"Nurses and other health-care workers are at high risk for receiving musculoskeletal injuries while performing high-risk patient handling tasks. Implementation of a Safe Patient Handling and Movement Program will increase patient safety, improve the health and safety of nurses and other healthcare workers, and reduce health-care costs"

 

Vivienne E. Friday, MSN, RN, Connecticut Nursing News, June, July & August 2007, Vol. 80, Issue 2

 

ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES

>>Hospital
>>Long Term Care

The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) defines an assisted living as a long-term residence option that provides resident-centered care in a residential setting. It is designed for those who need extra help in their day-to-day lives but who do not require the 24-hour skilled nursing care.

The "Get A Lift!"® program provides the design, training and oversight for the necessary processes along with the movement and assistive devices for a comprehensive Resident Movement Program. Key components for a successful Safe Resident Movement Program for assisted living include: 

  • Training for care managers on the completion of pre-admission and admission individualized service plan assessments to determine the need for movement or assist devices
  • Completion of an on-line overview of the Safe Resident Movement Program by all staff; successful completion of a competency test by all staff which validates understanding
  • Completion by all staff of a hands-on training session for movement devices conducted by professional nurses. All staff must demonstrate competency by completing a return demonstration of the skills.
  • Presentation and on-line information about the safe movement components and benefits for residents and their families
  • Oversight and hands-on mentoring provided by professional nurses for staff on the use and integration of the processes and devices of the Safe Resident Movement Program

Sally Z. Cottrell
RN, BSN

Director of Long Term Care and Assisted Living Operations

Oversees and directs the implementation and follow up of the Get A Lift! Program in long term care and assisted living communities; directs and manages Prevent, Inc.'s professional nurses who provide the hands-on training and support.

 

For 9 years, Sally's dedication, attention to detail and commitment to excellence has been vital to the development and success of the Get A Lift Program.

Nursing education and experience for 34 years include:

  • BSN- Pennsylvania State University
  • Nurse Educator Certificate-University of North Carolina
  • Community College CNA Program Coordinator and Instructor
  • American Red Cross Blood Services, Syracuse NY, Asst. Director of Nursing for Staff Development
  • Staff nurse in  Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and North Carolina
  • Community College Maternal-Child Health Clinical Instructor
  • Public School Nurse