This week I was allocated a referral from a GP wanting an OT assessment for hoisting a lady in a care home. She has been a resident at this home for a number of years, but all of a sudden the care workers are finding it hard to hoist this lady due to very stiff joints. I’ve not been to see her yet so no idea what this looks like.
Apparently her joints creak a lot when trying to fit sling & general movement of her body for hoisting.
My first question was, does this hurt? To which they replied, No!
So the problem is the joints.
I am an OT but I really struggled with what to suggest because regardless of what they do her bones are going to creak, but I was very unsure about the stiffness in her joints. Therefore I suggested the care home get a referral for Physio.
My reason for that was because I was thinking if she had exercises (passively moving her joints) prior to any moving and handling could this reduce the stiffness??
I’ve never worked in Rehab or an Nhs setting or anywhere other adult care so exercise knowledge is low/non existent.
What do you guys think?
What would you have done?
Hi Sherlyn,
I work with care homes a lot and This is classic case of elderly people with arthrtic joints. I would recommend to use Wendylette sheets to assist this lady in bed mobility and also slide sheets to insert the slings. most of care home staff are not trained in using wendylette sheets. So they would benefit from proper training. Also it would be worth checking whether they have got insitu slings. Care homes noramlly do not use these slings. i am happy to discuss further if needed. I dont think Physio inut make huge diference in this . But it is worth asking thier opinion . I would also encorage family to hire tilt in space chair to sit out instead of racliner chair , this would increase her sitting endurance.
Good luck.
We'll bring this query to the attention of Members via social networks tomorrow, to come offer you advice here!
I totally agree with you and think a referral to physio was a definite must! I currently have a lady who lives in a care home and the referral was for me to look at her positioning in bed and seating however when I visited her on assessment she is very high tone and I was really concerned of muscle shortening. Carers are struggling with personal care tasks and are worried they may hurt her - so I have done the same thing as you and referred her to physio! I’m currently awaiting to do a joint visit with the physio and see what we could do to hopefully help. I’m guessing some sort of exercise regime maybe prior to moving her legs.
Good luck! :)