LiftVest for NURSING HOMES

Workers Compensation Increases
Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA's) in skilled nursing facilities provide countless numbers of resident transfers each and every day. Due to the increase in employee back related injuries and muscle strains, even resident drops, a good percentage of long term care providers implemented "minimal lift" or "no lift" protocols, which typically included purchasing sufficient gait belts and mechanical transfer equipment.

Yet, there still remain drawbacks with both of these;

Drawbacks to Gait Belts

• Unfortunately, gait belts have a tendency to slip during transfer
• have the potential to cause bruising
• often times causes inappropriate touching by the caregiver
• center of gravity is focused on the waist line, potentially leading to resident falls
• contribute to muscle strains and back related injuries

Drawbacks to Patient Handling Equipment
Traditional mechanical lifts

• are not used like they should because caregivers cannot locate one
• Caregivers find them too time consuming
• The layout of the building has little or no storage areas for the lifts
• Caregivers would rather do manual transfers due to lack of training

** It should be noted that the LiftVest does not replace the use of mechanical lifting devices for those who are non-ambulatory or bedridden.

LiftVest
The LiftVest enables caregivers to provide wheelchair users (those who are able to assist with their legs) with safer, more comfortable transfers with dignity. This is why the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded LiftVest a Federal Supply Schedule Contract in 2006.

From the van ... to the doctor's office ... to the toilet ... to a chair or bed. LiftVest makes transfer assistance easier, faster, and safer for semi-ambulatory residents.

How can the LiftVest help the caregiver?

• Makes wheelchair transfers easier, faster and safer
• Prevents back injuries
• Allows caregiver to find the best position for lifting - from any angle!
• Facilitates quick, effortless positioning (and re-positioning)
• Secure walking aid
• Essential for emergency evacuations
• Won't slip like a gait belt
• Easy pick-up from the floor
• Takes only 2 minutes to train in the proper use

How can the LiftVest help the wearer?

• Wheelchair transfers are more dignified, with less fumbling and pulling
• Prevents bruising and shoulder injuries
• Spreads lifting pressure evenly over the whole torso - like a big gentle hug
• Makes travel to and from doctors visits more civilized with dignity
• Is a secure walking aid
• Avoids undesirable touching
• Will not slip when secured properly

Ordering LiftVest for Each Resident Who Requires Transfer Assistance
Ideally, each resident who can stand on their own, yet needs caregiver assistance with transfers should be measured to ensure the caregiver is utilizing the appropriate size vest. Before placing an order, we recommend measuring the waist line and the chest area just below the armpits.

If you are a nursing home owner/operator, we HIGHLY recommend purchasing a LiftVest for each and every resident who needs assistance with transfers. By each resident having their own vest, this will ensure the staff will utilize the vest, rather than having to locate one if they are shared in the facility. This also allows family members to benefit and use the LiftVest when taking their loved one to the doctor's office, shopping, or any trip away from the community.

If your community would like to speak to a representative, or have questions about ordering the product, contact us today so we can discuss how the LiftVest family of products can improve the quality of life at your facility!

**The product is recommended for any semi-ambulatory resident who can assist the caregiver in the transfer. For non-ambulatory or bed-ridden residents, we highly recommend utilizing appropriate mechanical lift equipment.