East Prince Health Long Term Care facilities Wedgewood Manor and Summerset Manor have launched an initiative to increase resident comfort and reduce workplace injuries. Over recent months, ceiling lifts were installed throughout the two manors.
The ceiling lift installations were seen as a priority as part of the health region's commitment to high quality resident and patient care as well as a benefit to the wellbeing of staff. The lifts are used to transfer residents safely and securely thus greatly enhancing care and comfort.
There is also less risk involved for health care workers with this type of transfer due to the stationary nature of the lift. A track is securely mounted to each resident's room ceiling. The lift is able to move along this track and can raise and lower residents with the touch of a button on a handset.
Evidence compiled over the last ten years has shown that ceiling lifts can dramatically change the lives of workers in long-term care environments. Statistics show that facilities using ceiling lifts reduce nurse back injuries by 75 percent.
Faye Feener, Manager of Summerset and Wedgewood Manors, said that "Nursing staff have less stress and they feel more energetic as a result of using the equipment. Management feels the benefits too with less staff absenteeism, improved morale and reduced costs. We are also finding that residents love the new lifts."
"Staff and residents' safety are always major concerns of East Prince Health. Providing appropriate equipment and work processes play a significant part in achieving a safe workplace and ensuring that staff can always use safe work practices," added Ms. Feener.