Healthcare Lifting and Positioning Techniques

Positioning, Moving, and Lifting

• Healthcare workers must assess the weight of a load before attempting to lift.
• Planning the move involves thinking ahead and communicating intentions clearly.
• Ensure a solid base of support and familiar footing before moving any load.
• Always face the object being lifted to maintain balance and stability.
• Keep the back straight to prevent injury during lifting tasks.
• Initiate lifting from a squatting position, utilizing the legs for strength.
• Tightening stomach muscles provides core stability during lifts.
• Objects should be kept close to the body to minimize strain.
• Prefer to push rather than lift heavy objects whenever possible.
• Fowler's position refers to a semi-sitting position at 45 to 60 degrees, promoting comfort.
• A draw sheet is used to help prevent skin damage caused by shearing effects.
• Positioning residents effectively enhances comfort and health.
• The prone position is where the resident lies on their abdomen.
• Dangling refers to sitting up on the edge of the bed to regain balance.
• The lateral position involves the resident lying on either side.
• Sims' position features the upper knee flexed toward the chest while lying on the left side.
• A resident lying flat on their back is in the supine position.
• Shearing occurs when skin moves one way while the underlying bone remains fixed.
• Logrolling is a method to turn a resident as a complete unit, maintaining body alignment.
• Bedbound residents should be repositioned at least every two hours, while wheelchair users every 15 minutes.
• Check skin for whiteness, redness, or warm spots around bony areas during repositioning.
• When transferring a resident with a stronger and weaker side, the stronger side should move first.
• Ergonomics is the science of designing tasks to suit workers' abilities and enhance safety.
• A zero-lift policy makes it essential for staff to get help when transferring residents safely.
• Transfer belts fit around the resident's waist, providing support during transfers.
• Slide boards assist in transferring residents unable to bear weight from one sitting position to another.
• When using a wheelchair, the resident should be positioned correctly before transferring to ensure safety.
• Mechanical lifts are designed to protect both staff and residents from injury during lifting operations.
• For toileting, a resident must be able to bear some weight on their legs.
• Ambulation is a term synonymous with walking.
• Before a resident ambulates, ensure their feet are flat on the floor for balance.
• For visually impaired residents, the caregiver should walk slightly in front to guide them safely.