Abstract
Since the public nursing care insurance system was enacted by the Japanese government, a transition from conventional group treatment to the individual care is required. In Japanese nursing homes for the elderly, bathing assistance methods have shifted from use of traditional mechanical bathtubs or a big bathtub to methods using small homestyle bathtubs, known as "individual bathing assistance". A study on the work load of caregivers with individual bathing assistance has never been conducted. Therefore, in a nursing home for the elderly practicing the individual bathing assistance method, we explored low back load using surface electromyography and trunk inclination angle measurement. Moreover, subjective evaluations by not only the caregivers but also the care receivers were investigated. The individual bathing assistance time per person was about 35 min. When caregiver used the mechanical lift equipment to assist getting into and out of the bathtub, trunk inclination angle and muscle load were lower than with manual handling. Mechanical lift equipment had the advantage of reducing low back load. When caregivers gave assistance with dressing and ablution of the lower limbs, and in setting wheelchair footrests, trunk inclination angle and muscle load showed high values. The satisfaction rating of using the mechanical lift equipment showed the best score, and ratings of perceived exertion were about the same. Thus, the importance of safe and comfortable care for both caregivers and care receivers should be stressed to make effective use of assistance products and care equipment.
(San Ei Shi 2007; 49: 54-58)
