The project is managed by Action For Carers Surrey and employs three Back Care Advisors  to provide information, advice and training to carers on all aspects of moving and handling. Without the right support and training carers may be prone to back injuries and back pain especially if they are required to move and handle on a frequent basis. Older carers are particularly vulnerable the frailer they become and as they become subject to more degenerative conditions themselves e.g. heart disease or arthritis. Young Carers are also at high risk from injury and their future health and development is likely to be affected.

What could happen to you:

Physical

• Soft tissue damage due to difficult hand holds e.g. bruising

• Joint strains due to heavy loads being suspended by frail joints

• Joint pain, stiffness after repeated strain

• Deterioration from poor positioning

The effect:

• Increased tiredness

• Joint strains due to repeated moving and handling

• Discomfort, pain

• Poor levels of motivation

• Hostility towards the cared for person

• Increased level of sickness and absence from work

• Reduced income

• Change of lifestyle, inability to pursue interests etc

As well as providing advice, information and training, the Back Care Advisers can provide short term equipment loans and negotiate on your behalf with Social Services and the Health Services.

 For further information contact

Click here to view the "Handling Back care For Carers Report" this is a PDF document which has a size of 1.79mb.