Care homes do an important job by helping elderly and vulnerable people with daily tasks.
One key part of their work is safely moving and handling residents, which is why People Moving and Handling Training is so important.
This training keeps both the residents and the staff safe.
Investing in comprehensive training for staff, care homes can significantly reduce the risk of injuries to both residents and caregivers, while also promoting patient dignity and independence.
What is People Moving and Handling Training?
This type of training shows care staff how to move and handle residents safely.
It covers a few key areas:
- Understanding the Body: It’s important to know how the body works, especially when it comes to movement and preventing injury.
- Identifying Risks: Staff are trained to spot things that could cause harm while moving residents and learn how to avoid those risks.
- Using the Right Techniques: Staff learn how to use equipment like hoists and transfer boards to move residents, while also communicating clearly with them.
- Putting Residents First: It’s all about treating residents with respect and considering what they need and prefer during these moves.
- Following the Rules: Staff also learn the health and safety laws and best practices for moving residents.
The Benefits of People Moving and Handling Training
Here are some of the key reasons why this people moving and handling training is essential in care homes:
- Keeping Residents Safe
With proper training, care staff can reduce the chance of residents getting hurt, like from falls or bedsores. This makes residents feel more comfortable and secure. - Protecting Caregivers from Injuries
Moving residents can be tough on the body, and without proper training, care staff can end up with back pain or other injuries. Training teaches them how to move safely and avoid getting hurt. - Better Care and Smoother Work
When staff know how to move residents confidently, it makes the whole process smoother. Residents will feel less discomfort, and staff can focus on giving good care without worrying about safety issues. - Following the Rules
Many places have laws about moving residents safely. Having a good training programme helps care homes stay compliant with these rules and avoid any legal trouble. - Happier Staff, Less Turnover
When staff feel confident and supported, they’re happier in their jobs. This leads to less staff turnover, which is great for keeping things consistent for residents.
How to Start People Moving and Handling Training
To get this training up and running in care homes, here are some steps:
- Look at What’s Needed: Check current practices and see where improvements can be made. Figure out what specific training your team needs.
- Create the Training: Design a training programme that covers all the important parts and fits the needs of your care home and residents.
- Train the Staff: Offer both classroom and hands-on training so staff can practice what they learn.
- Keep it Updated: Regularly review and update the training to make sure it stays current, especially as laws or resident needs change.
- Make it Part of Daily Work: Encourage staff to use what they’ve learned every day, so safety becomes part of the routine.
Prioritising People Moving and Handling Training helps keep both residents and staff safe while creating a more compassionate and efficient care home environment.
Conclusion
You may look at manual handling as something easy and straightforward, but the real deal is in doing it safer, being more efficient at the workplace.
We have discussed the benefits of manual handling, which are – reduces injuries, helps boost morale and productivity – all short and long-term benefits.
For employers, your investment in manual handling for your employees means you are committed to a work-safe and friendly environment and you look forward to long-term success.
It definitely pays off when you daily have healthy and happier employees with a workplace that runs much more smoothly.