Written by Hulet Smith, OT
One all-too-common challenge facing caregivers and medical professionals alike is the question of how to safely transport patients who use wheelchairs while also limiting the risk of injury to caregivers.
And while something as simple as pushing a wheelchair may seem like a less-than-dangerous endeavor, studies have shown that this once-simple act is now linked to a surprising number of caregiver injuries, worker compensation claims and early retirement from the healthcare field.
That’s where the Wheelchair Mover by Arjo comes in.
The Wheelchair Mover helps to significantly reduce the risk of strain and/or injury to caregivers while also ensuring a safe and smooth ride for the patient. Designed to firmly attach to the rear of a patient’s wheelchair, the Mover allows hospital staff to easily navigate wheelchairs weighing up to 750 pounds!
On average, most caregivers and nurses don’t realize they are on the cusp of a back injury until it’s too late.
In a simulation mimicking the force required to manually push a patient in a wheelchair, researchers at Ohio State University found that 17 to 18 percent of study volunteers continued pushing past the point of where they should have stopped.
Physically demanding actions like wheelchair pushing can lead to long-term physical damage such as spinal compression, herniated discs, chronic back pain, and in the worst-case scenerio: an inability for caregivers to continue operating in their field of work.
By providing a safe, comprehensive way to transport a wheelchair-using patient, The Wheelchair Mover gives caregivers an injury-free way to move patients every day - whether they are moving a single patient or dozens over the course of a shift.
The Wheelchair Mover makes use of a unique latching system that quickly and easily attaches to the back of almost any wheelchair. Once attached, the Mover is operated using a simple set of hand controls, while its long-lasting battery allows it to steadily propel patients up ramps or around tight corners without exerting any unnecessary strain on the caregiver’s body.
Operating on three smoothly rolling wheels, the Mover's ergonomic, balanced design allows it to remain stable even when turning or going over uneven ground, while an automatic braking system prevents wheelchair rollback when using the Mover on inclines.
The mover also comes equipped with a number of hospital-friendly features, including:
While the role of patient transport can fall to anyone working in a hospital or patient care facility, the task most often lands on the shoulders of the following:
For any hospital, elderly care facility or rehabilitation center looking to prolong the health and service of their medical staff, the Wheelchair Mover is a wonderful and creative tool to ensure safety plays a key role in every patient interaction - for the patient, as well as the caregiver!
“We’ve noticed that our healthcare staff’s morale, as well as energy levels, have skyrocketed using the Wheelchair Mover!” – Wheelchair Mover customer
“The Wheelchair Mover has helped reduce the risk of caregiver injuries, as well as increasing safety for the patients in the wheelchair.” – Wheelchair Mover customer
“The hospital that I work for just purchased several of these wheelchair movers, and they are amazing! I used to worry about hurting my back or my shoulders when I pushed and pulled patients on wheelchairs, but this product makes it so easy!” – Wheelchair Mover customer
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
