Home-Based Practical Training
Carer Training: Safe Moving & Handling
Caring for someone with limited mobility is both rewarding and physically demanding. Without the right techniques, everyday tasks like helping someone out of a chair or repositioning them in bed can lead to injury — for both you and the person you care for. Our Occupational Therapists deliver practical, hands-on training in your own home.
What You'll Learn
Safe Bed Mobility
Rolling, sitting up, and repositioning techniques
Sit-to-Stand Transfers
Helping someone rise safely from chairs and beds
Hoist & Equipment Use
Confident operation of hoists, slings, and slide sheets
Wheelchair Transfers
Safe techniques for moving in and out of wheelchairs
Why Carer Training Matters
Many back injuries happen during everyday caring tasks. A momentary lapse in technique — lifting instead of sliding, twisting while holding weight — can cause lasting damage. The person being moved also faces risks: discomfort, loss of dignity, or injury from incorrect handling.
Protect Yourself
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Reduce Strain on Your Back & Joints
Work with your body, not against it
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Build Your Confidence
Know you're doing things correctly every time
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Make Equipment Easier to Use
Get the most from hoists, slide sheets, and transfer aids
Protect Your Loved One
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Keep Them Comfortable & Safe
Minimise pain during transfers and repositioning
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Maintain Their Dignity
Smooth, confident handling preserves self-respect
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Prevent Falls & Injuries
Proper technique reduces accident risk
Who Is This Training For?
Our carer training is designed for anyone who provides physical care — whether you're a family member with no formal training, or a professional carer wanting environment-specific guidance.
"Unlike generic classroom courses, our training takes place where care actually happens — in the home. This makes all the difference."
Family Carers
Caring for a parent, spouse, or family member at home
Personal Assistants
One-to-one support workers and PAs
Domiciliary Carers
Mobile carers working in clients' homes
What the Training Covers
Each session is tailored to your situation. Here are the key techniques we commonly cover:
Safe Bed Mobility
Techniques for helping someone roll, sit up, and move in bed — without straining your back or pulling on their arms.
Sit-to-Stand Transfers
The safest way to help someone rise from a chair, bed, or toilet. A key skill for falls prevention.
Hoist & Sling Use
Building confidence with mechanical hoists, including correct sling positioning, safe operation, and troubleshooting.
Slide Sheet Techniques
Using slide sheets to reposition someone in bed or move them up the mattress with minimal effort.
Standing Aid Operation
Correct use of Rotundas, Sara Stedy aids, and standing frames for supported transfers.
Wheelchair Transfers
Safe techniques for moving someone into and out of a wheelchair, including car transfers.
Pressure Relief Positioning
Ensuring comfort and preventing pressure sores for those with neurological conditions.
Emergency Techniques
What to do if someone falls and how to help them up safely (or when to call for assistance).
How a Training Session Works
Your Occupational Therapist will assess the real environment: the width of doorways, the type of bed, the bathroom layout, the furniture arrangements. The techniques you learn will be specifically adapted to these realities, not theoretical scenarios.
If you already have equipment — hoists, slide sheets, transfer boards, or standing aids — we'll train you to use it correctly and safely. If equipment would help, we can recommend appropriate solutions as part of our home adaptations and safety assessment service.
A typical session lasts 1.5 to 3 hours, allowing time for thorough instruction and plenty of hands-on practice.
The Training Process
Initial Discussion
We talk through your current situation and what you want to achieve.
Environment Assessment
Your OT observes the care environment and the person's mobility level.
Demonstration
Each technique is demonstrated with clear explanation of the principles.
Supervised Practice
You practice the techniques under expert guidance until confident.
Written Summary
You receive a summary of techniques covered for future reference.
Our Occupational Therapists
All carer training is delivered by qualified Occupational Therapists who are HCPC registered, RCOT members, DBS checked, and experienced in working with older adults and those with complex care needs.
Rosie Watts
Senior Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy
Kate Griffiths
Senior Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy
Jo Howard
Senior Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy
Heidi Hanslip
Senior Occupational Therapist
Occupational TherapyTraining Pricing
Carer training sessions are priced based on duration and complexity.
£120
Initial Assessment
60-90 minutes
£60
30-min Follow-up
30 minutes
£90
45-min Follow-up
45 minutes
For team training at care homes, we offer tailored packages — contact us to discuss your requirements.
See Full Price ListFrequently Asked Questions
Why is specific moving and handling training so important?
Incorrect handling poses a significant risk of serious injury — particularly back injuries — to the carer, and can cause pain and distress to the person being moved. Generic training often doesn’t account for the specific equipment, furniture, and room layouts in your home. Professional training tailored to your environment is the best way to protect everyone involved.
Is the training personalised to our situation?
Yes, completely. We assess the individual’s mobility, the carer’s ability, and the specific environment (narrow hallways, types of chairs, bathroom layout) to teach the most effective and safest techniques for your unique situation.
How long does a training session last?
A typical session lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, which allows for a thorough assessment, practical demonstrations, and time for you to practice the techniques under our expert guidance until you feel confident.
Do you provide training for care home staff?
Yes. We offer team training sessions for care homes and residential facilities. Group training ensures consistent, safe practice across all staff members and can be delivered on-site at your facility.
Which areas do you cover?
We provide carer training across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire, including Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole, Salisbury, and surrounding areas. View all areas we cover.
Related OT Services
Home Adaptations & Safety
Full home safety assessments and equipment recommendations to reduce falls and improve independence.
Wheelchair & Seating Assessments
Specialist assessments for wheelchairs, posture support, and pressure care.
Occupational Therapy
Our full range of OT services to support independence and daily living.
Move and Handle with Confidence and Safety
Protect yourself and the person you care for from injury. Contact us today to arrange a personalised moving and handling training session in your home.