Caregivers hurting their backs

clueless · 02-04-2010, 08:32 AM

Over the years, we hired many caregivers (too many to mention) already. When their excuse to leave is hurting their back, I'm puzzled because no lifting is being done since there's a patient lifter. Aside from lifting, is there any other way that caregivers might hurt their backs? I've no intention of hijacking the thread but I suddenly remembered this when I read the reasons enumerated by Veganman.

SCI-Nurse · 02-04-2010, 09:22 AM

Yes, while using a mechanical lift significantly reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in care givers, there are also risks related to turning and moving to get the sling in place, turning in bed, bending, twisting, etc. when assisting with ADLs and bowel care, etc.

Do you screen for good body mechanics training and pre-existing back, neck or shoulder problems when hiring? We have found a lot of people who are working as private PCAs have had previous injuries and are no longer employed in hospitals, etc. due to those injuries. The injuries are cummulative as well...they are not due to a one-time event, but due to repeated activities that put strain on the body and joints.

Being sure that you have an adjustable height bed will help reduce some risks, and also assuring that caregivers are avoiding twisting or lifting or pulling with arms or back (instead of legs) when assisting with turns or ADLs will help reduce this. In addition, you may want to invest in antifriction or turning devices if caregivers must do a lot of turning when dressing or doing other in-bed activities.

(KLD)

Obieone · 02-04-2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clueless

Over the years, we hired many caregivers (too many to mention) already. When their excuse to leave is hurting their back, I'm puzzled because no lifting is being done since there's a patient lifter. Aside from lifting, is there any other way that caregivers might hurt their backs? I've no intention of hijacking the thread but I suddenly remembered this when I read the reasons enumerated by Veganman.

I would venture to say it's probably from the repetitive motion of leaning over and not using their legs properly (ie. maintaining an adequate stance- proper body mechanics as KLD has mentioned above). I find even when doing my husbands wound dressings if I don't have the bed at the proper height and my supplies aren't within reach by the time I'm done my back is really feeling the stretch! That is partially because my own trunk muscles are so weak .. a little more exercise would probably ease my discomfort. I suspect many back injuries could be prevented with more attention to the carers own physical condition from the getgo ... based on my own experience

.

Obieone

crags · 02-04-2010, 01:12 PM

Bowel care in front of the toilet looks a bit rough for me. I've toyed with the idea of getting a low stool for them to sit on.

Be careful if you're paying off the books. Eventually one of these folks might file a Worker's Comp claim and that could be costly to you.

madmaddmother · 02-04-2010, 02:05 PM

I have found the bed is my best friend...makes it so much easier to turn when, like Obie said, it is at the proper height...my goal this year is to get an electric lift, at my age (63) the cranking is really getting to me and the way I have to position my body to push my son back as far as I can into his chair before lowering him is not, not only not safe but difficult to do...
I do find I often need to stretch me...I feel blessed that I am in such good health...have not even had a cold since moving to Oklahoma 8 yrs ago...KNOCK ON WOOD! lol

MSWIFE1 · 02-04-2010, 08:58 PM

I am only 41 and been Davids caregiver for 4 years now. I also carry a rural mail route which I have done full time for 4 years now as well. The first thing I did when David got sick was to take the advice of taking care of myself as well. We started with a manual lift, but I told insurance they were going to get me an electric one or pay my medical expenses as well. They did. I purchased a ceiling lift for our bedroom and use the electric lift elsewhere in the house or outside. They tried to teach me slideboard but he has no trunk control and I refuse to do all the work. My mail route I bought a right hand drive so its easier on me as well. My back still aches but I am doing everything possible to make it easier for myself. Before David got sick his motto was work smarter not harder and thats what I live by too.
Sorry to go on but caregiving is very hard however in my experience with our caregivers they have given me that same excuse even though I have made it as easy as possible for them too. I truly believe they just get burnt out. It wasn't until I divided up the day with several of them working shorter hours have I got some to last any length of time.

khmorgan · 02-05-2010, 09:02 AM

Besides the lift, a home hospital bed that raises to a comfortable working height is very helpful. Also, use of turning straps reduces caregiver effort moving the patient from one side of the bed to the other.

hlh · 02-05-2010, 06:38 PM

All described here is good advice.

An adjustable bed (electric) is essential.

I have injured my back from caring for my father during his hospitalization/recovery period. It was all the hours bent over his legs, doing wound care/skin checks/dressing help, helping with stretching/exercises ... bent over.... and helping to turn him every two hours. I never did any lifting, per se. I just didn't know how to do these things safely, I guess.

Definitely I need some PT myself and core strengthening exercises.

ergvepeog · 02-05-2010, 09:39 PM

I've found that if I work out on a regular basis/weight training/biking and yoga and keep my core strong, that this makes all the difference.

