No matter a person’s age, falling is no fun at all.  On top of the risk of physical injuries, a tumble can also offer a blow to a person’s dignity. Getting back on one’s feet, or back into a chair or mobility device is generally not a very dignified process, especially if the person in question isn’t able to do so on his or her own. Even when caregivers are called on to help, returning to an upright and standing or seated position can be awkward and risky for everyone involved. 

The good news is that portable lifts are now available to safely and quickly return someone who’s fallen to his or her feet again. The StandUp Patient Lift which helps both caregivers and patients to stay safe with transfers thanks to its quiet 24-volt motor and lifting capacity of up to 352 pounds.   

The StandUp has a sturdy aluminum frame, keeping its weight at a light 25 pounds, with an included carrying case and strap for easy transport from storage areas to wherever it’s needed. It folds down to 18 inches by 29 inches by 7 and 1/2 inches making it easy to tuck away between uses. The seat itself is a comfortable 17 inches by 16 inches with a sloped front to help the user make his or her way off the floor with a little more ease. If it needs to be cleaned, simply wipe it down with a mild soap and warm water, or disinfect with rubbing alcohol. It comes fully assembled and ready to use with user instructions written on it. 

To use the StandUp, the caregiver or caregivers place it near the person who fell, plug the unit in, then slide the person back onto the seat, using the included SitWalk strap if needed. When he or she is properly positioned, the caregiver simply touches the “up” button on the controls and when the correct height for the person to stand up or be able to be transferred back to a mobility device or chair is reached, the caregiver stops the motor. In a short period of time, everyone can be back to their usual routine with only a slight interruption, unlike the drama, alarm and possible injury and overexertion generally caused by a fall without assistive equipment on hand to help out.

Suitable for use in nursing homes, rehab centers, hospitals, and residential care facilities as well as private homes, the StandUp is a safe way of getting someone back on his or her feet in comfort and safety while keeping his or her dignity intact. It also reduces the risk of back injuries for the caregiver, cutting the costs associated with workplace injuries as well as preventing lawsuits from injuries to patients. 

The StandUp is appropriate for utilization not just by the elderly and their caregivers, but for people of all ages who live with balance disorders, neurological conditions such as MS or post-stroke issues, or other conditions that contribute to frequent falls. It helps them and their caregivers to get them back on their feet safely while retaining their dignity. This device might also enable individuals to be able to securely stay in their own home for more years instead of finding it necessary to move into assisted care. 

Fran Jablway,
Senior Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO