Moving and Handling Audit - Care Homes

Evidence to check

• • Staff can explain safe moving and handling responsibilities in practical terms
• • Moving and handling policy is current, accessible and understood
• • Staff know how to report unsafe practice, pain, injury or equipment concerns
• • Policy is reflected in care plans, risk assessments and observed practice

Evidence to check

• • Moving and handling training records
• • Observation of transfers or repositioning where appropriate
• • Staff use safe posture, communication and equipment
• • No unsafe manual lifting, dragging or unsupported transfers observed

Evidence to check

• • Induction competency assessments
• • Refresher competency records
• • Observed practice sign-off before independent working
• • Action taken where unsafe practice or lack of confidence is identified

Evidence to check

• • Admission moving and handling assessment
• • Assessment considers mobility, cognition, pain, falls history and equipment needs
• • Initial care plan includes safe transfer guidance
• • Temporary measures are recorded where full assessment is pending

Evidence to check

• • Review records after falls, hospital admission, deterioration or improvement
• • Assessment updated after staff concerns or resident feedback
• • Changes communicated to care staff
• • No outdated transfer guidance remaining in use

Evidence to check

• • Care plan matches current moving and handling assessment
• • Transfer method clearly recorded
• • Number of staff required is stated
• • Staff explanations match the written plan

Evidence to check

• • Observation of care where possible
• • Staff check or know the resident's current transfer plan
• • Daily notes reflect the agreed moving and handling approach
• • No shortcuts or inconsistent practice between staff

Evidence to check

• • Care plan includes independence and mobility goals
• • Staff encourage residents to do what they can safely
• • Mobility aids used to promote independence
• • Residents are not unnecessarily hoisted, pushed or assisted without involvement

Evidence to check

• • Hoists, slide sheets, transfer belts, standing aids and other equipment available
• • Equipment matches the care plan
• • Staff use equipment correctly and safely
• • Equipment is not improvised or substituted unsafely

Evidence to check

• • LOLER inspection records for hoists and lifting equipment
• • Service records for relevant equipment
• • Pre-use checks completed by staff
• • Faulty equipment removed from use and reported promptly

Evidence to check

• • Equipment inspection records
• • Maintenance schedules
• • Defect reports and repair records
• • Evidence that overdue inspections or repairs are escalated

Evidence to check

• • Care plan records sling type and size
• • Sling information matches the equipment in use
• • Photographs or diagrams used where helpful
• • Staff can explain correct sling use for the resident

Evidence to check

• • Slings labelled for individual use where required
• • Slings are clean and in good repair
• • Storage prevents contamination or damage
• • No incorrect sharing of slings or use of unsuitable equipment

Evidence to check

• • Care plan states number of staff required
• • Observation of hoist transfer where possible
• • Both staff understand their roles during transfer
• • No single-handed hoisting where two staff are required

Evidence to check

• • Walkaround check of mobility equipment
• • Equipment is clean, stable and in good repair
• • Aids are adjusted to the resident's needs
• • Residents are observed using equipment safely where possible

Evidence to check

• • Staff can describe signs of discomfort or injury
• • Observation of staff communicating with residents during transfers
• • Care notes record pain or distress during movement
• • Concerns lead to review, referral or change in handling plan

Evidence to check

• • Accident and incident records
• • Near misses involving transfers, hoists, slings or falls recorded
• • Immediate actions taken to protect residents and staff
• • Risk assessments and care plans updated after incidents

Evidence to check

• • Lessons learned records
• • Team meeting or briefing notes
• • Changes to training, equipment or care plans
• • Follow-up checks showing improvement was sustained

Evidence to check

• • Spot check or observation records
• • Supervision notes discussing moving and handling practice
• • Audit findings include practice observations, not only paperwork checks
• • Actions from observations are followed up

Evidence to check

• • Team meeting minutes
• • Handover records where mobility risks have changed
• • Reflective practice or debrief notes after incidents
• • Staff can describe recent moving and handling learning

Evidence to check

• • Equipment areas are tidy and accessible
• • Clear signage or labelling supports correct equipment use
• • Equipment is not stored in corridors or blocking exits
• • Staff know where to find required equipment

Evidence to check

• • Care plans include dignity and preference information
• • Staff explain transfers before and during support
• • Privacy is protected during transfers and repositioning
• • Resident feedback about comfort, dignity and preferences

Evidence to check

• • Staff feedback from supervision or meetings
• • Records of concerns raised by staff
• • Management response and actions taken
• • No evidence that staff ignore risks because they think nothing will change

Evidence to check

• • Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans
• • Evacuation equipment available where required
• • Staff understand how to evacuate dependent residents safely
• • Fire drills or scenario discussions include residents with high mobility needs

Evidence to check

• • Referrals to physiotherapy, occupational therapy or specialist services
• • Professional guidance reflected in care plans
• • Equipment recommendations implemented
• • Staff can explain specialist guidance for complex residents

Evidence to check

• • Post-fall assessment records
• • Moving and handling assessment reviewed after fall
• • Temporary changes to transfer method recorded where needed
• • Referral or professional advice sought where mobility has changed

Evidence to check

• • Named moving and handling lead or champion
• • Champion training or competency evidence
• • Records of coaching, observations or staff support
• • Issues escalated by the lead and acted on by management

Evidence to check

• • Governance or quality meeting minutes
• • Trend analysis of moving and handling incidents
• • Audit and competency findings reviewed
• • Actions tracked to completion

Evidence to check

• • Resident or family input recorded in care plans
• • Resident feedback about transfers and mobility support
• • Concerns about pain, fear or dignity acted on
• • Communication needs considered when seeking resident views

Evidence to check

• • Care plans and risk assessments are current and accessible
• • Staff know where to find moving and handling guidance
• • Digital or paper records are secure
• • Outdated or contradictory handling guidance removed or archived

Evidence to check

• • Cross-check care plans, risk assessments and daily notes
• • Staff describe the same transfer method as recorded
• • Observed transfers match written guidance
• • Contradictions are corrected promptly

Evidence to check

• • Repositioning care plan
• • Repositioning charts where required
• • Staff use safe techniques and equipment
• • Skin integrity records reviewed alongside moving and handling practice

Evidence to check

• • Bariatric risk assessment where applicable
• • Suitable equipment and space available
• • Staffing levels reflect assessed need
• • Resident dignity and privacy considered during support

Evidence to check

• • Agency or temporary staff induction records
• • Handover information includes moving and handling risks
• • Temporary staff can access current care plans
• • No unfamiliar staff carrying out complex transfers without guidance