Using Assistive Devices In Assisted Living. What Can Be Used To Promote Staff And Resident Safety?

As the population of the United States is ageing, so is the demand for facilities that provide a safe and secure environment, promote independence, and can provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) when needed. The growth of assisted living facilities (ALFs) is significant, particularly in states where there are large retirement populations such as Florida. As the resident’s dependency increases in these facilities, so does the need to protect staff from the repetitive strain injuries caused by caring for more residents who need assistance with their ADLs. However, the disparity between the type of assisted devices that can be used by caregivers in ALFs is disparate to the level of risk, with some states allowing the use of a Hoyer (full body) lift and sit-to-stand, while other states do not allow the use of any assistive devices.

This article is the 2nd in a three-part series on safe resident handling (SRH) and focuses on the different types of technology that can be used within ALFs. The previous article in this series examines the need for assistive devices and the reasons they have not been universally adopted in all 50 US states, with the 3rd article representing the opinions of 3 experts in a round table discussion on the area of SRH in an ALF setting.

Monaghan H

Keywords: Safe resident handling, assistive devices, regulations, safe patient handling.