National Fall Huddle
Let’s Talk Transfers: Optimizing Aids. Reducing Risk. Increasing Resident and Staff Safety.
Understand how to use the right transfer aid, in the right way, and in the right situation to improve safety and reduce fall risk.
Description
Transfers are a common source of falls—even when supporting aids are in use. Which begs the question, are the right aids being used with the right residents, and in the right way? In August’s National Fall Huddle, we’ll be joined by Direct Supply’s Kari Harbaugh, Senior Product Consultant, to explore the optimization of transfer aids, including which aid to use when, the different considerations for different types of aids, and the best practices for each.
We’ll provide guidance and communication strategies for encouraging residents living with Alzheimer’s and dementia to participate more easily in the transfer, reducing risk and stress while increasing safety for both the resident and the care staff. We’ll examine how technology can support, determining if and when a transfer aid is needed, as well as if it is being used properly, helping to prevent falls. And we’ll demonstrate how fall technology can help develop desired behavior more quickly, which is critical when those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia have difficulty identifying safety hazards and learning to use new aids. In addition, we’ll review successful case studies, and our expert panel will take your questions.
Learning objectives:
- Analyze various types of transfer aids and what to consider for each
- Review best practices for transfers with each type of aid to ensure resident and caregiver safety
- Outline the conversation to have with families when a transfer aid is necessary
- Outline the communication strategies for residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia to encourage participation in transfers
- Review how to use fall prevention technology to determine if the transfer aid is appropriate
Webinar Hosts
Kari Harbaugh, CSPHA
Senior Product Consultant – HCE, Direct Supply
Kari has been working with Direct Supply for over 16 years and in her role as a Sr. Consultant for healthcare equipment for the last 9 years. She’s a specialist in safe patient handling and mobility practices and is certified as a Safe Patient Handling Associate. In her role she works closely with the product management team and manufacturers of beds, mattresses, lifts and transfer devices. She prides herself on knowing the pros and cons of each piece of equipment to best help customers select the right products for their building, their residents, their staff, and their budget.
Annette Hoffman, MS, PT
Clinical Success Manager at SafelyYou
Annette holds degrees in physical therapy and allied health and has practiced in rehabilitation, acute care, and dementia care. Injury prevention, education, and advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves has always been important to her, making Annette a perfect fit for SafelyYou. Her family has experience with Alzheimer’s, and she is grateful to be combining her personal and professional passions to improve the lives of others. After work, you may find her enjoying the adventures of her three kids or time out on the water.
Michele O’Koomian
COTA/L, CDP, CFPS, SafelyYou
Michele has 20 years of clinical experience in occupational therapy with an emphasis on the aging adult. She is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Fall Prevention Specialist who has worked in various care settings, including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care and skilled home health. Michele’s philosophy of care combines a functional and multi-disciplinary approach to facilitate optimal outcomes, and her passion for helping others began at a young age, while caring for her grandfather at home. Michele hopes to continue to combine her experiences and expertise as a fall mitigation partner to support communities and facilities worldwide in reaching their care delivery goals.
Glen Xiong, MD
Chief Medical Officer, SafelyYou
Dr. Xiong earned his medical degree from UC Davis and completed his residency training in Internal Medicine and Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center. He is certified by the American Medical Directors Association in Post-Acute and Long-term Care Medicine (2006, 2016). He provides clinical care at the UC Davis Medical Center, and in Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Facilities.
