CORE VALUES IN CREATING WIN-WIN CONSUMER/PROVIDER LIFTING POLICIES

  I.     SELF-DETERMINATION           -- Choice: Consumer, in partnership with staff, has final say, whenever possible, about choice of lifting/moving techniques/strategies.           -- Independence: Whenever possible, staff should foster consumer independence but provide assistance when needed for safety.

II. DIGNITY -- Facilitate a smooth and easy transfer with respect -- Provide for consumer choice of human versus mechanical assistance whenever possible.

III.  COMFORT AND SAFETY -- Equipment and policies should be safe for both the consumer and provider at all times -- Equipment/techniques should not bruise or hurt consumer physically or psychologically -- Providers should listen to the consumer. We know best about what works and what doesn’t work.

IV. Other KEY CONSIDERATIONS: -- ZERO LIFTING policies ARE THE MOST PROTECTIVE FOR WORKERS BUT LIMIT CONSUMER CHOICE -- How can we achieve a win-win for BOTH workers and consumers? -- Inform consumers about lifting options, both manual and mechanical -- Act in provider-consumer partnership in choice of option -- Allow provider to refuse only AFTER consumer states preference -- Create optimal use of multifunctional/modular equipment, minimizing need for multiple transfers. Fewer transfers are best for BOTH consumer and provider.

DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS Because people with disabilities vary in disability type, functional ability, shapes and sizes, no one technique or type of equipment will fit all folks. Here are some examples of recommended lifts:

TIPS FOR OFFERING ASSISTANCE Ask if the person needs help with transferring If the offer is accepted, ask the person, “How can I help?” Ask specifically what the person’s preferred choice for transfer is. This may be sliding board, mechanical lift, transfer team, independent transfer with slight assistance, fully independent transfer. If the offer is declined, respect the dignity of the consumer’s choice.

     Hoyer Lift

EZ Pivot Lift

Ceiling track lift

Lift Aid

Patient Lift Scale

Sliding Board

RESOURCES Reis, J.P., Breslin, M.L., Iezzoni, L.I., Kirschner, K.L., “It Takes More Than Ramps,” Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (September 2004), http://www.dredf.org/healthcare/RIC_whitepaperfinal.pdf Kailes, J.I., MacDonald, C., “Importance of Accessible Examination Tables, Chairs, and Weight Scales,” Center for Disabilities Issues and the Health Professions, http://www.cdihp.org/briefs/1.%20Brief-Exam%20Tables%20and%20Scales-FINAL%20Edition%204_4%208%2009.pdf American National Standard, “Human Factors Engineering – Design of Medical Devices” (Approved American National Standards Institute 2009), http://www.aami.org/publications/standards/HE75_Ch16_Access_Board.pdf