Vestlandia celebrates Christmas

We occasionally call our space "Vestlandia" to define our feeling of being an island state. And in Vestlandia we are getting in the Christmas spirit. We have reason to celebrate..the birth of Christ, gathering of family, the giving of gifts. Just as we know there is much sadness in the world. People are suffering, hurt and lonely. So in these brief span of days we encourage everyone to reach out and lift someone up. Let your Joy for the season invade someone's space that needs the spark of the Holidays. Enjoy!

loves to walk 2

I was visiting with an activities director at an Assisted Living Village and she started telling me about her 20/200 program. 20 minutes a day of outdoor exposure works a 1000% worth of benefits for her flock and 200 steps a day outside will bring yet another lift in well being. 20/200, good numbers. Safety is then the issue for some, some like Sister Marciano in the last blog. That is why the vest is so good. It can be used under a lot of different circumstances, but as a walking assistance tool it can't be beat...

Loves to walk

I received a note yesterday from a DON at a nursing home for aging nuns. She was talking about a certain sister who loved to walk, I mean loooooved to walk, but had fallen so many times that the staff was leery of allowing her to do so. Our SDS Transfer Vest works with the other sisters who have trouble walking but this particular nun was tiny and even our small/medium was of no help. We have decided to modify a prototype extra small and deliver it to them because...if God tells you to keep moving, who are we to stand in the way!

Hitting the Road

On the road this week. Taking the SDS Transfer Vest to the Lansing convention Center for an HPS annual conference and trade show. Looking forward to meeting some of the HPS clients. Then off and running for Boca Raton, Florida to meet with a team from the Promise Hospital systems. A Busy week. Stay tuned as we are giving the Lansing crowd a sneak peak at the new Pediatric version of the vest. Been told to hang on to my about the reception to this new item.

How can something so perfect...

As I meet with Directors of Nursing, Wellness coordinators and lift specialists, it is easily apparent the SDS Transfer Vest is the best solution to the many problems of moving residents and patients. Then i run up against reluctance to change lifting protocol or to spend the necessary monies to attack a problem at the point of care. Turf wars break out over who is calling the shots in a facility. I find it unfathomable that a decision to do the good and right thing is so hard to come by in those places. Makes you wonder what else goes a missing!
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Can you afford to not have what you may need?

Because caregiving is not a guessing game, can you afford to not have all the tools you may need at the point of care? We are trying to change a culture of using the "tried and true" methods and tools. When there is a better way, use it! I had a director tell me that in trialing the vest, he could see it was easily the best thing he had seen, but...his group grabbed the gait belt because that is what they had always done. We are changing lifting protocol one care provider at a time....

News from the street

The SDS Transfer Vest is on the move...helping semi-ambulatory folks move to be exact. Just left a home health agency that was trialing the vest and the boss' comments went along the lines of "best aid we have every seen...period". Another owner told me that it is "peace of mind" knowing that his employee caregivers have the vest handy. Always nice to hear nice things!

new article coming...

Here is an article that will appear in a newsletter to thousands in Oct..


Medical Vest Worldwide brings a dynamic patient transfer/walking assistance product, with the patents pending SDS Transfer Vest™, to the MedAsset family. The Vest is for semi-ambulatory patients whom can partially bear weight yet require assistance from one or two care providers. By design, the poncho style vest comes with six strategically placed handles that allows care providers to reduce the risk of injuring themselves, while enhancing the safety, security and dignity of the patient during ambulation. The SDS Transfer Vest also incorporates The SDS Glute Strap, which initiates the lift from the buttocks and ensures the product does not “ride- up” on the patient during ambulation.
For patients at risk of falling after ambulation, the six strategically placed handles allow the care providers to stabilize the upper torso without touching the patient directly, reducing the risk of skin tears, bruising, or falling. Some of the other features include:
• Patents pending design allows care providers to use lower body mechanics to reduce back and shoulder injuries
• The Vest acts as a padding agent, reducing the risk of skin tears, bruising, even broken bones, especially in the elderly
• Convenient poncho-style construction for easy on and off
• Latex-free cover is fluid-proof and non-permeable making it breathable and easy cleaning
• Comes with an Anti-microbial treatment application and polyurethane-coated Gait Belt and Glute Strap reducing risk of infection
• Reinforced internal webbing disperses energy vertically for durability
• Meets CA 177 Flammability Standards
Medical Vest Worldwide brings the SDS Transfer Vest to MedAssets because of specific design qualities which result in undeniable cost savings for any health care institution:
• When properly used, a great enhancement for any Fall Prevention Program
• Reduces workers compensation claims attributed to patient transfers in any healthcare setting
• Staff are more protected from the physical demands of manual transfers
• Reduces liability claims/costs directly associated with accidental patient drops/falls


