The anatomy and physiology of the human body is important when correctly moving and positioning individuals. Vertebrae are individual bones – they make the spinal cord. Muscles work by the fibres they contain contracting; this makes the muscle shorten. When the muscle shortens it pulls on the tendon and then on the bone to which it is attached. Tendons connect muscles to bones. A ligament connects bone to support joints. Bones in limbs are covered with tissue. When mobility is reduced, muscles may become floppy, therefore movement can become slower and more difficult. If muscles are used more regularly they will move more easily and remain firm. Muscles move with the bines at the joint only, as far as the joint allows when using moving and handling on the person. Damage will be caused to the joint if person tries to extend these joints further and it can become very painful. Impulses are sent to the muscles from nerve fibre. Nerve fibre run though the body and it makes the muscles to contract and relax. The delicate nerve fibres can be damaged because of poor moving and handling. When moving and positioning it is important this happens smoothly. It is better to avoid sudden movements or pulling in any direction of the person’s limbs or body as it can cause pulled muscles or tear tendons which will lead to a lot of pain. You must never drag individual when being moved as this can cause joints to over stretch and then sprain the ligaments. Also, don’t put pressure on an individual’s hand or arm when they are moving from one position to another as it can cause a bone to fracture.
2 Describe the impact of specific conditions on the correct movement and positioning of an individual
Working with individuals with different conditions affects how we support them to move and change positions. Person 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 individual by our actions and take time to do this. Individuals with arthritis may be in a lot of pain and moving may be uncomfortable, that’s why we have to be supported to move them gently. An individual that has had a stroke might have one arm or leg stronger than the other so this needs to be taken into account when weight bearing or moving so as to avoid putting pressure on the weak side. More reassurance and explanations about the move and what is around them may be needed with an individual who is blind as they cannot see.
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, it may be identified that the care worker is at risk of back
injury from the position such as twisting or bending while assisting somebody to stand. To remove or minimised the risk you can: using a stand aid; sufficient space to undertake the activity; encouraging the person to do as much for themselves as possible; moving and handling training for staff, so they are aware of the correct techniques to use; sufficient numbers of staff for the task. When working in someone’s own home, it is more difficult to remove hazards. Your employer will still perform a risk assessment and put risk control measures in place. But some obstacles can not be removed – the environmental hazards such as lack of space, worn carpeting and beds of a fixed height and width. It is yours as care workers responsibility to ensure that you follow the risk control measures put in place by your employer. Not adhering could result in injury to the person you are caring for or yourself. Sometimes you may notice a risk that has only recently developed such as a change in their health or a change in the person’s ability to coopera
