Why is using a standing aid important?
Manual transfer of a patient is physically demanding and can cause risk of injury to a caregiver. Standing aids provide a safer alternative to manual transfers performed by caregivers. Residents also benefit from these devices with less risk for patient falls compared with manual transfers. Standing and raising aids also promote mobility in patients who can contribute to the action or perform part of the action independently.
Stand aids come in various forms, specifically mechanised and non-mechanised
Depending on patient mobility there are two types of stand aids or sit-to-stand transfer aids. For residents who can stand up without assistance, non-powered equipment should be used. However, for a resident who does not have the ability to stand without help – but can partially bear weight on at least one leg – a powered lift is used.
Powered standing and raising aids typically have an electric lifting mechanism that is powered by a battery. The device is operated by a hand control with buttons for up and down. The lift is intended to make the raising and lowering of the resident a smooth, continuous movement.
Non-mechanised Transfer Aid
The standing aid, commonly known as transfer aid provides no mechanical assistance with the transfer but offers leverage and negates the need to physically turn (whether 90 or 180 degrees) from one position to the next.
Mechanised Stand Aid
Automated with slings enable a person to maintain a standing position whilst the transfer or functional task is completed.
Why use a mechanised stand aid?
Recovery
Stand aids are a great resource to caregivers assisting people who have become deconditioned after a prolonged illness. The use of mechanised stand aids enables the caregiver to safely evaluate the person and grade the activity, getting the person used to standing again, at the same time instilling a feeling of support and increased confidence.
Sustaining standing ability
Stand aids are excellent for standing exercises. They can be used to maintain a person’s standing if they are struggling to stand with the assistance of two people or are unable to pull themselves up on a non-mechanised stand aid. In these cases, the standing aid is potentially an ideal solution for this purpose and can be used in nursing and residential care settings.
Pressure Care Management
Residents and patients with limited mobility are at risk of developing pressure sores. It is crucial that they maintain regular movement and reposition throughout the day. For those with some degree of weight-bearing ability, stand aids can be used for promoting movement which in turn reduces the risk of pressure ulcers.
Things to consider when choosing a stand aid
Weight capacity
Weight capacity is a primary factor when choosing a suitable device as residents in your facility may vary considerably. If your facility sees more plus-sized patients then a device with a higher max safe working load should be considered.
Battery portability
Battery portability is a feature that allows a drained battery to be promptly replaced with a fully charged battery. Some manufacturers use a portable battery system as a standard, whereas others offer it as an option.
Hand-held control
A hand-held control is typically a push-button control used to raise or lower the lifting arm. An important feature is the ability to quickly place the control on the sit-to-stand device during the transfer process.
Service and maintenance
Service agreements with medical devices that offer a complete range of services for spare parts, such as battery or sling replacements, installations and unforeseen issues are essential considerations when choosing between products.
Other factors to consider:
- Risk assessment of the person (end-user)
- Risk assessment of the environment
Carer training
When choosing a sit-to-stand device/standing and raising aid, ease of use, hassle-free that promotes mobility while being comfortable for patients are all things to consider before selecting a device.
Ready to choose?
Working with leading stand aid manufacturers, Medaco can offer a comprehensive range of mechanised standing and lifting aids. Coupled with our bespoke service agreements, product training and flexible budgeting – you can be sure of a device that benefits you and your patients.