An I mean that
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Market Pressure

They don't who we are. They don't know what the vest is. They don't what the vest does. They don't know why we call. They don't know, they don't know,they don't know. In business you try to create or find market pressure to bring to bear on the audience. In the world of the SDS Trnasfer Vest, the pressure that is brought to bear is unfortunate. Pressure is created by injuries. Injury to care providers or injury to a loved one. And there is no way you manufacture that pressure. So we reach out to as many people as possible.

Beam me up Scotty

I just read that some Australian scientists have developed a tractor beam (think Star Trek) that can actual move some particles of matter a meeter or so. WOW! Science is catching up to the human imagination, every day in every way. But to wait for some solutions is to not live the fullest life you can now. You can't live on potential if you need something now. Invest in the vest. Make a difference in the small things like ambulating, moving from spot to spot-chair to chair. Invest in the vest!

The new SDS vest is impressive in its technology, low profile and ability to give dignity to the user. Add in the injury prevention and it is a win/win.

Vest Test

The new vest is in the marketplace now and seems to be exactly what the doctor ordered!
I have a home care agency tell me it is the comfort blanket his staff needs as they deal in the world of people needing a helping hand to live a worthwhile life.

Tom

MedAssets and the vest

We finally have kicked off the contract with MedAssets and I am reaching out across the country to client and regional managers to help me spread the gospel of the vest. July has started great and we are going to build on that the next three years!

out and about

If you are out and about in Phoenix this week, stop by the ALFA show and take a peek at the newest version of the vest. Assisted Living executives from around the country will attending!
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the one constant is change

This axiom is so true. It is hard to keep up. By the time we master one technology or use one platform, there are 100 more ready to dazzle us. And so it is in the world of transfer vests. Evolution is inevitable. We already have an new version of the new version. Stay tuned!

The more you see

I am learning something new every day. Yesterday i learned that people have an innate fear of falling from Transfer boards. You slide along a board to move from bed to wheelchair and people are afraid. That is where the vest comes in now..as a security blanket and safety device.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care is a rapidly growing segment of the business as the aging baby boomers hit their stride. More people are discovering the cost of getting help at home can be significantly less than entering a more traditional assisted living arrangement. As this trend goes up, the home health care franchise systems will continue to benefit from external growth and internal billable growth.

The New Transfer Vest

Yesterday I started to talk about the new vest. Indeed a thing of beauty, the transfer vest is a new dark blue. The new design makes it easier and more efficient to use while keeping all the best points of the original vest. Nice.

What a month

It has been a month since I got to take a breath and tell the tale of the NEW Transfer Vest. Big changes! Non permeable material to control infection,larger aperture openings and the addition of a gait belt feature. I will have to get a picture posted soon.

no lift, low lift, tow lift

We shipped some vests off the other day to a home health agency that belongs to a larger franchised system. They were delighted to discover us because they have been turning business down from potential clients due the the franchise preference for no lift. Honestly, that is an untenable way to help people. The people that need help in transfer and ambulation are the most likely candidates to hire a home health agency. So this franchisee has decided to accept those clients from now on. Why? Because the vest makes it possible. Safe for the client and safe for the caregiver.

Hurry up and Wait

Should have big news in a week or so....hurry up and wait!

Sorting it all out

I have been trying to build a compelling argument for a specific audience for our vest and I keep running into one problem..to much information! Lifting patients accounted for one half of all direct patient activity associated injuries. Nurses are lifting thousands of pounds per day, one estimate in the industry is 1.8 tons daily per nurse. Health care workers missed 45,000 days of work in 2007. 2009 out of pocket expenses for injuries in the industry are approximately 110 billion dollars......
You can see what I mean.
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Website www.mvworldwide.com is up!

Our retail website is finally up and functional, thanks Linda and Ryan! We can take orders now and really change lives one vest at a time. The new vest (how does Uni-Vest sound)should be rolling soon. It is a Universal vest good for transferring people, PT work, ambulating in general. More soon.

