Is pulling a 200 lb patient different than lifting them

[smartnurse1982]

I was asking my supervisor about this 200 lb client(quad). I told her I thought the max we are supposed to lift is 75lb. She said it really isn't lifting, its just pulling because what we do is take the cotton pads and slide her up in bed, rather than actual lifting. Is what she saying true? My back sure doesn't seem to know the difference. It hurts for sure. I'm in homecare and there isn't anyone else around to help pull her up in bed.

[catebsn25]

I am in the same situation. I have been working as a home health aide privately for almost 5 years with a 210lb quad patient. He has a Clinitron bed which makes it easier, and a Hoyer, but I still need to turn him and readjust him in the bed alone (pulling him either up for a boost or over with the draw sheet). I thought I was protecting my back, but for the past 6 months I have had terrible back pain on my spine between my scapulae. I just called my NP this week to make an appointment to see if anything is wrong. It is a tough situation if you are alone, it's not like I can just leave him that way. I am planning to try changing my techniques but I don't know if there is any better way yet, a coworker is supposed to work with me this weekend and see if she can offer any suggestions. No job is worth your physical health, and from what I understand if you hurt your back it is never the same. Good luck and take care of yourself!

[kakamegamama]

Yeah, pulling is worse than lifting. That's how I blew my back....As another poster stated, lifting lets us (if we lift correctly) use our core muscles, legs, etc. to lift. Pulling pretty much requires arms & back. OUCH! Take care of your back, it's the only one you have....