PHYSICAL WORK LOAD, PHYSICAL CAPACITY AND STRAIN AMONG ELDERLY FEMALEAIDES IN HOME-CARE SERVICE

A study was undertaken to investigate physical work load, physical cap acity, physical strain and perceived health among elderly aides in hom e-care service. A secondary aim was to compare the work load and strai n between the two main types of home-care service available in Sweden today. Work tasks and their distribution among 20 elderly aides (aged 45-65 years), working in open home-care service (clients living in the ir original flats or houses) and at service apartment houses (clients living in private flats constructed for the elderly and handicapped wi th service functions) were observed during whole work days. Heart rate and number of steps taken were also measured continuously during the whole work day. Oxygen consumption and work postures for upper arm and back were measured during parts of the work day. The results showed t hat home-care work is characterised by long periods of standing and wa lking and that postures potentially harmful for the low back and shoul ders occurred frequently. Average physiological strain measured as rel ative oxygen consumption and heart rate during the work day did not ex ceed present recommendations. Average physical work load and strain in open home-care service slightly exceeded those in service apartment h ouses because of more frequent cleaning and walking outdoors. Many aid es in this study showed slightly reduced physical capacity, and muscul oskeletal problems were common. Many elderly aides in home-care servic e are probably exposed at work to high risks of overexertion and impai red health as a result of high postural loads in combination with othe r known important factors, such as time stress and lack of equipment.