What is the purpose of a mechanical floor lift or ceiling lift?
Used to safely transfer clients who need maximum assistance for cognitive or physical reasons.
List 3 benefits of mechanical lifts?
- Decreased injury rates among HCW.
- Decreased perceived risk of injury.
- Decreases time workers spend in poor postural positions.
Describe a client who requires a sit to stand lift for transfers?
- When Cl. is able to w/b at least 1 leg.
When using a mechanical floor lift or sit to stand lift, are the brakes ON or OFF when lowering the client into a W/C or onto the bed? Explain your answer
Off, to prevent the lift from tilting
If a workplace has both mechanical floor lifts and ceiling lifts, when would a floor lift be used (instead of a ceiling lift)?
When the Cl. need transferring to many places
What are the advantages of using a ceiling lift instead of a floor lift for transfers between bed and w/c?
- Requires min physical effort to maneuver.
- Significant time saving
- Increased financial savings for institution in long run.
- Easily available
- Requires less space.
Describe how to put a sling on a client who is lying in bed - preparation to transfer with a ceiling lift to a w/c (include landmarks).
- Obtain appropriate sized sling, check for defect in sling.
- Designate leader of 2 RA’s
- Fold sling in half w/handles on outside.
- Roll Cl. on side away from sling.
- Centre sling along spine + and coccyx.
- Roll Cl. onto side + pull sling out
Describe a client who requires a repositioning sling to move up in bed.
Cl. who needs maximum assistance for all bed mobility.
What important environment preparations must the assistant perform before transferring a client?
- Check battery
- Check machine + cling for defects.
- Remove obstacles to ensure sufficient space for transfer.
- Destination ready for Cl. (bed: height, brakes linens), (w/c: Remove foot rests, seat belts, back angle - if in tilt w/w).
What are some general considerations when operating any of the lifts?
- Brakes off when positioning device to prevent tilting (Sit To Stand / MFL).
- Never leave Cl. Unattended in lift.
- Only raise Cl. to height required to just clear surface.
- Move Cl. shortest distance possible
What are 3 limitations of mechanical lifts?
- Maybe uncomfortable or cause anxiety for client.
- May take HCW more time..
- Promotes dependence + FL take up more space.
