Why Caregivers Get Injured- and How to Prevent It
Often times, family caregivers don’t receive formal training when it comes to safe body mechanics or patient handling. This leaves them at a higher risk of being injured due to caregiving when compared to those who are professional caregivers.
Lifting and transferring is a large part of caregiving and could involve anything from moving someone from a bed to a chair or assisting with bathing. These lifts and transfers often require awkward lifting that strains the back of the individual that is assisting with the task. Professional caregivers undergo specific training to prevent such injuries, but family members who find themselves in a caretaker position are usually left on their own without the proper guidance to protect themselves from both mild and serious injuries.
Repetitive movements that are involved with day-to-day caretaking can also wear down muscles and joints overtime. These tasks could involve repositioning the individual, to assisting them with mobility.
Practical Tips to Protect Yourself
The first step in preventing injury is acknowledging that your safety matters just as much as your loved ones. Taking care of yourself the best that you can will only enhance the level of care you can give, and taking care of yourself includes learning how to prevent injury. There are simple ways to reduce your risk that you can begin incorporating into your day-to-day life as a caregiver.
The first simple tip to prevent your own personal injury is to learn proper body mechanics. When you must bend while assisting your loved one, it is important to always bend at your knees, not your waist. The following video demonstrates how to maintain proper body mechanics when assisting with transfers and lifting Body Mechanics.
Another way to prevent injury as a caregiver is to ensure that you have the proper equipment to assist you, if needed. Gate belts, transfer boards, shower chairs, and walkers can make tasks safer for both you as the caregiver, and the individual you are caring for. It is important not to wait until an accident happens to use these tools as prevention is key.
It is vital to know when to ask for help. If a task feels unsafe to do alone, don’t attempt it regardless of how important you deem this task to be. Ignoring your intuition could put both you and your loved one in harms way.
Another great way to prevent injury is to make sure that you are caring for your body as much as possible. Even something as small as stretching regularly could end up making all of the difference. When it comes to exercise, strengthening your core is highly recommended. Lastly, be sure to schedule your own health checkups and listen to your body when it signals pain. It is important that you do not ignore anything that could lead to a bigger issue for you with time.
How We Can Help
Here at FirstLight Home Care of Mercer Island, we believe that caring for a loved one should never come at the cost of your health. Our trained caregivers are skilled in safe transfers, fall prevention, and the use of assistive equipment- ensuring your loved one is supported while protecting you from unnecessary strain or injury.
Whether you need regular help or just an occasional break, our team provides professional, compassionate care so you don’t have to do it all alone. When you partner with us, you can focus on your relationship with your loved one while knowing their safety- and yours- are always our priority.
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