Residents of nursing homes have limited mobility. They are usually dependent on the support and care they receive from nursing home staff. A Hoyer lift is a popular type of assistive aids found in nursing homes. This is a mechanical device used for moving and lifting residents of nursing homes. If not used correctly, it could lead to injuries. Injuries from improper use of a Hoyer lift can cause trauma to the mind and body of the resident.
The Hoyer lift is made up of a sling-type seat which holds the patient and a mechanical frame. The mechanical frame has a wheel, and the patient is transferred when it swivels. Although these devices are made to improve the mobility and safety of seniors, improper or wrong use can cause serious injuries.
A Hoyer lift is only helpful if it is correctly used otherwise nursing home falls will occur. When falls occur among residents of a nursing home, it leads to long-term illness or rehabilitation. It also causes decreased quality of life, depression, isolation from loved ones, and additional injuries. Guidelines for safe lifting and movement of residents are provided to nursing home staff by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The essence of this is to prevent Hoyer lift injuries. The Center for Disease Control suggests that staff of nursing homes should be constantly trained and re-trained on lifting and movement of residents. Improper training of staff members is a major contributory factor to injury of patients and residents.
A lot of injuries from Hoyer lifts can be prevented. Negligence of the nursing home staff is the primary cause of Hoyer lift injuries. Inadequate staffing can also cause these injuries and nursing homes are encouraged to have a sizable number of employees.