Lifting the person you care for and helping them dress or move around can all place a strain on your back. Knowing how to protect your back should be a priority for you.
Your local social services, or carers’ organisation, should be able to tell you about training opportunities in how to lift and move more safely to reduce the risk of harming your back. An occupational therapist can also show you ways to lift and move more safely. Ask your GP or the practice manager for more information.
Ask your local council for a carer’s assessment. This will look at your needs as a carer. It gives you the opportunity to talk about the help you need. This could include helping the person you care for to have a bath, get up in the morning or go to bed.
You may also be able to have your home, or the home of the person you care for, adapted, or have equipment that will help you and them. You can ask your GP to refer you for an occupational therapy assessment.
CarersUK produces a helpful factsheet: Factsheet EW1020 – Assessments (England & Wales)