Homecare provider’s use of innovative lifting chair reduces need for ambulance calls and hospital visits

A homecare provider is seeing huge benefits after introducing an innovative piece of equipment to help clients who have fallen.

Westmorland Homecare’s South Lakeland branch, which is based in Kendal, has incorporated the use of the Raizer, a lifting chair, into its care practices.

“This year alone the Raizer has been successfully utilised more than 25 times, significantly reducing the need for ambulance calls and subsequent hospital visits,” said the branch’s recruitment coordinator Jack Monopoli. “This very much aligns with one of Westmorland Homecare’s main aims, which is to reduce strain on the NHS.

“The Raizer has proved to be an invaluable tool in ensuring our clients’ swift recovery from falls, thereby enhancing their overall safety and well-being.”

He said a testament to the Raizer’s effectiveness had come from the son of a client, who said: “It’s been a big help. When she is on her feet she can move about and walk around using her walker, but the difficulty is when she goes down, even when uninjured and fine, she finds it impossible to get up.

“The Raizer makes a difference because she can be safely and easily lifted up by two carers, reducing the need for an ambulance or the hospital.

“Westmorland Homecare has become the first point of call for falls and the staff are brilliant on every occasion when we’ve met them.”

Mr Monopoli added: “At Westmorland Homecare, our commitment to providing top-notch care for our clients is unwavering. One of the critical areas we focus on is fall management, particularly in reducing the time our clients spend on the floor after a fall. Falls can have severe consequences, especially for elderly people, and timely assistance is crucial.

“The quick response and efficient use of the Raizer by our skilled caregivers ensure that our clients do not suffer the detrimental effects of prolonged immobility after a fall,” said Mr Monopoli.

He said research underscored the importance of reducing the time spent on the floor following a fall.

“More than one hour spent on the floor following a fall is known as a ‘long lie’, and long-lies are associated with serious complications, including pressure sores, dehydration, hypothermia, pneumonia, and acute kidney failure (Rhabdomyolysis).

“By using the Raizer, Westmorland Homecare effectively mitigates these risks, providing timely assistance and ensuring better health outcomes for our clients. Our proactive approach in adopting such advanced equipment exemplifies our dedication to high-quality care and the well-being of those we serve.”

He said the client’s son’s feedback highlighted the Raizer’s role in not only providing physical assistance but also offering peace of mind to Westmorland Homecare’s clients and their families.

Westmorland Homecare provides care to enable vulnerable and often frail people over the age of 18 to live independently in their own home. Its services include homecare, such as help with housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care, which includes support with medication, dressing, bathing and living life to the full.