Exploring manual handling practices by informal carers

Background/Aims:

Manual handling is a significant component in the role of an informal carer. This research aimed to understand the manual handling needs and practices of informal primary carers.

Methods:

This qualitative study utilised semi-structured face-to-face interviews to gather data from one male and female carer living in the community with a spouse with Parkinson's disease. Using comparative thematic analysis, categories and themes emerged from the detailed descriptions of the lived experiences.

Findings:

Three main themes emerged from the data: 1. Carer experience: manual handling was a daily task, however care recipients sometimes assisted in a modified environment; and carers utilised previous experiences; 2. Equipment: a variety of prescribed and non-prescribed equipment was used, however limited training was provided; 3. Perceived needs: identified needs included education on manual handling techniques, physical exercises for carers, equipment information, financial assistance for equipment and increased formal support.

Conclusions:

A lack of assistance for Australian informal carers with manual handling in relation to information provision, training and awareness of equipment and supports was highlighted. There is a need for increased carer awareness of services and support group networks, as well as for health professionals to deliver relevant advice to carers as part of service provision to care recipients.

Suitable moving and handling equipment: A guide

The regular transfer and lifting of patients can place added stresses on carers. The high incidence of injury among care staff has resulted in an increase in the use of mechanical devices, designed to reduce musculoskeletal strain.

This article looks at the various mobility aids, options and hoists available to aid carers involved in the essential task of moving and handling people. Contact details for the manufacturers and suppliers of such mechanical aids will be provided.