FDA on Patient Lift Safety and How to Avoid Serious Injury

FDA Guidelines on Patient Lift Safety for Caregivers and How to Avoid Serious Injury

A patient lift can be a lifesaver but it can also represent a major safety challenge for both the caregiver and the patient. Patient falls from lifts can cause injuries including fractures, head trauma or even death. A caregiver who is unfamiliar with how to safely use the lift can cause serious injury to both themselves and the patient.

The FDA has provided some safety guidelines for the proper use of patient lifts.

1.    DO NOT push, pull or lift weight while:

·      Off-balance or leaning forward

·      Twisting and/or reaching

·      Entrapped in a confined space

2.    Work as closely to the patient as possible to avoid stress or leaning

3.    Be sure you understand how to operate the specific sling or lift you are using and use the proper attachments and accessories

4.    Do not use a lift for transport unless it is specifically designed for transport in a car or van

5.    Never leave a patient unattended in a lift and do not keep them in the lift for more than a few minutes at a time

6.    Do not hold or support a patients weight while they are in a lift it could cause the lift to detach

7.    Never operate a lift alone if it requires more than one person to operate.

8.    Disinfect after use and keep the lift clean

9.    If the lift or sling has rips, tears or shows any sign of damage do not use

10. Receive training and practice before operating a lift

With the proper understanding of how to use it safely a patient lift can be a wonderful device for both the caregiver and the patient. If you have questions on patient lift safety give us a call now at 954-658-6502 and we will be happy to assist you.

This blog post originally appeared here: http://www.bodyuppatientlift.com/2017/01/12/fda-on-patient-lift-safety-and-how-to-avoid-serious-injury/

Body Up Evolution Patient Lift vs. The Hoyer Lift

Body Up Evolution Patient Lift vs. The Hoyer Lift

 

Patient lifts and transfer devices have been around for some time. They are designed to assist caregivers in transferring patients from their home to a car or from their bed to the bathtub or toilet.  Moving an elderly or bedridden patient can be challenging and hazardous. A good patient lift is designed to safely transfer patients without harming the patient or the caregiver. There have been great strides in the design of patient lifts and medical transfer devices in the last few years. The Body Up Evolution patient lift and transfer devices has transformed the industry when compared with other devices on the market.

Comparing the Body Up Evolution with the Hoyer Lift

Hoyer lifts are some of the top selling brands available on the market. Body Up Evolutions is both lighter and smaller than the Hoyer. This makes it easier to use and more versatile for caregivers. The Body Up’s major differentiator from the Hoyer is that is acts as a 4 in-1:

• ·      Vehicle transfer device
• ·      Bath & commode chair
• ·      Advanced patient lift
• ·      Indoor wheel chair

It’s lightweight and versatility make Body Up Evolution a good choice for caregivers over the Hoyer lift. It is also generally priced better than the Hoyer lift.

This post originally appeared here:

http://www.bodyuppatientlift.com/2016/11/26/body-up-evolution-patient-lift-hoyer-comparison/

Expert Tips on How to Safely Transfer an Elderly Patient

Expert Tips on How to Safely Transfer an Elderly Patient

If you are a caregiver to someone with mobility issues you already know that transferring that person from one spot to another is a major challenge without using a patient transfer device. Simple actions that we take for granted like getting out of bed, going to the bathroom, sitting in a favorite chair become tasks that require at least one person to assist with.

As a caregiver you expose yourself to serious back issues every time you transfer a patient if you do not follow some simple tips on taking care of your back's health. The medical lift experts at Body Up Evolution want to pass on key rules to prevent strains, tears, and other back injuries. These tips apply if you are using a medical lift device or not:

• Before lifting, make sure you have a solid foundation by placing your feet apart to shoulder width with one foot a half step ahead of the other.
• Remember, you want to lift with your legs, never with your back. Never attempt to lift a patient who weighs more than you can handle. It's not safe for you or the patient.
• Take care of your back. Do basic stretching exercises before attempting a transfer. If you sit for an extended period of time, get up, stretch and walk around a bit. Don't let your back muscles tighten up.

Medical Lift Devices Can be a Game Changer

Patient transfers can be uncomfortable for both the patient and the caregiver. Using a medical lift device can ease the strain, speed up the process and provide a sense of dignity for the patient. There are many devices to choose from but keep in mind how many transfers and how many types of transfers your patient needs to make each day (bath, wheel chair, car, etc.). A device that can provide maximum utility will make life far easier for both patient and caregiver alike.

Body Up Evolution makes transfer devices for almost every situation but their most popular is a light weight, stainless steel chair that can be used as a lift, bath chair, indoor wheel chair, and easily accommodates transfer into a full size wheel chair or even an automobile.

If you are a caregiver and you would like to make life easier for yourself and your patient, contact us today and discuss the many options available.

Patient Lift What Caregivers Should Look For

What Caregivers Should Look for When Choosing a Patient Lift

For a home caregiver, patient lift can represent a major challenge for both the caregiver and the patient. Of primary concern for any lift device is the safety of the patient and caregiver. Back strain is a common "occupational hazard" for caregivers when using inappropriate patient lift systems and patients can experience pain, a loss of dignity to outright falls.

A quick review of lifts available will reveal that there are patient lifts and transfer devices for almost any conceivable situation. Some are designed for hospital use and other in-patient facilities while others are appropriate for home use. Selecting the right lift can be confusing.

Selecting a Patient Lift Right for Your Needs

To help a caregiver pick the most appropriate home patient lift, Body Up Evolution offers these basic tips:

1. Make a list of "lift and transfer" needs that your patient requires. Use this list to ensure that the device(s) you consider will actually handle the transfer needs you have.
2. Whatever device you select, ensure it has the mechanical or electrical power to accommodate your patient's weight.
3. Many accidents involving patient lifts are caused by "operator error." Make sure the manufacturer can provide detailed instruction on the proper use of the device either through a representative or online videos and training aids.
4. Will the device require more leverage or muscle than you are capable of providing or is it essentially non-strenuous?
5. Is the device easy to clean? Like anything that is used on a daily basis, patient lifts will get dirty. Bacteria growth on a device can represent a serious threat of infection particularly to patients who have a weakened autoimmune system. Lifts should be easy to clean and all parts should be easily accessible.
6. If the device is battery powered, how easy is it to recharge and is there an electrical source with the appropriate current and wattage?
7. Is the device portable? Can it be easily transported in the trunk of a car? If your patient requires or wants mobility outside of the home, will the device accommodate transfer from and into cars?
8. What level of customer service does the manufacturer provide? If a part fails or malfunctions, how quickly can replacement parts be shipped?

Home caregivers are often spouses or adult relatives of the patient and while lift devices are designed to provide a level of mobility for the patient, the health of the caregiver is essential too. In hospital settings, back strains account for the most disabling injuries among professional care givers.

At Body Up Evolution we believe that the patient lift should be able to accommodate getting out of bed, going to the bathroom, bathing, transfer to a wheel chair or automobile all without placing any undue stress on the caregiver.

If you have questions on how we accomplish this give us a call now and we will be happy to assist you.