Home Health Caregiver Injuries Can Be Avoided
The physical stresses and exertion involved in caring for nursing home and hospital patients has caused rising numbers of back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems among direct caregivers. We see these same injuries and problems arising in the home health care setting as well.
Musculoskeletal injuries include damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, bursae, joints, and cartilage, including intervertebral discs. Symptoms of damage can include:
Registered nurses, registered practical nurses, and health care aides experience injury and disability from muscoloskeletal injuries; that means suffering and economic loss. Employers have faced rising workers' compensation and other lost time costs as well as shortages of needed staff.
An ergonomic approach to patient handling that is part of an overall program to reduce musculoskeletal injuries can benefit caregivers and employers alike. A critical issue in ergonomic patient handling is the distinction between a patient or resident transfer and a lift. A transfer is a dynamic effort in which the client aids in the transfer and is able to bear weight on at least one leg.
A lift involves moving a client who cannot bear weight on at least one leg. Lifts should always involve mechanical lifting devices.
Injuries to caregivers during patient and resident transfers usually occur when a patient transfer suddenly becomes a patient lift. Assessment of the client's capabilities therefore becomes a critical component of any ergonomic patient-handling program. Clients who suddenly lose their balance must be identified to determine whether two caregivers are necessary to affect a transfer or whether a mechanical device is necessary.
The relative sizes of the caregiver and the patient must be considered when one is determining the need for additional staff to aid in a transfer or the need for a mechanical lift. The weight and height differences may dictate the necessity of mechanical assistance.
Traxx Mobility Systems manufactures and sells the Titan 500, an electric overhead patient lift for home care. Our lift system allows a single caregiver to effortlessly transfer a patient, weighing up to 500 pounds, from bed to chair and back again. The Titan 500 is a complete lift package which includes a freestanding aluminum frame, a lift motor with rechargeable batteries, a lift bar, one sling and an easy to use remote control. The safe and secure system is simple to set-up and it's durable, dependable and Made in the USA!
Musculoskeletal injuries include damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, bursae, joints, and cartilage, including intervertebral discs. Symptoms of damage can include:
- Pain and/or swelling.
- Numbness, burning, or tingling sensations.
- Loss of mobility around a particular joint or joints.
Registered nurses, registered practical nurses, and health care aides experience injury and disability from muscoloskeletal injuries; that means suffering and economic loss. Employers have faced rising workers' compensation and other lost time costs as well as shortages of needed staff.
An ergonomic approach to patient handling that is part of an overall program to reduce musculoskeletal injuries can benefit caregivers and employers alike. A critical issue in ergonomic patient handling is the distinction between a patient or resident transfer and a lift. A transfer is a dynamic effort in which the client aids in the transfer and is able to bear weight on at least one leg.
A lift involves moving a client who cannot bear weight on at least one leg. Lifts should always involve mechanical lifting devices.
Injuries to caregivers during patient and resident transfers usually occur when a patient transfer suddenly becomes a patient lift. Assessment of the client's capabilities therefore becomes a critical component of any ergonomic patient-handling program. Clients who suddenly lose their balance must be identified to determine whether two caregivers are necessary to affect a transfer or whether a mechanical device is necessary.
The relative sizes of the caregiver and the patient must be considered when one is determining the need for additional staff to aid in a transfer or the need for a mechanical lift. The weight and height differences may dictate the necessity of mechanical assistance.
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| The Traxx Mobility Systems Titan 500 Overhead Patient Lift |
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