Thinking of getting into aged care. People tell me it’s really hard on your back.. haven’t got the best back so want to hear from fellow age care workers to how they go with it. Also what do you love/hate about the job? Thanks
Thinking of getting into aged care. People tell me it’s really hard on your back.. haven’t got the best back so want to hear from fellow age care workers to how they go with it. Also what do you love/hate about the job? Thanks
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2 Replies
I cared for my grandmother before she went in to a nursing home. Yes it’s hard on your back. Although there is lifting procedures and OH&s procedures in place there is still a lot of lifting, bending over and twisting involved. Even with someone physically quite capable they still need a lot of support with washing etc and so that means bending down to get socks/shoes/underwear off etc.
They do all the showering etc in one block of time in the morning so you will be doing those actions repetitively for over an hour and you have to go fast because you’ve got a lot of people to get through.
People will need physical support to get on and off the toilet and in and out of chairs.
Also changing heavy linens and bedding etc.
It is a physically demanding job!
I worked in aged care for 6 years, they have a strict no manual lifting, all facilities should have all appropriate machines for high care, I never had an issues with my back, just make sure you have really good shoes.