💪 Manual Handling and Safe Mobility Tips for Aged Care

Michael Vozzo
2025-10-24T03:57:05Z

How to protect yourself and your clients with safe, effective mobility practices.

Safe manual handling is one of the most important parts of providing quality aged care. At Your Nursing Agency (YNA), we care about the wellbeing of both our clients and our staff. Using correct techniques protects everyone by reducing the risk of injury and ensuring dignity, comfort, and confidence in care.

This guide outlines key principles and practical tips for safe manual handling and mobility in aged care settings.

🧭 Why Manual Handling Matters

Manual handling is part of almost every shift. You may help a client move, reposition them in bed, or transfer them to a chair.
When done incorrectly, it can cause injuries such as muscle strain, back pain, or joint damage.

Safe manual handling protects:

💙 The client’s comfort and independence

💪 The carer’s physical health

🏥 The quality and consistency of care

According to Safe Work Australia, most workplace injuries in aged care are linked to poor manual handling practices. Prevention starts with awareness and training.

🧍‍♀️ 1. Know the Principles of Safe Manual Handling

Before starting any task, always stop and think. Assess the environment, the client’s ability, and the equipment available.

Follow these five key principles:

Plan the move. Know what you’re doing and where you’re moving the client to.

Position yourself close. Keep the load or client close to your body.

Use a stable stance. Feet shoulder-width apart, one slightly in front of the other.

Avoid twisting. Move your feet instead of your back.

Use your legs, not your back. Bend your knees and keep your spine aligned.

🦽 2. Use Equipment Whenever Possible

Modern aged care facilities are equipped with devices designed to make movement safer for everyone.
Always use them and check they are in good working order before each use.

Common equipment includes:

Hoists and slings

Slide sheets

Standing lifters

Transfer belts

Adjustable beds and chairs

⚠️ If you are unsure about how to use a piece of equipment, ask a senior staff member before proceeding. It is always safer to wait for help than to risk injury.

🫱 3. Encourage Client Independence

Safe mobility is not about doing everything for the person. It is about supporting them to move as independently as possible.

Encourage clients to:

Participate in the movement, for example pushing up with their hands

Use assistive devices such as walkers or rails

Take their time and avoid rushing or sudden movements

Even small movements help maintain strength, mobility, and dignity.

🧹 4. Check the Environment

Before assisting with movement:

Ensure floor surfaces are dry and clutter-free

Move furniture or obstacles out of the way

Adjust bed height or chair position to reduce strain

Check lighting to make sure the area is well lit

Keep emergency call buttons within reach after repositioning

A clear, well-prepared space makes manual handling smoother and safer.

👥 5. Ask for Assistance When Needed

Never try to move someone alone if it feels unsafe. Teamwork reduces risk and ensures everyone’s wellbeing.

Remember:

Use two-person assists for heavier or less mobile clients

Communicate clearly before, during, and after the move

Agree on signals or cues to coordinate actions

Team-based handling is safer and helps build trust and confidence between carers and clients.

🧠 6. Take Care of Yourself Too

Your own posture, strength, and wellbeing are vital to providing safe care.

Warm up your muscles before your shift with light stretches

Wear supportive footwear with non-slip soles

Maintain good hydration and posture throughout the day

Report any injuries or near misses immediately

Taking care of yourself helps you take better care of others.

🎓 7. Ongoing Learning and Training

Manual handling standards and equipment can change over time. YNA encourages all staff to stay up to date with:

Annual manual handling refresher training

Infection control and PPE procedures

Facility-specific orientation programs

Ongoing education helps maintain confidence and compliance with workplace safety regulations.

🩵 Final Thoughts

Safe manual handling is about teamwork, planning, and respect for yourself and for the people you care for.
At Your Nursing Agency, we are proud to support our nurses and carers with training, guidance, and 24/7 assistance to help you deliver care safely and confidently.

Every small action you take to protect safety adds up to a big difference for you, your clients, and your community.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Always assess before you act. Plan, position, and use proper technique.

Use equipment and ask for help when needed.

Encourage client independence and dignity.

Maintain your own safety and health at work.