Unit_232_-_Move_and_Position_Individuals_in_Accordance_with_Their_Plan_of_Care

Unit 232 - Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care Understand anatomy and physiology in relation to moving and positioning individuals 1.1 - Outline the anatomy and physiology of the human body in relation to the importance of correct moving and positioning of individuals We need to know the normal range of movement of the muscles and joints so when moving, handling and positioning a person we know the limits of each limb. We need to take into consideration other factors that may inhibit a person’s movement such as: • Old Fractures • Torn Muscles • Rheumatism and Arthritic conditions. This should all be written within the individuals care plan as well as a step by step plan on that has been agreed with them on how to move and handle them. We need to understand that elderly people are not as supple as younger people and even if they do not suffer movement restriction through a medical condition. They bruise easier too and so great care has to be taken when handling, moving and positioning them especially when assisting them to sit up or when using the hoist strap. Failure to follow the care plan and any presenting conditions can lead to causing the individual injury, pain and discomfort. It may also lead to legal action being raised. 1.2- Describe the impact of specific conditions on the correct movement and positioning of an individual STROKES Following a stroke an individual will often have weakness in a limb or the whole of one side of the body. A physiotherapist will be involved to assist with strengthening the areas affected by the stroke. The individual’s mobility is likely to be affected and any moving and handling techniques need to be planned and agreed with them. Movement will be slow and quite frustrating for the individual. Following surgery to replace a hip joint an individual may have muscle weakness of the whole leg due to lack of exercise caused by osteoarthritis with additional pain and stiffness following surgery. An exercise plan devised by a professional will help with regaining the full use of the hip joint. Again the individual’s mobility is affected and any moving and handling procedures need to be planned and agreed. 2.1 - Describe how legislation and agreed ways of working affect working practices related to moving and positioning individuals. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 European Community Directive on the Manual Handling of Loads Echoes Community Care Manual Handling Policy and Procedures 2.2 - Describe what health and safety factors need to be taken into account when moving and positioning individuals and any equipment used to do this Accountability is working only to your competence and seeking help when needed, checking equipment is safe and has been serviced regularly. Take responsibility for your actions and stop if you are unsure with any moving, handling and positioning activity. Seek further training if you are unsure. Never lift a client who has fallen as this puts you at risk. 3.2 - Carry out preparatory checks using: • the individual’s care plan • the moving and handling risk assessment The care plan sets out the best practise methods to see when caring for an individual. Whether it is how they like to be washed or handled and positioned, it is in the care workers best interest to follow the care plan as this has also been agreed with the client and attempting any form of care without the clients consent will be classed as abuse. Care workers will also be made aware of any medical conditions, painful areas, mobility restrictions and infectious diseases within the care plan and are able to avoid causing further discomfort or injury to the client or spreading infections. Most moving and positioning procedures are carried out by more than one person. Involving the client as part of the team. 3.4 - Describe actions to take in relation to identified risks Always consult with the nurse in charge or your manager/line manager if you’re not sure about anything or any identified risks which present themselves. If procedures are not followed correctly then there is a greater risk to everyone involved client, care staff and family. Injuries can result due to poor practise by not following the care plan or using lifting equipment incorrectly. Clients can be traumatised by poor and lose confidence in their own abilities and the abilities of the care team. 3.5 - 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 An individual’s religion, for example will have an effect on the sex of carer they wish to care for them. An individual may feel more comfortable or have greater confidence in using certain pieces of equipment. They may not feel safe using a lift technique and would rather be hoisted to their chair. This would then require further assessment for risk in order to provide safety for all staff and the individual. Some disabled people have lived with their disability for years and quite often know the best way to move and be moved themselves so always ask the person involved, they may also be more comfortable a certain way. The individual to be moved is the key person to be actively involved in decisions about the best way to carry out the moving, handling and positioning of themselves. Unless they are unconscious, semi-conscious or extremely confused. Care team members must discuss with the individual the method that they would feel most comfortable with. Encourage the individual to communicate the level of support they require in order for pain and discomfort to be avoided. AN individual must never be moved without their consent and agreement must be reached before carrying out any handling activity. 5.3 - Describe the aids and equipment that may be used for moving and positioning There are different aids and equipment that you can use to move and handle clients in moving and handled which are:- • Hoists • Transfer boards • Transfer sheets • Slide boards • Turn Discs • Monkey pole or Lifting handle • Handling belts • Patient Hand Block. 6.1 - Describe when advice and/or assistance should be sought to move or handle an individual safely The individual should be observed throughout the moving and positioning activity and care workers should stop immediately if there are any adverse effects such as pain or anxiety for the individual. The activity must also stop if the client wishes it to. Help and advice can be sought from the wider health care team by the incident must be reported to the care supervisor immediately. 6.2 - Describe what sources of information are available about moving and positioning individuals Different equipment appropriate to individual needs for example stand aid for someone who can weight bear on legs for short periods, lifting handle for someone immobile in a bed be that a hospital or care home setting. Checking individual care plans, asking the client and their next of kin. Liaising with other key professionals such as district nurses, OT, physiotherapists and the registered manager.