AngelicAlibis · 07-15-2012, 11:28 AM

I am a caregiver and I do not have to do any lifting but I often hurt my back. In fact I found this thread when looking for preventative measures. I believe the reason is that my CR's bed doesn't raise high enough so I have to bend over her for long periods of time.

02-04-2010, 08:32 AM	#1
clueless Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 77	Caregivers hurting their backs Over the years, we hired many caregivers (too many to mention) already. When their excuse to leave is hurting their back, I'm puzzled because no lifting is being done since there's a patient lifter. Aside from lifting, is there any other way that caregivers might hurt their backs? I've no intention of hijacking the thread but I suddenly remembered this when I read the reasons enumerated by Veganman.

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02-04-2010, 09:22 AM	#2
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,333	Yes, while using a mechanical lift significantly reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in care givers, there are also risks related to turning and moving to get the sling in place, turning in bed, bending, twisting, etc. when assisting with ADLs and bowel care, etc. Do you screen for good body mechanics training and pre-existing back, neck or shoulder problems when hiring? We have found a lot of people who are working as private PCAs have had previous injuries and are no longer employed in hospitals, etc. due to those injuries. The injuries are cummulative as well...they are not due to a one-time event, but due to repeated activities that put strain on the body and joints. Being sure that you have an adjustable height bed will help reduce some risks, and also assuring that caregivers are avoiding twisting or lifting or pulling with arms or back (instead of legs) when assisting with turns or ADLs will help reduce this. In addition, you may want to invest in antifriction or turning devices if caregivers must do a lot of turning when dressing or doing other in-bed activities. (KLD)

02-04-2010, 01:12 PM	#4
crags Senior Member Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 1,021	Bowel care in front of the toilet looks a bit rough for me. I've toyed with the idea of getting a low stool for them to sit on. Be careful if you're paying off the books. Eventually one of these folks might file a Worker's Comp claim and that could be costly to you.

02-04-2010, 02:05 PM	#5
madmaddmother Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 960	I have found the bed is my best friend...makes it so much easier to turn when, like Obie said, it is at the proper height...my goal this year is to get an electric lift, at my age (63) the cranking is really getting to me and the way I have to position my body to push my son back as far as I can into his chair before lowering him is not, not only not safe but difficult to do... I do find I often need to stretch me...I feel blessed that I am in such good health...have not even had a cold since moving to Oklahoma 8 yrs ago...KNOCK ON WOOD! lol

02-04-2010, 08:58 PM	#6
MSWIFE1 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fithian, IL Posts: 1,852	I am only 41 and been Davids caregiver for 4 years now. I also carry a rural mail route which I have done full time for 4 years now as well. The first thing I did when David got sick was to take the advice of taking care of myself as well. We started with a manual lift, but I told insurance they were going to get me an electric one or pay my medical expenses as well. They did. I purchased a ceiling lift for our bedroom and use the electric lift elsewhere in the house or outside. They tried to teach me slideboard but he has no trunk control and I refuse to do all the work. My mail route I bought a right hand drive so its easier on me as well. My back still aches but I am doing everything possible to make it easier for myself. Before David got sick his motto was work smarter not harder and thats what I live by too. Sorry to go on but caregiving is very hard however in my experience with our caregivers they have given me that same excuse even though I have made it as easy as possible for them too. I truly believe they just get burnt out. It wasn't until I divided up the day with several of them working shorter hours have I got some to last any length of time.

02-05-2010, 09:02 AM	#7
khmorgan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 263	Besides the lift, a home hospital bed that raises to a comfortable working height is very helpful. Also, use of turning straps reduces caregiver effort moving the patient from one side of the bed to the other.

02-05-2010, 06:38 PM	#8
hlh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: US Posts: 1,040	All described here is good advice. An adjustable bed (electric) is essential. I have injured my back from caring for my father during his hospitalization/recovery period. It was all the hours bent over his legs, doing wound care/skin checks/dressing help, helping with stretching/exercises ... bent over.... and helping to turn him every two hours. I never did any lifting, per se. I just didn't know how to do these things safely, I guess. Definitely I need some PT myself and core strengthening exercises.

02-05-2010, 09:39 PM	#9
ergvepeog Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 513	I've found that if I work out on a regular basis/weight training/biking and yoga and keep my core strong, that this makes all the difference.

07-15-2012, 11:28 AM	#10
AngelicAlibis Banned Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 1	I am a caregiver and I do not have to do any lifting but I often hurt my back. In fact I found this thread when looking for preventative measures. I believe the reason is that my CR's bed doesn't raise high enough so I have to bend over her for long periods of time.