Ceiling Lifts Take the Load off Caregivers

Ceiling lifts reduce musculoskeletal injuries (MSI), a common work-related disability issue among caregivers. These injuries are likely to occur when lifting and transferring patients from one surface to another or when repositioning them on the bed. A mechanical device attached to the ceiling, a ceiling lift consists of a ceiling-mounted track, electric motor and patient sling and is designed to lift and reposition patients of all sizes. Leading companies supplying accessibility equipment in New York and New Jersey offer various models of these patient lifting devices.

Issues Associated with Repeated Patient Handling

According to the United States Department of Labor, nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants had the highest rates of MSIs in 2010. Most of these injuries are related to the strain caused by repeated manual patient handling tasks. Such tasks usually involved heavy manual lifting associated with transferring and repositioning patients, and working in very difficult and uncomfortable postures. Sprains and strains in the shoulder and lower back are the most common injuries among nurses who transfer patients. Mechanical ceiling lifts can ease a variety of high-risk patient handling tasks such as:

>> transferring from toilet to chair

>> transferring from chair to bed

>> transferring from bathtub to chair

>> repositioning from one side to the other in bed

>> Lifting a patient in bed

>> Repositioning the patient in chair

>> Making a bed with a patient in it

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders have far-reaching consequences. For employers, MSIs result in higher medical expenses for employees, disability compensation, and even litigation. Health care worker injuries are also costly in terms of chronic pain, functional disability, lost work time, and turnover.

Ceiling Lifts promote Patient and Caregiver Wellbeing

Ceiling lifts improve the conditions of work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, out-patient surgical centers, and clinics, and make patient handling tasks easier for nurses, home healthcare workers, physical therapists, radiologists, etc.

Established dealers in New York offer portable and fixed ceiling lifts from leading manufacturers such as SureHands and Prism Medical. These devices ensure smooth and effortless transfer, enhance patient safety and comfort, and improve working conditions for caregivers. Some of the features of these ceiling lifts are:

>> Compact, space-saving design

>> Quiet operation

>> Can lift from 300 to 1000 lbs

>> Can be used with a body support or slings

>> Positive locking latches

>> Long-life rechargeable batteries

>> On-board controls

>> Digital display (LCD) indicating number of lifts, battery levels, and lift status

>> Over-speed governor

>> Emergency stop and lowering

>> Portable ceiling lifts allow for room-to-room transfers

With the rising challenges posed by patient care, hospitals and residential care facilities need to rely on these advanced devices to ensure safe patient handling. By enlisting the cooperation of patients prior to lifting, caregivers can increase patient comfort and sense of dignity.

Health care institutions that are planning to install ceiling lifts need to partner with a reliable company to ensure high quality products and professional, customized solutions to suit their specific requirements.

Promoter for DAY Elevator & Lift.