If you’re caring for a frail, elderly loved one at home, it’s likely you’ll need to lift, move or transfer him or her – which, if done incorrectly, can put you in danger of injuring yourself or your loved one. Injuries most often occur when caregivers:
- Haven’t learned proper lift and transfer techniques
- Don’t recognize when they’ve reached their physical limit
- Aren’t suited for the physical stress of lifting and transferring
- Want to “do it by themselves” instead of asking for help
Back injuries are particularly common from incorrect lifting techniques. Take note of these 10 guidelines to minimize risk of back injury:
- Never lift more than you can comfortably handle.
- Let the person do as much as he or she is capable of during the lift or transfer. If the person cannot assist with the transfer at all, you may require special training and/or adaptive equipment for lifts or transfers.
- Work at the person’s level and speed and check for pain.
- Avoid sudden jerking motions.
- Never pull on the person’s arms or shoulders.
- Have the person wear shoes with good treads or sturdy slippers.
- Create a base of support by standing with your feet shoulder width apart with one foot a half-step in front of the other.
- Let your legs do the lifting, not your back.
- Avoid letting the person put his arms around your neck or grab you. If the person is fearful, have him clasp his hands close to his chest during the lift or transfer.
- Breathe deeply and keep shoulders relaxed.
The greatest defense against injury, however, is having a helping hand rather than managing alone. Independence-4-Seniors’ caregivers are specially trained in proper lifting and transferring protocol, and can help keep both you and your elderly loved one safe. Call us any time at 630-323-4665 to discuss your specific senior care needs or to schedule a free in-home assessment. We proudly service Hinsdale and the surrounding Chicago area.