Case Settlement Could Increase Mechanical Lifting Devices A recent nursing home case settlement could lead to a clampdown on lifting of patients, paving the way for the installation of more mechanical lifting devices. But rehabilitation providers are not convinced that such a decision would be beneficial. Beverly Enterprises Inc, a Fort Smith, Ark, nursing home provider, agreed last month to settle a 10-year-old patient care injury lawsuit, in which an employee had sued the company for injuries sustained while lifting. In the process, Beverly vowed to minimize workers' lifting of residents by installing expensive lifters. "How can you work in a nursing home without lifting patients?," asks Andy Whitener, PT, administrative director of the Rehabilitation Institute at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, a 285-bed facility. "Mechanical lifts take longer, there have been many reports of injuries from them, and they detract from the personal touch." Whitener's facility is one of many that have reported lowered injury rates through training and stricter rules regarding lifting procedures. Similarly, Jack Carroll, PhD, MHA, president and CEO of Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Hospital, Richmond, Va, says that he sees no need for more mechanical lifters."We have implemented lift protocols where an overhead page or beep brings trained, committed caregivers to the patient for a transfer, which is safe for the patient and the staff," he says. Still, a spokesperson for Beverly Enterprises says, "It is important that mechanical lifting devices are integrated into rehab programs. There is not a prohibitive cost involved, and they are the most surefire way to be safe." Ticket to Work Could Benefit Rehab Providers The Social Security Administration (SSA) Ticket To Work program, which began in early February, may lead to more work for rehabilitation providers in the 13 states that currently sponsor it. The program targets Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, providing them with vouchers for vocational rehabilitation, job training, and other support services. Over the next 6 months, 2.4 million people will receive the vouchers, which they can take to an employment network office in their state. The ticket holder and network office then design an employment plan, outlining services to be provided, such as rehabilitation. "If a person needs rehab, this allows them to work with an employer to get rehab and get a job," says Jim Courtney, a spokesperson for the SSA. "It should be a great program for both the person with the disability, as well as the rehab provider." Tom Stewart, director of government affairs for the National Rehabilitation Association, Alexandria, Va, agrees. "This could have a significant impact on our industry," he says. "But that will depend on the SSA's commitment to it. They need to advertise it and really sell it. It could result in rehab providers getting a lot of new business, which is especially important given the economic downturn."
