Moving & Handling Workshop

On October 16th, Sally Cassar, Manual Handling Coordinator at the OT Hub joined our Carers for a jam packed workshop with information, advice and demonstrations.

As always our Carers Connect sessions are 'blended', which means Carers can come along to the Centre but also attend online. Manual Handling is our most practical session and Carers do gain more value and interaction in person, but for Carers who are not able to leave the person they care for, or live some distance away, joining online allows you to listen, watch and ask questions too.

For more information on assessments and resources, check out our information page on 'Looking after yourself, looking after your back', but in the meantime, here are some notes and links from Sally's session.

Although we have noted some of the equipment Sally demonstrated along with links for suppliers, you may find these items elsewhere to online or through your OT service.

When considering assistance and speaking to professionals, bear in mind three key words:

Risk - Wellbeing - Inclusion (e.g. into family life)

Help with lifting

The initial warning was that although many people assist lifting a person by holding under their armpits, but this can result in injury and bruising for the person you are trying to move. Please speak to a Manual Handling professional for advice.

Winncare.uk have 3 versions of the Mangar Lifting Cushion, the Elk, Eagle and Camel.

The mobile app istumble has videos of Manger elk cushion.

Transfer sheets can help you relocate someone who has fallen where they are difficult to access, for example if they have fallen between furniture.

Raizer emergency lifting chair:

• Handybar for the car help make transfer easier for people who struggle to get in and out of cars.

  
  

• Etac has lots of items of equipment.

  
  

• Foot stalls help people push back with centre of gravity into correct seating position.

  
  

• Handling slings provide comfort and padding for standing transfers, repositioning in bed and leg transfers.

• Non slip mats help to avoid people slipping when seated.

  
  

• Wheeled care chairs

The impact of neurological conditions

Especially people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, MS, PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), but also dementia, have loss of proprioception (the sense of body awareness, including that of position, movement, and the amount of force your body is using). Because gravity is so powerful, this increases the likelihood of falls if stooping etc.

Sensory awareness - Take your time

Any sensory loss (vision, hearing, cognitive processing) means we need to give the person more time to understand and follow instructions.

Instead of piling on instructions, or repeating instructions over and over, which can result in anxiety and overwhelm which can result in a complete shut down and resistance to move/ heighten tremors etc, it is important to remain calm and patient.

Think about the environment. What could be disrupting communication and understanding? Try turning down the TV and shut doors to cut out external noise etc to see if it makes a difference.  Slow things down and reduce number of people involved etc.

Then, when all is calm again, speak clearly and see if the person reacts better.

Autoslide e.g. https://www.directhealthcaregroup.com/products/autoslide/

Leg up leg lifter is generally something you are expected to purchase yourself

Slide gloves can be obtained through OT to help with clothing, e.g. sleeves...

And if you use a grabby stick to pick up your shoe, the slide glove can be placed inside. Once the show is back on the floor, slide foot into shoe, the pull out slide glove.   

Walk assist jackets have handles for the person with mobility issues.

A Carer who attended online recommended a Swivel Chair that sits on top of bath:

"I got one of these for my bath. I think it's made by NRS Healthcare."

Final words

In order to protect yourselves you do need some help. You owe it to yourself to look after yourself. 

Golden rules:

1. Always stand with a wide base and get close to what you are doing. Be as efficient as possible i.e. get down to low levels or raise levels up. 

2. Use equipment as an important aid to help protect yourself.

3. Tap into your OT services.  All hospitals have Manual Handling staff so ask!

Look out for Carers Connect dates, talks and we'll be booking our next Manual Handling session for 2026.