The program is designed to improve the overall safety culture of an organization and help senior living operators focus on injury prevention when assisting residents. In association with Direct Supply, one of the leading providers of products and solutions to the senior living industry, this program draws upon the recommendations established by the American Nurses Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration and other leading experts.
"While other safe patient handling programs focus on hospitals and nursing homes, there is increasing demand for an effective program customized to the unique needs of senior living communities — one that would include the homelike environment with residents who are at varying levels of functional mobility, as well as ongoing staff training," said John Atkinson, managing director, Senior Living Center of Excellence, Willis Towers Watson.
According to Willis Towers Watson's senior living experts, the financial impact associated with moving and positioning residents incorrectly can also be significant, particularly given the increase in both the frequency and severity of liability claims stemming from resident falls. "Given these trends, organizations need proactive strategies to adopt best practices, improve the quality of care and drive down the incidents of loss associated with assisting residents with moving and positioning," Atkinson added.
Ashley Hettermann, senior manager, Healthcare Products, Direct Supply, said, "We are excited to engage with Willis Towers Watson to create safer senior living environments. Not only will this program connect nurses and caregivers to our industry-leading equipment, it will also provide practical information and expertise on how to use the equipment and apply safer handling practices."
In support of this program and other safety practices in senior living communities, Willis Towers Watson has also developed a customized training video library with over 25 videos covering the following five categories: ergonomics, resident moving and positioning, resident care, facility and employee safety. The suite of resident moving and positioning videos work in conjunction with this program and provide a powerful coaching tool to deliver content to staff in brief, informative videos.