a post I tried to put out under a different topic. Don’t know where it went. Will keep it short/sweet: Brought my mom from isolated/no visitors AL, to my home, on 3/31. She was oriented and grateful, pretty much, until about 4 days ago. Now, from about noon until about 8pm, she doesn’t know who I am (only daughter) or where she is, even in a general way. She seems to believe I am someone else, a hired help, and asks me if her daughter will come today.

is this disorientation due to yet another move? Will it pass? What is going on?

ThePlains - when she's nervous, the key thing is to get her to pause and breathe. "Let's hold it there, just for a moment, please" is what I usually say when they're rushing, and steady their hips. You have to sort of make it sound like it's you who needs the pause to adjust your position, otherwise they think they're being slow and rush all the more!

There are tons of videos on YouTube, try searching the site for CNA skills.

Gait belts need to be used properly or they can be uncomfortable for the patient.   I think what I'd do if I had to start all over is ask one of the PTs or OTs at a rehab facility how to properly use them.   

Nurses or PTs, OTs in hospitals could also offer guidelines.     Exercises for balance could also be provided.

I'm not aware of any courses, but if there are, I'm guessing they would be through hospital community outreach programs.   The only online courses of which I'm aware are related to the Dance for Parkinson's, which helps with balance by adapting dance to controlled, safe exercises.   

I'm really impressed with this program.   Professional dancers create sitting and standing routines for PD patients, but they can be used by anyone.  

Equipment would I assume include a cane, walker, rollator and/or wheelchair.   

If there are any DME stores near you, you might contact them.    I would think they can stay open b/c they provide medical equipment.   Best source would be a therapy gym, and they might also be open.    

Something you might consider for the future are slide boards.  My father made 2 for my mother, to use when transferring from a wheelchair to a chair, or to a car, and vice versa.  

You're wise to address these issues now and be prepared.

  
Found some google hits for you:
https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=sCCJXv_SIsrctQam75HACA&q=transfer+belts%2C+proper+use&oq=transfer+belts%2C+proper+use&gs_lcp=CgZwc3ktYWIQAzIGCAAQFhAeOg4IABDqAhC0AhCaARDlAjoFCAAQgwE6AggAOgUIIRCgAToICCEQFhAdEB46BQghEKsCSi0IFxIpMjQ0ZzEyMmc3MGc3NGc3NWc2MWc3MWc2N2c2N2c2Nmc5M2cxMDNnOTdKHQgYEhkxZzFnMWcxZzFnMWcxZzFnMWcxZzVnNWc3UI4bWJFbYLxcaABwAHgAgAHZAYgB-g-SAQYyNS4xLjGYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6sAEG&sclient=psy-ab&ved=0ahUKEwj_6ri4_s_oAhVKbs0KHaZ3BIgQ4dUDCAw&uact=5#spf=1586045116643

Or just search on "transfer belts, proper use".

It is my 93# mother, and with coaching, she can still get herself up when she “sinks” to the floor, having slid off the bed or sat next to instead of on the couch. There is no one else to help. I know I have seen some PTs using what looks like a canvas belt to steady and guide their clients.

Ah. You've had your mother home since Monday, might as well take advantage of the lockdown and do some training while you're at it?

There are, but of course the community ones will be a wash out at the moment.
Online courses - there are many, the quality is patchy, but have a look. YouTube is wonderful for demonstrations - you can judge for yourself whether a technique looks sound or not.

Your keywords are Occupational Therapy. From there, you can research subheads like services, techniques, equipment, courses.

Is there anything specific you need to do in a hurry?

I’m not sure but you can most likely find what you are looking for somewhere online.

There are blogs, vlogs, YouTube, Facebook and tons of other casual resources. There are more formal university classes online.

Anything specific that you are interested in? Care to elaborate?