Caring Aids and Equipment

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Lifts and Hoists
Conclusion
Reference List

Introduction

Care delivery is a complex process that requires experts to use available resources and tools to meet the demands of their respective patients. Practitioners can use a wide range of equipment and systems to improve a persons quality of life. The effective use of caring aids is a critical skill for every caregiver. This paper gives a detailed analysis of various caring aids and equipment, how practitioners can use them efficiently, and the anticipated benefits.

Lifts and Hoists

Lifts and hoists are essential devices in the process of care delivery. Medical professionals can use a sit-to-stand or a sling lift depending on the patients condition. The first type is appropriate for individuals who can walk but are unable to stand. The second one is assistive and allows immobile people to be transferred on either a chair or a bed. Two types of hoists include mobile and overhead. The mobile hoist is the best method for moving a patient who can bear some weight on their legs (Aslam et al., 2015). The overhead type is usually used with a leg sling (Aslam et al., 2015). The effective use of such equipment will transform care delivery and make it easier for patients to record positive health outcomes.

The targeted individual will record several benefits from the use of these assistive devices, such as improved life quality, reduction of pressure ulcers, and mobility. For caregivers, this equipment can improve the time taken to offer medical care, minimize injury claims and possible costs, and reduce burnout. Medical practitioners should pursue additional competencies to use these systems more efficiently and be in a position to offer personalized care (Aslam et al., 2015). They should engage in reflective analysis to solve emerging issues and deliver high-quality medical support.

Mobility Aids

Mobility aids are tools designed to allow patients to move around and complete some personal chores. Several devices are available to meet the targeted individuals mobility needs. The first example is that of a walker. This tool allows patients to move from one point to another by providing additional stability (Caro, Costa, and da Cruz, 2018). A walker has a handgrip and an upright post to load the lower limp. The second example is that of a wheelchair. This tool allows individuals to move freely. These manual or battery-powered devices will also make it possible for patients to access various personal items.

Patients using these devices tend to have specific assistance needs. First, they include those who are unable to move freely. Second, such tools can allow individuals to move when there is no one to provide the required aid. The benefits to the user include improved mobility, reduction of pressure ulcers, and the ability to perform a wide range of personal tasks (Caro, Costa, and da Cruz, 2018). The carer will get additional time to provide medical support to other patients, record reduced burnout, and offer personalized care. Professionals need to follow the guidelines for using such aids, engage their patients, and develop a proper course of action to meet the clients needs.

Incontinence Aids

Incontinence aids are designed to meet the needs of people with bladder and bowel incontinence. Some of the common ones include catheters, chair pads, pull-up pants, and penile sheets (Buckley, 2019). Incontinence pads are designed in such a way that patients can put them inside their underwear. They help remove or absorb leaked urine (Buckley, 2019). The pads are fitted with a hydrophilic layer intended to draw away urine from the skin. This type of aid will reduce skin sores caused by increased wetness. Penis sheaths are condom-like in shape and have a funnel tip that is used to drain urine and deposit it in a leg bag through a connector. Physicians encourage caregivers to consider the issue of correct fitness.

These incontinence devices will allow patients with leaking urine to pursue their goals and improve their self-esteem. Members of the medical team should liaise with the patient to understand his or her needs and consider the outlined guidelines for using such aids efficiently. The caregivers will provide personalized services and be in a position to offer additional support to other individuals (Buckley, 2019). The consideration of established clinical guidelines and theories can result in reflective practice and ensure that more patients receive high-quality care.

Personal Care Aids

Patients need various tools that can result in advanced personal care. Some of them include toileting aids, lotion applicators, and long-handled toenail clippers. Nail clippers allow individuals to trim their toenails even when they are unable to bend. Some key beneficiaries include the elderly and pregnant women (Noble and Sweeney, 2018). The availability of such devices allows individuals to perform such tasks freely. A shampooing basin is another tool that allows immobile individuals to wash their heads and hair. The basin will allow individuals to wet and shampoo their hair without moving out of the bed.

The use of these devices helps immobile, pregnant, or older patients complete personal tasks. The aids will reduce the chances of injury. The individuals will also engage in personal routines and eventually record positive health experiences. Carers will find it easier to offer personalized support and be in a position to meet the demands of more patients (Smith et al., 2016). Professionals need to educate their patients on how to use these aids to meet their respective needs. Such approaches are by the existing care theories and models.

Communication Aids

At some point, patients might be unable to communicate with their family members and caregivers. Communication aids are intended to improve the reading, writing, and hearing of individuals in need of medical support (Smith et al., 2016). A magnifier is the first example and can be attached to a headband or spectacle. The individual will read printed materials and respond accordingly. The second one is a sound amplifier for persons with hearing problems. A microphone is attached to allow the patient to listen and respond accordingly.

The two aids can transform the communication process by supporting the demands of persons with eyesight or hearing challenges. The patient will acquire the intended or written message and offer timely responses. Such a practice will transform the care delivery process and support the healing process. The caregiver, on the other hand, will find it easier to liaise with the individual and be involved in the healing process (Noble and Sweeney, 2018). Chances of burnout and fatigue will reduce significantly. A proper program is essential to educate more patients to use such aids effectively. A culture of continuous learning is essential to promote reflective practice and meet the demands of more patients.

Conclusion

The above discussion has identified several aids that are available to patients with diverse needs. Medical practitioners should be aware of such tools and equipment and introduce them in their respective settings. Their effective use will benefit both the caregiver and the patient, thereby transforming the integrity and effectiveness of the entire care delivery process.

Reference List

Aslam, I. et al. (2015) A review of patient lifting interventions to reduce health care worker injuries, Workplace Health & Safety, 63(6), 267-275. Web.

Buckley, B.S. (2019) User perspectives, preferences and priorities relating to products for managing bladder and bowel dysfunctions, Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Enginers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine, 233(1), 7-18. Web.

Caro, C.C., Costa, J.D. and da Cruz, D.M.C. (2018) The use of mobility assistive devices and the functional independence in stroke patients, Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional, 26(3), pp. 558-568. Web.

Noble, N.L. and Sweeney, N.L. (2018) Barriers to the use of assistive devices in patient handling, Workplace Health & Safety, 66(1), pp. 41-48. Web.

Smith, M.C. et al. (2016) Framing moving and handling as a complex healthcare intervention within the acute care of older people with osteoporosis: a qualitative study, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(19-20), pp. 2906-2920. Web.

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