MyFoothold Blog. Protecting yourself from injuries while caregiving.

Have you ever experienced pain or discomfort while helping to care for your loved one? Do you have soreness and pain at the end of the day? Do you find yourself continuing to help with a transfer or help with personal care tasks even though you may be feeling a pull or even a burning sensation in your body? If you are nodding your head “yes”, you are definitely not alone. Caregiver injuries are common occurrences, that can have devastating consequences.

Many caregivers tend to feel little aches and pains but ignore these early warning signs thinking that they are no big deal, not realizing that their bodies are giving them warning signs that the stress placed on them is too much.

Many think that the aches and pains come with the role, but this far from truth. Yes, caregiving is physically demanding, requires more time than you ever imagine, but it should not result in damage to your body.

You have your life and health to protect. Let’s talk about some of the causes and what are some things that you can do to protect yourself while also supporting the needs of your loved one.

Injuries can be prevented.

4 Causes of Caregiver Injuries

Let me start by making this clear, it is honorable to care for aging parents or a disabled spouse. Let me also add that it is equally important and honorable to value yourself and your health. So with that being said, can you do them both? — absolutely. It starts my knowing the level of care that your loved one needs and learning how to support those needs. You must know their strengths and weaknesses AND your strengths and weaknesses and create ways of structuring how tasks are done to minimize stresses and strains on your body. Here are some of the leading causes of injuries:

Improper Lifting and Transfers:

One of the most common causes of caregiver injuries is improper lifting and transfers. Caregivers often find themselves in situations where they need to move their loved ones from one place to another. Without proper training and technique, these actions can put enormous strain on the caregiver's body. Learning and practicing safe lifting and transfer techniques are crucial. This includes using your legs to lift instead of your back, maintaining a wide stance for stability, and communicating with your loved one during the transfer to ensure a smooth process. Caregivers should also consider using assistive devices such as transfer boards or lifts to reduce physical strain.

Poor Environment Setup:

The physical environment plays a significant role in caregiving. Caregivers often overlook the importance of proper home setup, which can lead to unnecessary strain. A poorly arranged living space can make it difficult to provide care safely. This includes furniture that is too high or too low, obstacles that hinder movement, and inadequate accessibility features. Addressing these issues is essential. Simple modifications like adding grab bars, adjusting furniture heights, or clearing cluttered pathways can make a substantial difference in reducing physical strain and preventing injuries.

Repetitive Movements:

Repetitive movements are a hidden risk for caregivers. Engaging in the same caregiving tasks day in and day out can result in physical discomfort and injury over time. These movements often involve tasks like lifting, repositioning, or assisting with personal care. To mitigate this risk, caregivers should identify repetitive movements in their caregiving routine and seek ways to reduce them. This might include implementing ergonomic strategies, introducing variety into caregiving tasks, or using assistive devices designed to alleviate repetitive strain. By addressing these repetitive movements, caregivers can protect their long-term well-being and continue providing effective care.

Ignoring Changes In Care Needs

As a loved one's health condition evolves, so do their care needs. Ignoring or underestimating these changes can lead to accidents and caregiver injuries. When tasks become more challenging due to changes in health, it's essential to adapt your caregiving approach accordingly. This may involve seeking professional advice, considering new equipment or assistive devices, or involving additional caregivers to ensure the safety of both the caregiver and the care recipient. It is also important to know when it is no longer practical or safe to continue certain tasks.

Bottom line:

In the demanding role of caregiving, your well-being is paramount. Caregiver injuries are not inevitable; they are preventable. By recognizing the causes of these injuries and taking proactive steps to mitigate the risks, you can safeguard your physical health while continuing to provide exceptional care to your loved one. Focus on open communication with your loved one and others, exploring alternative care methods and equipment, and building a support network. Recognize your limits and make necessary changes to protect your health. By taking these steps, you protect the quality of your life now and quality of your future.

As a caregiver coach, I appreciate opportunities to interact with fellow caregivers and use my experiences and training to provide support wherever possible. Please be sure to reach out for further assistance if needed! Join the Finding A Foothold Community.

Listen to Episode 53 of Caregivers Finding A Foothold Podcast which speaks to this same topic - Preventing Caregiver Injuries.

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For Family Caregivers:

UN-Losing You In Caregiving Group Coaching.

A safe place to share your concerns and be equipped with tools and strategies that can help you to identify your role as a family caregiver and can help you to tailor a caregiving plan that allows you to take care of your needs while also addressing the needs of your loved one.

For Aging Older Adults and Family Caregivers who have concerns about their loved ones who still live in their homes:

“Staying Safe In Your Home” Group Coaching

Learn to safely age in your home, gaining knowledge from expert-led discussions and practical solutions to allow you to adapt how you perform tasks and setup your environment to decrease fall risks, bring you improved safety and your loved ones greater peace of mind..

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Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see what is appropriate and safe for you.