subject: How To Use Hydraulic Lifts For Perineal Care [print this page] Healthcare professionals often find hydraulic lifts to be a convenient way to manage patients who cannot bear weight, have physical limitations or who are very heavy and can not be transferred otherwise.
Without lifts, caregivers risk back injuries, exhaustion and burnout. Hydraulic lifts are used to transfer patients from their beds to wheelchairs, bathtubs and for help in perineal care and dressing. While used in transfers for perineal care, there are several precautionary measures and steps that should be followed.
The patient's weight is the first consideration. TwinMed Direct carries the Invacare Reliant 450 Hydraulic Lift, capable of safely transferring patients up to 450 pounds. To prepare the patient for transfer to the bed for perineal care, a sling must be placed around the patient, while taking measures to ensure that body alignment is correct.
The sling should now be attached securely to the lift. A pump mechanism or electric pump is used to lift the patient to the proper height for easy transfer to the bed. The patient can now be "swung", or transferred into bed and lowered into a lying position. This should be done slowly, as not to startle the patient and cause upset.
To proceed with perineal care, first, remove the sling. Most slings are made of lightweight, yet incredibly strong fabrics that easily slide out from under patients for ease of use. After donning nitrile gloves, or some other type of protective glove, remove the necessary articles of clothing and soiled protective undergarments.
Thorough cleaning is essential to proper perineal care. TwinMed Direct carries a full line of wet wipes or dry disposable wipes that cleans and softens sensitive skin. ProCure moist wipes are now on sale for a limited time.
After cleansing the genital area and bottom, a high quality ointment, containing zinc oxide and Vitamins A, D and E should be liberally applied. Ointments prevent painful rashes and infections from occurring. A good ointment should also be able to treat skin problems, such as rashes and dry skin, caused by incontinence. An excellent example of a good perineal ointment is PeriGaurd Ointment, which is available through TwinMed Direct.
Now it is time to fit the patient into an appropriate protective undergarment. Most immobile patients require pull ups or adult "diapers." TwinMed Direct offers a wide selection of incontinence care items at unbeatable prices.
To view TwinMed Direct's hydraulic lifts, slings, and their wide assortment of protective undergarments and perineal care items, please visit their website at http://www.twinmeddirect.com/index.html. To learn about extra savings on bulk orders, please contact one of their top notch customer service representatives.
