Can you work in a care home if you have a bad back?

[BlueBloodedBlue]

as It says in the title. I wouldn't be able to lift anyone and so wondered if that would automatically disqualify me.

As carers , there are things in place to help you lift , slide , move , support - like hoists , slide sheets etc
We shouldn't actually be manually lifting anyone - however I know sometimes it's not that easy and when Doris goes down you automatically try to get her up , I'd mention it to them and ask about their manual handling policy

Thanks really helpful @coldfeetmama thank you.

I wouldn’t recommend it, even with slide sheets etc there is still some lifting and it’s worse when they are short staffed.

I run a care home and have worked in care since I was 18, I would not recommend it in a care role. All the good practice and equipment in the world doesn't stop your human reactions as previous poster said. Maybe consider a hostess role or activities which is less physically demanding but you still get to spend time with the residents.

I was a nurse and I'd say absolutely not. Even using all the correct equipment and moving and handling techniques, it will still ruin your back.

No lifting allowed except by hoist. Even so there is a lot of bending, stretching etc so not great for backs.

I left elderly care because of my back.

Hoist still require you to pull a person forward to put on their sling, lift their legs, lift their arms, etc. Then you have to manually push the hoist, often on thick carpet. It’s still back breaking.

Turning/rolling people can also be pretty hard on your body.

I look back and wish I’d had more respect for my body.

Not a good job to go into, when you have a bad back.

No, even following all the correct procedures it’s a very physical job.