“Ceiling lifts” can be either permanently installed, running along fixed-in rails, OR can be used in conjunction with “free standing overhead rails,” temporarily installed with no changes being made to your home. These portable ceiling lifts can be moved from room to room using different tracks, offering greater flexibility of use. Ceiling lifts are ideal for both home and institutional use.
“Floor lifts” are designed to give patients/residents with reduced mobility and physical strength the ability to raise themselves from a bed, chair, or wheelchair independently. Floor lifts are portable and self-contained and can be used where ceiling lifts are not available or practical.
“Slings” come in a variety of materials and sizes, designed for maximum comfort in patient transfer. Sling applications include seated transfers, standing support, walking, turning and repositioning. Specialized applications include transfer boards for imaging and special slings for operating rooms and limb holding. Slings range in design complexity and ease of application.
PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR CEILING LIFT SYSTEMS?
Immediate and long-term uses and needs, setting (home, institution), program requirements
Staff input and assessment of needs, training requirements, ease of use
Room layouts, structural requirements, track configurations/mounting
Sprinkler location, bathroom ceilings, smoke detectors, door headers, privacy curtains
Lighting, electrical capacities and outlets
Warranties, customization, consultation, installation, training, ongoing support
WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF CEILING LIFT SYSTEMS?
IMPACT ON STAFF:
- Increased morale and empowerment of frontline staff
- Improved retention, recruitment and return-to-work
strategies - Decreased physical demand on frontline staff
- Decreased injury costs related to moving and
assisting clients - Need for education and training time
- Requirement to change practice-alteration of care routines and habits
- Requirement to follow safe work policy and procedures
- Reduction of transfer choices – from preference to safety
- Increased staff time for patient care
IMPACT ON PATIENTS OR CLIENTS:
- Increased safety during transfers or repositioning
- Decreased anxiety about being transferred
- Increased comfort during care, fewer bruises or skin tears
- Increased likelihood of change of position (bed/chair) during the day
- Consistency of transfers and repositioning with different staff
- Adaptive clothing considerations if transferred in a sling
- Increased safety for those without good insight into their abilities
- Less energy expended on poor quality transfers and repositioning
- Feel less of a burden to the staff
- Improved quality of transfer
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CEILING LIFT SYSTEM
EASE OF USE:
- Simple product design that makes sense to users
- Easy to learn and operate
- Configurations that meet the patients’ needs
- Design drawings that clearly illustrate function for staff
- Design and construction that maintenance can endorse
- Clear training and user instruction materials
- Sling design that meets care needs and facilitates comfort
QUALITY AND EXPECTATION OF LONGEVITY:
- Slings and lifts proven to last, provide an economy of use
- All components designed for rigors of healthcare use with long term viability
- References from users having a minimum of three years history with a product
QUALITY AND EXPECTATION OF LONGEVITY:
- CSA and/or UL approved safety features
- Meets local certification specifications (where applicable), i.e. OSHPD
- Meets seismic standards and regulations
- Systems installed by qualified, experienced personnel
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