Unit 7

Question 1

What is the purpose of a mechanical floor lift or ceiling lift?

Answer 1

Used to safely transfer clients who need maximum assistance for cognitive or physical reasons.

Question 2

List 3 benefits of mechanical lifts?

Answer 2

1. Decreased injury rates among HCW.
2. Decreased perceived risk of injury.
3. Decreases time workers spend in poor postural positions.

Question 3

Describe a client who requires a sit to stand lift for transfers?

Answer 3

• When Cl. is able to w/b at least 1 leg.

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Off, to prevent the lift from tilting

Question 5

If a workplace has both mechanical floor lifts and ceiling lifts, when would a floor lift be used (instead of a ceiling lift)?

Answer 5

When the Cl. need transferring to many places

Question 6

What are the advantages of using a ceiling lift instead of a floor lift for transfers between bed and w/c?

Answer 6

• Requires min physical effort to maneuver.
• Significant time saving
• Increased financial savings for institution in long run.
• Easily available
• Requires less space.

Question 7

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).

Answer 7

• 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

Question 8

Describe a client who requires a repositioning sling to move up in bed.

Answer 8

Cl. who needs maximum assistance for all bed mobility.

Question 9

What important environment preparations must the assistant perform before transferring a client?

Answer 9

• 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).

Question 10

What are some general considerations when operating any of the lifts?

Answer 10

• 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

Question 11

What are 3 limitations of mechanical lifts?

Answer 11

1. Maybe uncomfortable or cause anxiety for client.
2. May take HCW more time..
3. Promotes dependence + FL take up more space.