Ok, so maybe your work-at-home situation isn’t quite this bad. But chances are, your setup and habits could probably use a pinch or two of ergonomic guidance.

With recent measures requiring all non-essential employees to work remotely, you may find yourself without the benefit of an ergonomically-correct workspace. You can see what it’s supposed to look like here.

If you’ve ever found yourself hunched over the kitchen counter or in some other compromising situation, take some time to adjust your set-up, even just a bit. You’ll be glad you did.

What does a model work-from home employee and his or her loyal steed (workstation) look like? Try this:

Head: Directly over shoulders, without straining forward or backward, about arm’s length from the screen.
Neck: Elongated and relaxed.
Shoulders: Kept down, with the chest open and wide.
Back: Upright or inclined slightly forward from the hips. Maintain the slight natural curve of the lower back.
Elbows: Relaxed, at about a right angle.
Wrists: Relaxed and in a neutral position, without flexing up or down.
Knees: Relaxed and in a neutral position, without flexing up or down.
Screen: At eye level or slightly lower.
Keyboard: Best when kept flat for proper wrist positioning and at or below elbow level.
Fingers: Gently curved.
Chair: Sloped slightly forward to facilitate proper knee position.
Feet: Firmly planted on the floor. Shorter people may need a footrest.

More Workstation Tips from RVNAhealth

If you’re like most of us, your workstation — and posture — may need some tweaking. Here are some more tips from the RVNAhealth Occupational Therapy team to help you create a comfortable, pain-free workspace and pave the way for improved productivity and performance.

Light: Be sure to have ample lighting in your workspace. This will reduce the tendency to lean forward, which can cause neck and back discomfort, and squint, which causes eye fatigue.

Height: Place your computer screen at eye level or slightly below to avoid awkward posture which is not good for your neck and back.

Accessories: Consider the following workspace items to decrease pain and discomfort:

• Computer Monitor Lift {this can be a dictionary or large book, in a pinch}
• Mouse pad with wrist rest
• High-backed chair for full support

Movement: Get up to stretch every 30-60 minutes to help relieve muscle fatigue and re-set your body and posture.

Reminders: Post this flyer at your workstation as a reminder of the optimal set-up. Just a glance will do the trick.

RVNAhealth staff and Rotary Club members gathered in appreciation of a grant recently received by RVNAhealth, made collectively by the Ridgefield, Stamford and Danbury Rotary Clubs, and matched by Rotary District 7980. Funds allowed RVNAhealth to replace outdated computers with new laptops for better efficiency, portability, security, and improved access to the agency’s electronic medical record. Continue reading

It’s always a treat hearing about the places that RVNAhealth Travel Services clients are off to… and even more fun when clients return and share their travel stories -- and photos! Enjoy this gallery of photos taken by a client during her trip to India.Continue reading

Not all non-medical caregiving agencies are created equal. There is a significant difference in quality across agencies, and there are significant differences in the qualifications and expertise of individual caregivers.

At RVNAhealth StayWELL non-medical services, caregiving is provided primarily by Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs).  “It is absolutely critical to us to offer the highest quality, and most consistent care to our clients,” says Melissa Woodhouse, Director of RVNAhealth StayWELL services. “By hiring trained and licensed caregivers, we know that they have education and experience behind them even before we begin our own screening and orientation processes.” 

In addition to standards of caregiver training and experience, it is also important to understand an agency’s hiring and screening processes when considering hiring a caregiver with that agency. RVNAhealth directly employs its non-medical caregivers, ensuring all are background checked, bonded, and insured.  Additionally, all caregiver work is under the supervision of an RVNAhealth licensed nurse and occupational therapist, who develop and actively manage a client’s plan of care. 

Unlike RVNAhealth, many agencies provide caregivers as independent contractors.  In independent contractor scenarios, caregiving may not be supervised, and families may also assume risk of caregiver wages, taxes, and personal injury. 

There are many decisions to make when considering having a caregiver at home. In a world with vast differences in non-medical caregiver experience levels and agency quality, seek experienced and agency-employed caregivers to ensure quality care for you or your loved ones.

Fairfield County Bank has selected RVNAhealth as one of four charity contenders for their February 2020 Charity of the Month program. This honor is in addition to their decades-long support of our organization and our mission. Cast your ballot for RVNAhealth!Continue reading