Ceiling Lifts: Why Aren’t They Being Used?
One in three injuries among health care workers is caused by moving and assisting clients.
These injuries can be reduced by using ceiling lifts to transfer, reposition, and turn clients.
However, lifts are not always being used, and here are some common reasons.
Reason 1: I’ve heard that you can damage a person’s skin integrity
Hello Mrs. Henderson, we’re just going to reposition you. You’ve been on your back
for a couple hours.
[Narrator] Leaving a repositioning sling under a person has been shown to promote repositioning
and reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers.
We’re just going to lower down the carry bar. I’ll just grab a shoulder strap, hip strap…
[Narrator] Repositioning slings can be left on all types of mattresses.
[Narrator] Always assess your clients and develop a plan that allows you to provide safe care, while taking care of yourself.
Reason 2: I don’t feel confident using the lift with this client
Helene, I really wasn’t sure what to do with her IV, protecting it, so I just wanted some help.
Not a problem, it’s really simple…
[Narrator] After surgery, or with certain wounds or conditions, many clients require
special consideration when using a ceiling lift.
[Narrator] A care plan can be implemented that will minimize the stress on your body,
and reduce your chance of suffering and injury.
[Narrator] Tell your supervisor, if you are uneasy using the equipment with certain clients,
and don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues for some tips.
That worked well for you. I’m just going to take this back.
Reason 3: The family prefers we use a hands-on approach
So what we’re going to do is move your mom back into bed and use a ceiling lift to do that.
[Narrator] Ceiling lifts are the safest, most comfortable way to move and assist people.
With every new client, communicate with the family that at some point, their family member may require assistance.
You’re looking fine – no concerns? It’s good that your daughter’s here to check
it out and see how we actually transfer you.
[Narrator] Lifting a client without a ceiling lift is awkward and requires a lot of physical effort.
For your safety and the safety of your client, use the lift.
Reason 4: We’ve been told to get the client as mobile as possible
We’re going to lift you up out of bed and bring you to the chair.
[Narrator] A manual transfer only takes a minute, and isn’t sufficient to improve
a person’s strength and mobility.
[Narrator] Before deciding to move someone, you need to check their abilities.
If there is any doubt that they can support their own weight, then you definitely need to use a lift.
A fall will only set a client back; not every moment is a rehab moment.
Reason 5: Many clients aren’t very heavy
Hi! So what were going to do is use a ceiling lift to get you up and seated for awhile so you can get out of bed.
[Narrator] Any adult that requires more than minimal assistance is too heavy to safely transfer
or reposition without using a ceiling lift.
[Narrator] You wouldn't lift a 100-pound box, so why would you manually lift a 100-pound client?
[Narrator] Use your skills as a care worker to their fullest advantage, and let the equipment do the work.
Reason 6: I'm just moving them up a few inches
Hi Mrs. Henderson. You seem to have wiggled down the bed, so we’re going to reposition
you back up and make you more comfortable.
[Narrator] Even though it is a very short distance, boosting a person requires a lot of effort
and it puts both you and your client at risk of injury.
Over time, the damage to your body builds up, putting you at even greater risk.
[Narrator] Use a ceiling lift; it’s safer for you and your client.
Great! I’ll get Leah to return that and she’ll lower your bed.
There you go. Are you comfortable?
Reason 7: It takes too long
Hi Mrs. Henderson. You seem to have wiggled down the bed, so we’re going to reposition
you back up and make you more comfortable.
[Narrator] When medically safe to do so, a repositioning sling should be kept under a
person to reduce any additional turning.
[Narrator] With proper equipment and practice, using a ceiling lift doesn’t take much longer.
Now you look much better – a bit more comfortable, a bit higher up in the bed.
Moving and assisting people is the leading cause of injury in health care, and ceiling
lifts are the best way to reduce the risk.
Client assessment, and the appropriate use of ceiling lifts, will help you achieve quality
care and keep you safe from injury.