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Quote of the Week:
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
– Helen Keller
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Injury Prevention for Caregivers | |
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Wear and tear on a caregiver's body is a common, and at times, seemingly inevitable aspect of providing care. This rings especially true when caring for frail older adults, a responsibility that often extends around the clock, 24/7. As time progresses, the care receiver's needs may intensify, requiring assistance with the fundamental
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Toileting
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Transferring (bed mobility, getting in/out of a chair or car)
- Eating
- Continence
It's worth noting that insurance companies often use ADLs as criteria for determining eligibility for long-term care insurance benefits. While these tasks may seem basic, they can pose potential dangers for both caregivers and care receivers. Here, we present crucial considerations and preparations to enhance safety and well-being.
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1. Bed Mobility:
Bed mobility can be dangerous for the care receiver. The care-receiver can get painful and hard to heal skin tears from being "dragged" across bedclothes. When assisting with bed mobility the care-giver can easily get painful and long lasting back problems from moving someone incorrectly in bed.
Here is some equipment or tools to make helping some move safely in bed:
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Bed handle: simple and inexpensive — Easily installed. Must be installed at head of bed such that the person using it cannot get arms or legs stuck between the bars of the bed handle!
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A bed that raises and lowers — like a hospital bed. Not cheap but Medicare or Medicaid will pay for these if it is considered medically necessary and you have a Rx from a physician.
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2. Getting Up and Sitting Down from Sitting Position
Helpful equipment/tools:
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Bed handle (discussed above). Getting up from bed.
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Lift-assist chair. Getting up from a chair. Medicare does not generally pay for these. Prices can start about ~$300. Shop around. Consider this is something that happens many times a day. Maybe worth the cost!
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Handy bar or care cane stander: Getting in and out of a car - Link
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Raised toilet seat, over toilet commode, toilet rails — Getting up and down from the toilet:
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raised toilet seat with arms | |
3 in 1 over toilet or bedside commode | |
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Importantly, don’t assist with “sit-to-stand” by:
1. Doing more of the work than necessary (know their and your own strengths and weaknesses).
2. Don’t lift by pulling on their arms!
3. Learn good body mechanics (keep your back straight, use your legs not your back, don’t twist) More on this later…
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3. Bathing in Tub or Shower
Helpful tools starting with the simplest, cheapest, and very important:
- Non slip absorbent rug outside tub or shower.
- Non slip plastic or rubber mat or decals inside tub or shower.
Chairs, benches, (adjustable height) with or without back or armrest — possible to purchase with adjustable height arm rests that can be moved and a back that can come on and off. (Medicare or Medicaid might pay for these, again you need an Rx from doctor.) See examples below here:
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Shower Bench:
That span over the side of tub (especially helpful for individual that cannot step over the side of tube safely, even with installed hand rail.)
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Bath chair or stool:
with or without armrests and back
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Grab bars:
The safest are those that are installed in the wall (not suctioned onto the wall or side of tub — definitely not towel racks!)
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Handheld shower head: very helpful when bathing while sitting. | |
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OT’s can advise you on what’s needed here and for all of these things!
From here there are more devices — fancier, more expensive,
like bath chair lifts, roll in shower enclosures, etc.
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4. Getting Someone Up from the Floor:
First thing that needs to be said — this is potentially quite dangerous for the assister.
It’s always stressful for the one who has fallen.
- If you are not trained to help with this, best to get help (even if they are breathing and not bleeding). Call 9-1-1.
- Then get trained to help. (OT, PT, Nurse)
- Before starting to help, even if trained, make sure the faller is not injured such that helping them get up can make the injury worse. Any doubt about that, call 9-1-1 for help.
After a fall: Report the fall to your doctor.
- Doctor can assess if there is a new illness that caused the fall.
- Doctor can assess if a new medication is the problem.
- Doctor can order OT or PT to come and assess for fall prevention and safety for caregiver helping get patient up from floor. They advise and teach to prevent falls in the first place!
Prepare ahead of time: Learn how to safely assist your loved one up from the floor from your OT or PT. It is possible to purchase devices that can make it safer and easier to help loved one up. Here is an example of possible device:
(there are many other types)
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Electric chair lift:
(~$300)
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Given all that is said above, here is a simple tutorial to guide faller or helper after a fall: | | |
- Review this before you need it. Even with your loved one to prepare ahead of time and consider practicing it!
- Make sure the person who has fallen isn’t injured (no complaints of pain) and capable of emotionally or mentally, after the fall, to follow directions.
- Once safe and sound and back to safety, remember to tell the patient's doctor.
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Basic tutorial on good body mechanics for caregivers:
- Never lift above shoulder height.
- Keep your feet stable.
- Have a firm hold.
- Keep any weight close to your body.
- Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
- Lift as smoothly as possible.
Before attempting to move someone, ask yourself:
- Do they need help to move?
- Do they require help or supervision?
- Have you told them you're moving them?
- How heavy are they?
- Are you healthy and strong enough to move them?
- Is there anyone who could help you?
- How long will it take?
- Is there enough space around you?
- Are there any obstacles in the way?
- Are you wearing suitable clothing and shoes – for example, if you're on a slippery or damp surface?
Last but not least:
- Be prepared!
- Know your limits!
- Get help when you need it!
Medicare and Medicaid will pay for an OT or PT assessment and home health visits if your doctor orders this. This can and probably should be arranged when your loved one is discharged from hospital or skilled nursing. As mentioned above, you can ask for this from your loved one’s primary care doctor if there has been a change of condition, a fall, or even if you yourself are really struggling and needing help.
Be prepared to ask for what you need. Take notes…
– Susan Musicant, DPT
Senior Injury Prevention & Medication Safety Program Coordinator
Contact DayBreak: (510) 926-0798 with questions or for more help.
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Upcoming Workshops & Events: | |
Empower Change through Giving:
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Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of elders
and the caregivers who selflessly support them.
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DayBreak is committed to offering essential support to eldeand caregivers navigating diverse difficulties. If you're acquainted with a senior who could find value in our care and coordination services, or if you're aware of a caregiver seeking assistance, encourage them to reach out to us at:
510-834-8314
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