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12.8.4: Procedure- Using Proper Working Height
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When making a bed, do not lean forward over the bed. If using an adjustable bed, raise it to waist level. Lower side rails of the side in which you are working. This allows you to move as close as possible to the patient to avoid awkward movements or unnecessary bending, leaning, or twisting.
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If making a regular bed, without an adjustable height, kneel on the bed to support yourself, with your back straight. This prevents unnecessary bending of your back.
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Always move to the other side of the bed, rather than leaning over the bed, when you must work on the opposite side of the bed, such as during bed making.
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Raise bed tables, if you can, to waist height. This allows materials you need to be at working height so that you do not need to bend or twist to reach them. This also prevents contamination of items when you are bathing a patient or assisting with changing dressings on wounds.
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When assisting a patient with dressing, applying lotion, socks, or shoes, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should
use a firm base of support, bend using the strength of their thighs to provide balance, and position themselves at the level where they are working. Alternatively, they may kneel. Do not bend over to put lotion or shoes on a patient.