Supporting those who support others: Addressing caregiver challenges in long-term care
Caregivers are the heartbeat of any healthcare facility. Their compassion, commitment, and daily presence are what make a care environment feel like home. But while the focus often centers on resident needs, the well-being of caregivers themselves is just as critical—and too often overlooked.
The hidden burden of caregiving
Caregivers in LTC settings face a unique combination of physical, emotional, and psychological demands. They are:
- Front-line providers of personal care, mobility support, and emotional reassurance
- At high risk for musculoskeletal disorders and work-related injuries due to manual handling
- Vulnerable to burnout, emotional fatigue, and stress—especially in dementia care environments
For employees who provided direct patient care, 59% of the injuries were attributed to patient-handling activities such as repositioning, transferring, preventing a fall and assisting a resident during a procedure.1
These injuries contribute to absenteeism, turnover, and staffing shortages—creating a ripple effect that impacts resident care and facility operations.
Why supporting caregivers is a strategic imperative
When caregivers feel physically safe, emotionally supported, and professionally valued, they are more likely to:
- Stay in their roles longer
- Deliver higher-quality care
- Foster a positive, stable environment for residents
Conversely, when caregiver needs are unmet, facilities face increased costs, reduced morale, and compromised care standards.
Creating a safer, more supportive environment
Our approach to LTC is built on the Positive Eight philosophy, which recognizes the interdependence between resident and caregiver well-being. Solutions are designed to:
- Reduce physical strain through ergonomic equipment like Maxi Move® 5 Floor lift, Sara® Flex Sit to stand Device, and Atlanta™ Therapeutic Chair
- Support emotional resilience by enabling smoother workflows and reducing stress during high-demand moments
- Promote dignity and safety for both residents and staff through thoughtful design and training
Whether it’s morning routines, bathing, or transfers, Arjo solutions help caregivers deliver care confidently and safely—without compromising their own health.
Care for the carers
Caregivers give so much. It’s time we give back by investing in environments, equipment, and processes that protect their health and empower their work. Because when caregivers thrive, residents do too.
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Reference:
- Totzkay, DL. "Multifactorial Strategies for Sustaining Safe Patient Handling and Mobility". Crit Care Nurs Q, 2018. 41(3): p. 340-344