Posted by Joe on 5/30/2015 to
Getting Ready
There are more than 40 million unpaid, informal caregivers in the US who provide their loved ones with daily help and care. Many of these caregivers suffer from knee, back and shoulder pain due to the demanding tasks.
A study from Ohio State University found recently that injuries are common among informal caregivers, especially among those 14 million who must spend more than 20 hours per week caring for their loved one.
According to the lead author of the clinical study, most of the caregivers in it stated that they had dealt with serious aches and pains in their muscles and joints from the caregiving.
Almost 95% stated that they had had serious musculoskeletal problems in the last month.
To avoid aches and pains in your caregiving, remember these helpful tips:
A study from Ohio State University found recently that injuries are common among informal caregivers, especially among those 14 million who must spend more than 20 hours per week caring for their loved one.
According to the lead author of the clinical study, most of the caregivers in it stated that they had dealt with serious aches and pains in their muscles and joints from the caregiving.
Almost 95% stated that they had had serious musculoskeletal problems in the last month.
To avoid aches and pains in your caregiving, remember these helpful tips:
- Get assistance! If you are sore from having to help your loved one in and out of bed, be sure to ask your family for help. Also, be willing to take the help of others when they offer it. If you ever feel as if you cannot physically handle some of the daily care tasks, ask for assistance.
- Get training! There are many affordable local resources, such as at hospitals, area agencies and the Red Cross that will providing you with helpful training in caregiving. Check out National Alliance for Caregiving for some resources in your community.
- Get better informed! Learn about the resources that are available in your area, including support groups, adult day care and even volunteers that may be able to help.
- Get helpful products! Our website has many helpful products that can ease your physical burden. For example, one of the most common tasks that causes injuries to caregivers is helping their loved one in and out of bed. This handy Bed Caddie Pull Strap is perfect for someone who has trouble pulling themselves up in bed:
