What is an essential practice when lifting a client?

When lifting a client, it is essential to bend at the knees and keep the client close. This technique is fundamental to maintaining proper body mechanics and ensuring safety for both the aide and the client. By bending at the knees, you lower your center of gravity, which improves stability and allows you to use your leg muscles — which are much stronger than your back muscles — to lift the weight, rather than straining your back.

Keeping the client close during the lift minimizes the distance the weight is from your body, decreasing the strain on your back and reducing the risk of injury. It also allows for better control over the client's positioning and balance during the lift. This practice aligns with ergonomic principles and helps to prevent potential accidents that can occur when lifting care recipients.