For many wheelchair users, needing hoists, lifting belts or maneuvering aids isn’t just cumbersome—it often requires at least two carers and comes with significant risks.
Dependency and risk
1. Two‑person handling is common
UK manual handling guidelines typically require two carers when using hoists to transfer someone, with one operating the hoist and another supporting the person for safety and reassurance HSE+1prismmedical.co.uk+1.
A review of 142 care recipients in Havering found 42% could safely transition to single‑carer assistance—suggesting nearly 58% still rely on double‑handed care due to low mobility or lift dependency prismmedical.co.uk+1GOV.UK Assets+1.
2. Carer injuries are frequent
Manual handling (lifting, transferring, repositioning) accounts for around 17% of all workplace injuries in the UK and is the most common cause in health & social care settings USC Health & Safety Consultants London+8national-claims.co.uk+8protrainings.uk+8.
Musculoskeletal disorders from patient handling are especially prevalent: 68% of serious injury insurance claims in healthcare relate to these tasks USC Health & Safety Consultants London+2PMC+2ScienceDirect+2.
3. Impact on both carers and users
While hoists reduce physical strain compared to fully manual lifting, they still pose risks—wrong sling sizes, poor training or equipment mismatches can result in falls or discomfort mastermover.com+5USC Health & Safety Consultants London+5HSE+5.
In care homes, injury risks extend beyond staff: transfers using hoists and slings must be carefully managed to avoid skin damage, bruising or dignity concerns vivid.care+1HSE+1.
Benefits Move Me™ brings
- Single‑user adjustment – Independently or with the assistant of your partner/friend, fine-tune posture and comfort without waiting for two carers.
- Zero manual handling injuries – Eliminates the lifting strain on carers—and risk of work‑related musculoskeletal injury.
- Instant responsiveness – Avoid delays from equipment unavailability or scheduling carers.
- Improved dignity and autonomy – Those people with some upper body strength aren’t reliant on others for basic adjustments.
- Better posture maintenance – Potentially could help reduce risk of pressure-related pain or sores by maintaining alignment.
Summary
Traditional moving and handling equipment—hoists, belts, slings—generally require at least two carers, expose staff to high injury risk, and rely on precise training and fit to function safely. In the UK, manual handling remains a top cause of injuries, especially in healthcare settings where staff face overexertion frequently. With Move Me™, wheelchair users can adjust themselves in comfort and safety, restoring independence and reducing workload and physical risk for caregivers alike. It illustrates how Move Me™ empowers partners to make adjustments personally—outside of carer visits—for a more intimate, hands-on experience.