"Low Life" program implemented By: Cyndi Feldhege, D.O.N., Koronis Manor Lifting and transferring takes a heavy toll. Nurses and NARs have been ranked fifth among all workers nationally who file compensation claims for back injury. At Koronis Manor, a skilled care facility within PAHCS, we are trying to be proactive. In March 2003, we implemented a No Lift Program, which has now become our Low Lift Program. This is a comprehensive and continuous program to protect both our residents and staff from injuries during lifting, transfers, and positioning. Pictured at right: Two EZ Lifts to help reduce injuries. Since March 2003, we received a safety grant through the state of Minnesota to purchase two EZ Stands, two EZ Lifts and slings, and a wheelchair scale. The primary benefit is the long-term reduction of injuries to employees. Our Low Lift Program is designed to meet the following goals: • Improve working conditions by reducing the incidence of back fatigue and back injuries. • Maintain a high level of resident dignity and quality care. • Standardize all lifting procedures and provide tools to lift safely. • Protect staff and residents from injury. Lift Strategies and Procedures were based on: • No assistance - the resident moves freely all day. • Standing lift - resident can bear some weight. • Full weight - resident can bear no weight or when other methods are not appropriate. Lifts without using a mechanical lifting device are limited to: • Assisting residents who are ambulatory and stable into and out of bed, chairs, and commodes. • Assisting with residents' needs in bed where the resident is able to assist or reposition a resident by sliding bed sheet or bed pad. • Other lifts and transfers where the back and knees remain vertical and the lift does not exceed 30 pounds. • All other situations require the use of a mechanical lifting device. When physically assisting in lifting or transferring of residents without a mechanical lift, staff will use transfer belts to maintain safe lifting posture. The caregiver can upgrade to a stand or lift at anytime but decisions to downgrade must be approved by a supervisor or Physical Therapy evaluation. We emphasize the safety of the lift and the reduced likeliness of hip fractures, separated shoulders, or other injuries from lifting and transferring. The EZ Stand also helps residents maintain standing. We encourage residents to use their arms in the stand to help maintain strength. We used a simple questionnaire given to nursing employees to evaluate the usage and obtain feedback. Staff felt it was a good investment and that transfers were safer for residents and staff, with less lifting and ease of use. New staff will have orientation on the Low Lift Program. Thank you to the Low Lift Task Force members and staff for their help and continued support of the Low Lift Program. Return to Newsletter