Moving is a must, but when mobility is an issue, patients require devices that will aid them to move from one place to the other. There are devices that aid patients move from one place to another, reducing the risk of falling and minimising the strain from the caregivers.
Here are some of the transfer devices that help patients in mobility:
- Patient lifts:
Patient lifts are devices that help patients without mobility independence to prevent caregivers from straining too much when assisting patients to move. They are also referred to as people lifts, mechanical lifts or handicap lifts.
- Sit-to-stand lifts:
Sit-to-stand lifts are a kind of patient transfer device that helps patients attain sit to stand positions and secures the patient while on transfer. Caregivers will not restrain when putting the patient in the desired position. These lifts work with slings, and many models of sit-to-stand lifts have additional accessories that can be attached.
- Floor lift:
Floor lifts are powered patient lifts that are normally used to lift a fallen patient back to position and are sometimes used to transfer patients from one room to the other. They can also be referred to as people’s lifts, hospital lifts or handicap lifts. They come with slings that wrap the back of the patient and the one that attaches to the lift. Floor lifts have four small wheels to help in moving the patient from one room to the next.
- Ceiling lifts:
Ceiling lifts are specifically handy in healthcare centres or even at home-based care for patients with mobility issues. It can either be mounted on permanent rails on the ceiling or free-standing with hydraulic lifts and sling-seat attached. Ceiling lifts are mostly preferred in small rooms because it decreases clutter. Weight capacity is a factor when choosing a ceiling lift. Consider the weights of beneficiaries, and if it will be used on multiple patients, then it is wise to choose the one that can handle the heavyweights.
Bed transfer aids
It can be very difficult transferring a patient from one side to the next or sitting up a sleeping patient or vice versa, or lifting them from a wheelchair onto the bed or from bed to wheelchair, especially for those who are completely immobile. There are assistive devices that aid in transferring patients from one side of the bed to the next or other assistive devices such as wheelchairs. Without these devices, falls would be rampant, and as we understand, falling is the major cause of deaths amongst patients with mobility issues.
Examples of bed aids include:
- Transfer sheet or slide sheet
A transfer sheet or slide sheet significantly reduces the friction between the patient’s skin and the bedsheets. The patient will not feel the friction when being repositioned. Gliding sheets can be used with other equipment to transfer or reposition the patient on the bed.
- Bed rails
Bed rails are meant to reduce the need for a caregiver to be present for the patient. They are attached securely to the frame or mattress and provide a place where the patient can hold against and pull.
- Bed ladder
Bed ladders allow patients with arm strength to move or assist themselves. It allows the patient to sit the leg and pull it to the right position. Other fundamental assistive devices include toilet or bathroom grab bars that help prevent falling on wet or slippery floors.
Purchasing transfers beds for the hospital is a big task that you should prepare for. Do your research to determine that best types of beds and the most reliable suppliers so that you can make the most out of your hospital’s budget.