Body Mechanics for Caregivers

Supporting the recovering person

Proper body mechanics are essential to maintaining the health and wellness of both the person recovering from injury and yourself. When performing any task that involves physical effort, take a moment to think about these helpful considerations.

First, allow the person to help in whatever way possible. Based on their strength and functional ability, allow them to assist as much as possible with any movement. Before beginning the activity, mentally practice the skill so that you can foresee any possible problem areas. Be sure that the floor or area you will be traveling through is free of any obstacles to increase the safety of your movement.

When you begin the movement, be sure to keep your feet shoulder-width apart to give yourself a stable base to work with. Make sure to keep the person or object as close to your body as possible, as reaching far for things puts a greater strain on your back. As you begin to lift, make sure to tighten your stomach muscles to help protect your back. When you bend, make sure to bend at your knees, not your back. Try to keep your back in a neutral position throughout. As the lift begins, lift with your legs instead of your back. While you are holding an object, do not twist or rotate. Instead, stand up straight and pivot your feet before you turn.

  • Allow the patient to help as much as possible.
  • Estimate the patient’s weight and mentally practice.
  • Make sure that the floor is free of any obstacles or liquids.
  • Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Keep the person or object as close to your body as possible.
  • Tighten your stomach muscles.
  • Bend knees and hips.
  • Keep your back in a neutral position throughout the movement.
  • Lift with your legs, not your back.
  • Do not twist your back as you lift. To turn when lifting, pivot your feet.
  • If you have doubts, ask for help.

Transfer considerations

  • If you are uncertain of how to perform a transfer, the patient’s ability to perform a transfer, or your ability to assist, ask for help.
  • Communicate with the patient to allow them to assist if able.
  • Use proper body mechanics.
  • Always squat, bending both knees, or kneel on one knee to prevent bending and straining your back during transfers.
  • Keep your back straight throughout the transfer.
  • Get as close to the person or object as possible.

Fully dependent transfers

Caregiver is standing:

  • Position patient appropriately for transfer.
  • While standing in front of patient, maintain proper posture with your back straight and knees bent. Hold a strong abdominal contraction.
  • Position your body close to your loved one to decrease strain on your back.
  • Before movement, contract your abdominal muscles to protect your back.
  • Use your knees and your lower body during transfer to decrease strain on your back.

Assisted transfers

Caregiver is kneeling:

  • This is an alternative position that can be assumed when your loved one is able to assist.
  • While kneeling, maintain proper body mechanics, including keeping your back straight and keeping your loved one close to your body. Avoid twisting your back throughout the motion.

  • Adjust bed height to approximately waist-height.
  • You should be able to stand comfortably with your back straight.
  • Put one knee on the bed to allow you to get closer to the patient and keep your back straight.
  • Communicate with the patient to allow them to assist if able.
  • Do not lean over the patient to provide care.
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