Why should you never pull up on a resident's arms during a transfer?

Pulling up on a resident's arms during a transfer can lead to serious physical harm, particularly the dislocation of the shoulders. When you lift someone's arms, you place undue stress on the shoulder joints, which are not designed to bear weight in that manner. The proper technique for transferring individuals, especially those who may have limited mobility or frailty, involves using a safer method that supports their body effectively, such as using a gait belt or ensuring that the individual assists with weight shifting as much as possible. Using correct body mechanics minimizes the risk of injury to both the resident and the caregiver.