Safe lifting and movement of nursing home residents

With 211,000 occupational injuries suffered by caregivers in 2003 and increases expected due to the rapidly expanding elderly population in the U.S., a call is being made for safer methods of lifting and moving nursing home residents.

A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report urges the use of lifting equipment, which is safer for the caregiver and more comfortable for the resident. It asserts that nursing homes should provide sufficient training on lift usage so staff develops competency. The training should focus on how to use the equipment for residents with a range of disabilities.

The use of lifting equipment prevents resident falls and the back and shoulder injuries caregivers experience when moving patients manually. Employers benefit from improved resident safety, reduced staff injuries, lower workers’ compensation costs and improved retention of caregivers.