A Person-Centred Approach to Mobility and Hygiene
Maintaining a level of independence and involvement in activities of daily living for those in your care can be a challenge.
Using the Mobility GalleryTM assessment tool (figure 1) allows you to understand a person’s functional mobility, the level of assistance required, the risk to the caregiver and the importance to stimulate functional mobility.
Person centred care places the resident at the centre of all we do. This assessment tool helps to optimise the mobility of the resident, improve dignified care
and reduces the risk of injury to both the resident and the caregiver. Promoting mobility is the driving force behind The Positive EightTM philosophy shown in figure 2.
When looking at specific hygiene tasks, needs differ significantly across care settings and need to encompass both physical and cognitive capabilities determined through individual assessment. Assisted hygiene solutions are designed to allow you to work in an ergonomically sound position, to reduce the risk of injury, whilst supporting a beneficial interaction with your resident.
Caregiver safety is paramount, and factors, which affect the risk of musculoskeletal injury, should be considered, such as:
• The number, type and functional mobility levels of residents being transferred or participating in hygiene routines
• The inadequacy (or absence) of suitable equipment
•Restricted spaces
• Lack of education and training for care skills
To mitigate these risks, evidence has demonstrated that education alone is insufficient. Use of the right equipment improves caregiver safety and reduces injury-related costs for the organisation.
Understanding functional mobility, combined with selection of appropriate equipment to support your resident and caregiver can assist in addressing this challenge.
To learn more about Arjo’s solution contact 08457 342000
ISO/TR 12296:2012 Ergonomics — Manual Handling of People in the Healthcare Sector, 2012
Matz M, 2019. Patient Handling and Mobility Assessments: A White Paper Second Edition
