Caring for disabled or elderly loved ones at home can be both emotionally and physically exhausting. Lifting someone from a wheelchair or bed may require special lifting techniques and equipment in order to prevent serious injury; this article describes these safe lifting practices for home caregivers as well as the value of using patient transfer aids, like gait belts or Hoyer lifts, in order to safeguard both elderly or disabled individuals as well as caregivers themselves.
Home caregivers tend to experience injuries in their back, neck and shoulders that often arise from straining, stretching or overexertion when trying to lift or transport a loved one from one location to the next. Sprains and strains are the leading cause of home healthcare worker absences; family caregivers in particular may assist their loved ones numerous times throughout each day, which puts additional strain on these parts.
To prevent back, neck, and shoulder injuries when helping someone stand or transition from bed to chair or sofa, proper lifting technique must be implemented when providing assistance. This means pointing feet towards the person being lifted rather than widening them apart – doing this places more strain on small muscle fibers of legs rather than on large muscles like hips and abdomen. When lifting someone it is also advised that one bend from knees rather than waist to avoid twisting spine, and do not lift with arms because this could put too much strain on small arm muscles not designed to bear such weight.
If you are unfamiliar with how to lift and transfer individuals safely and efficiently, it is highly advised that you seek guidance from home healthcare professionals, such as physical or occupational therapists who possess extensive knowledge about mobility issues related to individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. They may provide tailored recommendations regarding safe lifting techniques as well as assistive devices (patient lifts) which will improve efficiency in caregiving.
Lastly, to reduce their own risks of injury when transporting loved ones, caregivers should work alongside partners when transporting loved ones. Sharing lifting burdens reduces chances that one caregiver becomes injured during transfer. Research demonstrates that those performing caring tasks within their homes are more prone to overexertion injuries than workers in other industries. Home caregivers should seek assistance from someone they trust when conducting transfers, such as their partner of choice such as a spouse, sibling, friend or professional home healthcare worker. If a partner cannot be found quickly or reliably consider asking trusted family or friends for help as this will greatly increase the odds of safety and success for all parties involved in performing transfers safely and successfully.