of care
Understand anatomy and physiology in relation to moving and positioning individuals
1 Outline the anatomy and physiology of the human body in relation to the importance of correct moving and positioning of individuals
The anatomy and physiology of the human body is important when correctly moving and positioning individuals. Bones and muscles in the body can be damaged if you move a service user incorrectly, having training and thinking about the pressure points are important for example: hips, heels, elbows, ears, neck, knees are all areas to look out for.
2 Describe the impact of specific conditions on the correct movement and positioning of an individual
Working with service users, with different conditions affects how we support them to move and change positions. A service user with dementia can be confused and might not understand what we are saying. When we are supporting them to move, we have to show the person by our actions and take time to do this. Service users with arthritis may be in a lot of pain and moving may be uncomfortable, that’s why we have to support them to move gently.
Be able to minimise risk before moving and positioning individuals
4 Describe actions to take in relation to identified risks
After risks have been identified on a risk assessment form, risk control measures will be put in place to minimise the risk of harm. For example, if as a carer I spotted a risk I would complete a risk assessment or I would ask my employer to do so. As a lone worker, working on a one to one basis with my service user I would usually be the one to Identify the risk and update trhe care plan.
5 Describe what action should be taken if the individual’s wishes conflict with their plan of care in relation to health and safety and their risk assessment
It is best to involve people in their own risk assessments so that you can determine what their wishes are and how best to support them. Care plans are person centred and if there is a problem that conflicts with the service users care plan, I would speak to my manager to discuss the issue and then discuss also with the service user.
Understand legislation and agreed ways of working when moving and positioning individuals
1 Describe how legislation and agreed ways of working affect working practices related to moving and positioning individuals
To reduce the risk of injury to care workers and people being supported, legislation is in place to protect people. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 makes it a legal requirement for employers
to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and employees have a duty to take care of the health, safety and welfare of themselves and others. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) – employers must provide lifting equipment that is safe to use and maintained; staff must also be provided with training. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations – employers must carry out risk assessments for all moves; the employees’ responsibilities include using all equipment as trained to do so, follow all health and safety working practices and avoid putting themselves or other staff or visitors at risk and reporting any risks or hazards to their employer.
Agreed ways of working mean that employers must have workplace policies and procedures for moving and handling; these must be explained to staff and staff provided with training and supervision. It is also important that employees read these procedures, that they attend training, are supported with understanding all individuals’ needs, the moves needed and all equipment being used.
2 Describe what health and safety factors need to be taken into account when moving and positioning individuals and any equipment used to do this
There are a number of health and safety factors that you need to consider before attempting to position or move people. Also then you need to plan what you are going to do. These factors include: the activity, the environment, the people being moved or positioned, yourself and others, equipment that may be used. Before moving and positioning individuals I have to take responsibility for the health and safety of the service user, others and my-self and while doing this adhere to the organisational policies in place and meet all health and safety obligations. I can move or position individuals only after I had training how correctly to do so.
Know when to seek advice from and/or involve others when moving and positioning an individual
1 Describe when advice and/or assistance should be sought to move or handle an individual safely
When the moving or handling is difficult and risky to the health and safety of both the service user and the carer as this can cause injury and is against the law; faulty equipment – against the law to use as it is not safe and can cause injuries; the wrong equipment is available – also in dangerous to use as not suitable for particular service user; when the person’s care plan states that two carers have to assist with a moving or handling and nobody or only one person is available; when the carer doesn’t know how to complete the tasks or use the equipment – can cause injury to both carer and service user; when the service user asks you to carry out the manoeuvre that is not in the care plan – it’s unsafe for both and may harm them.
2 Describe what sources of information are available about moving and positioning individuals
There are lots of different sources of information: in my workplace the moving and handling procedures and guidelines; individuals’ risk assessment and care plans about their needs and practices agreed to follow – the individuals and their families can also help with what they find useful. I can also ask my colleagues and manager for information and advice. Sometimes we can also ask other health care professionals such as physiotherapists and others. Training courses and information leaflets are also useful.
Y6017352 – Provide active support
Understand how active support translates values into person-centred practical action with an individual
1 Explain how the key characteristics of active support differ from the hotel model
Hotel model – it’s more institutional style settings which are not person-centred, organised mainly
