By Michelle Seitzer
Without adequate training on how best to transfer her father -- and without physical or mechanical aid (i.e. a patient lift or a lifting belt) -- it may just be a matter of time before the daughter, and maybe her father, are hurt or injured. Damage or the harm may occur instantaneously or surface afterwards.
The Centers for Disease Control mention "overexertion incidents" as the "top source of ...claims and prices in healthcare settings." Other frontline nursing staff and nurses endure more back and shoulder injuries, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic back pain -- experienced both on and off the job -- than just about any other profession, says this CDC article. As obesity rates continue to soar, and as professional and family caregivers age, the problem of safe patient handling becomes of greater significance. Additionally, the nursing shortage will strike 250,000 by the year 2025 (based on research referenced in the preceding CDC article). There are safe patient handling laws in a few hospitals and healthcare facilities, but thus far, they have just been enacted in 10 states (source: American Nurses Association), and such laws don't cover caregivers at home or in the community.
A caregiver for someone with mobility challenges is most likely "lifting" their patient or loved one multiple times throughout a 24 hour period, and like the dad-daughter example, most caregiver/caree pairs are usually not well-matched in terms of strength and size. Do not let that stop you from lifting practices that are safe . Consider these hints:
1. Communicate with the individual you're lifting. Don't just come up behind them without a plan or without warning. Put them at ease, tell them you intend to move them, and to where. Speak to them throughout the transfer. Don't rush.
2. Do not use your back to lift. Rather, focus on utilizing the strength in clash of clans hack infinite gems . Assist, don't lift. Make the move a combined attempt. Request the patient to assist you in any possible manner.
4. Don't lift from the waist of the patient, says Wade McKinney, aka "TheTransferGuy." Doing so is more challenging and prone to cause harm. Instead, "have the patient push up using their arms and support their forearms just below the elbows." He advises this technique is just not perfect for all patients, "notably those that need much more support."
5. Utilize a lift that is patient. It's one of the safest, most comfortable, most dignity-preserving procedures available, and it is quite affordable also. Divide the cost with a different caregiving neighbor, if need be, or ask family members to help cover the price. Prices range from $600 to $6000, determined by the kind of lift.
Need to learn more about patient lifts? Visit our website to view a variety of slings, lifts, lifting systems and accessories from top manufacturers that may meet an array of needs (i.e. lifting multiple patients, needing to carry the lift to other rooms, or a lift designed especially for getting into a pool).
Without adequate training on how best to transfer her father -- and without physical or mechanical aid (i.e. a patient lift or a lifting belt) -- it may just be a matter of time before the daughter, and maybe her father, are hurt or injured. Damage or the harm may occur instantaneously or surface afterwards.
The Centers for Disease Control mention "overexertion incidents" as the "top source of ...claims and prices in healthcare settings." Other frontline nursing staff and nurses endure more back and shoulder injuries, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic back pain -- experienced both on and off the job -- than just about any other profession, says this CDC article. As obesity rates continue to soar, and as professional and family caregivers age, the problem of safe patient handling becomes of greater significance. Additionally, the nursing shortage will strike 250,000 by the year 2025 (based on research referenced in the preceding CDC article). There are safe patient handling laws in a few hospitals and healthcare facilities, but thus far, they have just been enacted in 10 states (source: American Nurses Association), and such laws don't cover caregivers at home or in the community.
A caregiver for someone with mobility challenges is most likely "lifting" their patient or loved one multiple times throughout a 24 hour period, and like the dad-daughter example, most caregiver/caree pairs are usually not well-matched in terms of strength and size. Do not let that stop you from lifting practices that are safe . Consider these hints:
1. Communicate with the individual you're lifting. Don't just come up behind them without a plan or without warning. Put them at ease, tell them you intend to move them, and to where. Speak to them throughout the transfer. Don't rush.
2. Do not use your back to lift. Rather, focus on utilizing the strength in clash of clans hack infinite gems . Assist, don't lift. Make the move a combined attempt. Request the patient to assist you in any possible manner.
4. Don't lift from the waist of the patient, says Wade McKinney, aka "TheTransferGuy." Doing so is more challenging and prone to cause harm. Instead, "have the patient push up using their arms and support their forearms just below the elbows." He advises this technique is just not perfect for all patients, "notably those that need much more support."
5. Utilize a lift that is patient. It's one of the safest, most comfortable, most dignity-preserving procedures available, and it is quite affordable also. Divide the cost with a different caregiving neighbor, if need be, or ask family members to help cover the price. Prices range from $600 to $6000, determined by the kind of lift.
Need to learn more about patient lifts? Visit our website to view a variety of slings, lifts, lifting systems and accessories from top manufacturers that may meet an array of needs (i.e. lifting multiple patients, needing to carry the lift to other rooms, or a lift designed especially for getting into a pool).