First in a series. Preventing back injury in home care.

Home care organizations focus on patients and families. But caring for care providers--their employees--is another paramount responsibility. In this and the following two issues, CARING magazine will highlight and suggest strategies for preventing a major problem facing employees, employers, and patients: back injuries. This article will give an overview of the problem and focus on organizational needs and responses. The subsequent issues will cover ergonomic and personal approaches to preventing back injury.