Home Care in Woolwich Township NJ
In some caregiving situations, it’s important to be able to help your loved one move or to be able to lift him. If you do that without protecting your own back, you’ll be in for a world of pain of your own. Here’s how to avoid that.
Look at Your Limitations
It’s important to acknowledge your own lifting limitations before you put yourself in a situation where you have to lift your loved one. If you have your own hip, back, or shoulder problems, you shouldn’t be putting yourself in the position of having to lift or move your loved one. In the case of temporary problems, you might still be able to help, again within your own limitations. Talk to your doctor before you try lifting your loved one. You may be at a point where you have to allow your loved one’s home care providers to do the lifting, and that’s okay.
Communicate with Your Loved One
Before you try lifting or moving your loved one, make sure that you communicate with him. Let him know what you’re about to do, whether that’s helping him to stand or helping him to turn over, and where you’re going. Make sure that he understands what you’re doing because he may be able to help you in even small ways during the process.
Avoid Sudden Movements
Don’t use sudden movements. They’re jarring for your body and they can startle your loved one. If that happens, he might jerk back in the opposite direction, putting you both off balance. The best thing to do is to move slowly and with great care until you have your loved one safely repositioned.
Keep Your Back Straight and Lift with Your Legs
You’ve probably heard all of your life that you should lift with your legs. That’s because your legs are stronger than your back and can help you to maneuver more easily. Keep your back straight but not too stiff so that you don’t injure the muscles while lifting. Allow your legs to take some of the strain off your back and shoulders.
Stretch and Do Core Exercises
Before you do any sort of lifting or moving of your loved one, be sure to stretch and limber up your muscles. Doing core exercises regularly can also help to ensure that your back and your other core muscles are strong and can handle moving and lifting your loved one.
Lifting and moving your elderly loved one is not something that you should undertake lightly. Make sure that you’re doing it so that it’s safe for both of you.
For home care in Woolwich Township, NJ, and the surrounding areas call and talk to us at Home to Stay Healthcare Solutions (856) 321-1500.
