Caregivers, Watch Your Back! Prevent Caregiver Injuries with These Tips

Posted on June 8th, by Mark Winter in Caregiver Support Tip, Respite Care, Sandwich Generation. No Comments

Senior couple in kitchen paying bills, looking frustrated

Even though the ultimate goal is always to improve safety and health for seniors they love, family caregivers, regrettably, frequently end up diminishing their very own in the process. In fact, an astonishing 94% of caregivers in a study carried out by Ohio State University revealed musculoskeletal pain in a minimum of one part of their body – and 66% noted this pain influencing their quality of life.

And know that a “family caregiver” can describe anyone in the family who helps another individual with day to day activities. As reported by the Family Caregiver Alliance, this suggests 34 million Americans are at risk of becoming hurt through the care they provide.

At Hired Hands Homecare, we know firsthand the amount of lifting, bending, and weight-bearing necessary in satisfying the care needs of an older adult, which is why each of our professional caregivers is educated in techniques that safeguard both themselves and also the seniors in their care. Injuries can result from even the most mundane of tasks which need more physical strength than you might realize: shopping and running errands, cleaning the home, performing laundry chores, cooking and especially transferring a senior loved one to the sofa or bed.

To help you prevent caregiver injuries, we offer the following information:

Let assistive equipment do the lifting. For seniors with mobility issues, transfers, such as from a bed to a sofa, represent one of the most frequent causes of injury to those taking care of them. Not only that, but the danger of a loved one falling and acquiring a physical injury are increased. Caregivers should explore equipment such as a Hoyer lift to help with safe transfers (but recognize that proper training will be required).
Perform safe movement practices. We’ve all heard the adage, “Lift with your legs, not with your back,” but before lifting a finger, caregivers should take a quick assessment of their own physical status. If pain is felt in any of the joints or back, it’s an indication that the body appears to have been pushed beyond its capacity – and an alternative method of assisting your loved one ought to be explored.
Seek help. The ideal way to try to avoid injury in caregiving is through recognizing your limitations, and calling in professionals when warranted. The caregiving team at Hired Hands Homecare is fully experienced and proficient in supplying a full range of senior care help and support, allowing family members and senior loved ones alike to remain safe and well.

Contact Hired Hands Homecare, the top provider of home care in Santa Rosa, CA and nearby areas, at (866) 940-4343 to request an in-home consultation. We can complete a safety assessment of the home, provide you with resources that can help in your caregiving journey, and offer the fully customized, professional in-home care services that allow families the chance to simply enjoy quality time with the seniors they love.