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Consider this common scenario: Your father can not get out of bed and into his wheelchair without assistance. As his daughter and caregiver, the task is easier said than done since he's a 6-feet-tall, 250-pound man and you are a petite, 120-pound girl. By Michelle Seitzer Without adequate training on how best to transfer her dad -- and without physical or mechanical aid (i.e. a patient lift or a lifting belt) -- it may only be a matter of time before the daughter, and maybe her dad, are hurt or injured. Damage or the harm may occur instantly or surface afterwards. The Centers for Disease Control mention "overexertion episodes" as the "top source of ...claims and prices in healthcare settings." Nurses along with other frontline nursing staff endure more back and shoulder injuries, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic back pain -- experienced both on and off the job -- than any other profession, says this CDC post. The issue of safe patient handling becomes of greater value as obesity rates continue to soar, and as family and professional caregivers age. In addition, the nursing shortage will hit 250,000 by the year 2025 (based on research referenced in the above CDC article). There are safe patient handling laws in a few hospitals and healthcare facilities, but thus far, they've just been enacted in 10 states (source: American Nurses Association), and such laws don't cover health professionals at home or in the community. A caregiver for someone with mobility challenges is most likely "lifting" their patient or loved one multiple times throughout a 24-hour interval, and like the daddy-daughter example, most health professional/caree pairs are usually not well matched in terms of strength and size. Don't let that stop you from safe lifting practices . Consider these suggestions: 1. Communicate with the person you happen to be lifting. Do not just come up without warning or without a strategy. Put them at ease, tell them how you want to move them, and to where. Communicate with them throughout the transfer. Do not run. 2. Do not use your rear to lift. Rather, focus on using the strength. 3. Assist, don't lift. Make the move a combined effort. Request the patient to help you in any possible manner. 4. Do not lift from the midsection of the patient, says Wade McKinney, aka "TheTransferGuy." Doing so is more difficult and more likely to cause harm. Instead, "have the patient push up using their arms and support their forearms just below the elbows." He counsels this technique is not ideal for many patients, "notably individuals who need a great deal more help." 5. Utilize a patient lift. It's one of the safest, most comfortable, most dignity-preserving approaches available, and it's fairly affordable also. Split the cost with a different caregiving neighbor, if need be, or ask family members to assist cover the fee. Prices range from $600 to $6000, with respect to the type of lift. Wish to learn more on the subject of patient lifts? Visit our site to view a variety of slings, lifts, lifting systems and accessories from top manufacturers that could fulfill an array of https://www.facebook.com/clashofclansfreeGemHacks (i.e. lifting multiple patients, needing to transport the lift to other rooms, or a lift designed specially for getting into a pool).