COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the course on Effective Manual Handling in Aged Care. This course is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to perform manual handling tasks safely and effectively, ensuring the wellbeing of both workers and clients.

We begin with an introduction to manual handling within the Ageing Support settings. Understanding the significance of safe practices is crucial for preventing injuries and promoting a safe environment for both support workers and clients.

Next, we explore the risks and hazards associated with manual handling. Identifying common hazards, assessing risks associated with various tasks, and implementing strategies to mitigate these risks are key components of this section.

Legal and ethical considerations play a significant role in manual handling. We will review Australian legislation and guidelines, explain the Manual Handling Requirements and Standards in Aged Care, discuss the ethical responsibilities of support workers, and emphasise the importance of complying with workplace policies to ensure a safe working environment.

Risk assessment and planning are fundamental to safe manual handling. This section covers conducting comprehensive risk assessments, developing individualised handling plans, and the importance of regularly reviewing and updating these plans.

Proper lifting techniques and body mechanics are essential to prevent injuries. We will cover techniques for safe lifting and lowering, maintaining proper posture and alignment, and avoiding common lifting mistakes to ensure safe practices.

The use of manual handling equipment and assistive devices can greatly enhance safety. We will provide an overview of common assistive devices, safe operation and maintenance of equipment, and the importance of training and familiarisation with new devices.

Safe techniques for transferring and positioning individuals are critical skills in aged care support. This section covers a wide range of techniques, including bed-to-chair, chair-to-bed, wheelchair-to-toilet, and many other transfer scenarios to ensure safe and effective handling.

Ergonomic practices in aged care settings are essential for minimising strain and promoting worker health. We will discuss designing ergonomic workspaces, using ergonomic tools and equipment, and adapting tasks to minimise physical strain.

Preventing and managing falls and other accidents is a vital aspect of safe manual handling. Identifying fall risks, implementing prevention strategies, and responding effectively to falls and injuries are crucial skills covered in this section.

Adapting the environment for safe manual handling involves modifying the physical environment, ensuring adequate space and lighting, and using environmental aids to support safe handling practices.

Handling emergencies and unexpected situations requires preparedness and adaptability. This section covers emergency preparedness and response plans, managing medical emergencies during manual handling, and adapting techniques in crisis situations.

Finally, monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement in manual handling practices and mobility assistance are essential for maintaining high standards of safety. Setting up monitoring systems, reporting incidents and near misses, and implementing feedback for continuous improvement are key topics in this concluding section.

By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to perform manual handling tasks safely, ensuring the wellbeing of both yourself and those you support.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Safe Manual Handling and Mobility Assistance in Aged Care

·       Overview of Manual Handling in Ageing Support

·       Importance of Safe Practices for Support Workers and Clients

2. Understanding Manual Handling Risks and Hazards

·       Identifying Common Hazards in Manual Handling

·       Assessing Risks Associated with Different Tasks

·       Strategies to Mitigate Risks

3. Legal and Ethical Considerations in Manual Handling

·       Australian Legislation and Guidelines on Manual Handling

·       Manual Handling Requirements and Standards in Aged Care

·       Ethical Responsibilities of Support Workers

·       Ensuring Compliance with Workplace Policies

4. Risk Assessment and Planning for Manual Handling Tasks

·       Conducting Comprehensive Risk Assessments

·       Developing Individualised Handling Plans

·       Reviewing and Updating Handling Plans Regularly

5. Proper Lifting Techniques and Body Mechanics for Workers

·       Techniques for Safe Lifting and Lowering

·       Maintaining Proper Posture and Alignment

·       Avoiding Common Lifting Mistakes

6. Use of Manual Handling Equipment and Assistive Devices

·       Overview of Common Assistive Devices

·       Safe Operation and Maintenance of Equipment

·       Training and Familiarisation with New Devices

7. Safe Techniques for Transferring and Positioning Individuals

·       Techniques for Bed-to-Chair Transfers

·       Techniques for Chair-to-Bed Transfers

·       Techniques for Wheelchair-to-Toilet Transfers

·       Techniques for Chair-to-Wheelchair Transfers

·       Techniques for Car-to-Wheelchair Transfers

·       Techniques for Bed-to-Stretcher Transfers

·       Techniques for Standing Transfers

·       Techniques for Floor-to-Chair Transfers

·       Techniques for Wheelchair-to-Bath or Shower Transfers

·       Techniques for Seated Repositioning

·       Techniques for Prone and Supine Repositioning

·       Techniques for Hoyer Lift Transfers

·       Assisting with Ambulation and Mobility

8. Ergonomic Practices in Aged Care Settings

·       Designing Ergonomic Workspaces

·       Using Ergonomic Tools and Equipment

·       Adapting Tasks to Minimise Strain

9. Preventing and Managing Falls and Other Accidents

·       Identifying Fall Risks and Prevention Strategies

·       Immediate Response to Falls and Injuries

·       Long-Term Strategies to Reduce Accident Rates

10. Adapting the Environment for Safe Manual Handling

·       Modifying the Physical Environment for Safety

·       Ensuring Adequate Space and Lighting

·       Using Environmental Aids to Support Safe Handling

11. Handling Emergencies and Unexpected Situations

·       Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans

·       Managing Medical Emergencies during Manual Handling

·       Adapting Manual Handling Techniques in Crisis Situations

12. Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement in Manual Handling and Mobility Assistance

·       Setting Up Monitoring Systems

·       Reporting Incidents and Near Misses

·       Implementing Feedback for Continuous Improvement

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will be able to immediately download your customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.

COURSE DURATION

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid Indefinitely. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE DELIVERY:

100% Online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device; phone, tab, etc. with an internet connection to enrol and complete this course.

ASSESSMENT:

There is no quiz for this course.