Safety vs Safety

I was thinking about safety today. Patient safety and health care employee safety. Why not both at the same time? Why can't we improve patient safety in transfers while at the same time increasing the safety of the caregiver in the very same lift. Not much is fraught with peril as is the semi-ambulatory transfer. Think about it, you are moving someone whose legs and body are defying you the entire time and the if the caregiver makes one little mistake, accident. And if the one little mistake is compounded with an injury to the caregiver, double mistake. And expensive to boot.
Just thinking.
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Standing alone in the field

It sure seems like I am standing alone in a field looking for attention. The guy with the red carnation..waving the beacon frantically trying to get attention. I have one heck of a Vest to tell about and everyone is so busy they don't want to listen till it is too late. A tragedy occurs, an injury, a fall and then everybody wants to talk. How to get people and companies in the loop BEFORE something happens....
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Managed Expectations

I often think that our expectations defy logic. We expect outcomes to be good or bad based on emotional triggers rather than thought out logic. You can always picture the worst but it is harder to bring paradise up mentally on a given situation. Most recently someone said to me that her Dad will die and her husband will be close behind and she will lose her supports in life leaving her bereft of any chance to survive.
This was from a strong woman with every skill conceivable to survive but lacking three things; a vision based on logic, faith and confidence. I can only hope that people will think positive and avoid the self fulfilling prophecy syndrome.

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Frustration

It is all to easy to get frustrated these days. I was on a site that PT person has and saw an article about helping people in wheelchairs get into and out of cars and the huge hardship it is. I simply wanted to acquaint her with the SDS Transfer Vest that could help her clients. When I went searching for a contact me button, page, bookmark...something, i could not find anything to contact her. I stopped and so we have someone who needs to know that there exists ways to help..now gone unsaid. That was my frustration yesterday. And considering what other people are going through...it is so very minor.
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When first is last

When is first last? It is said that it is about the least, the lost and the lowest. If humanity wants to lift itself up to the heights, you must take care of the least , the lost and the lowest. Seniors and the Elderly fall into these categories all to often. There are many ways to help but the greatest is to give them their dignity. Follow that with thier freedom and you are talking radical!
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Sins of Omission

I was mulling over the issue of "Sins of Omission" the other day. Let's define it as being able to do a right or good thing and then not doing it. I see sins of omission daily and wonder what drives people in general to ignore things. I hear about sins of omission in senior care on a continual basis. It is often not that they got mistreated but they weren't particularly helped with a problem or condition. My thinking must have gone deep in me and caused me to act. It was a bad snow storm here and I was a parent volunteer at a kids musical practice. I went out to clean snow off my car and get it started. I looked at the other cars in the back lot behind the theater and decided on the spur of the moment to clean everyone's windows off for them. Why did I do this? I was already snow covered, had a long snow brush in hand, why not. It would have been a sin of omission for me not to.
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Carson and the land of Yes I Can

In the second quarter of 2010, SDS will be introducing a pediatric line of patient transfer vests.

The idea for a pediatric line came about from a relationship developed between two families, the Leslie family, whose 15 year old son, Carson, had been diagnosed with brain cancer in October of 2006, and Allan Thomas, President of SDS Medical and his son Brock. The families met through an organization called 'Wipe Out Kids Cancer' affiliated with Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

Having been in and out of hospitals for various tests, chemotherapy, radiation, more pills, experimental drugs, Carson began to grow weary. One day in particular, a nurse manually transferred him several times from wheelchair to various tables and beds, causing unimaginable discomfort and bruising under his arms. It was at this time that Carson's mother, Annette Carson, shared this experience with Allan, who then visited with Carson about his experience. The rest is history, a pediatric line was in design.

Carson Leslie passed from this life to be with his Lord on January 13, 2010 after his 3 year battle. While many have described loved ones who pass away as 'courageous', this young man was a warrior, wise beyond his years, and at the end was at peace and ready for heaven.
Carry Me

What also makes Carson so special is that during his journey, he felt compelled to write a book, to capture his thoughts in hopes of encouraging and inspiring other kids fighting cancer or in hospitals with life threatening illnesses. As a company focused on helping those with special needs, we are truly honored to not only name our pediatric product line in memory of Carson Leslie, but we will help his legacy live on by including a copy of the book that chronicles his journey entitled 'Carry Me', with each pediatric vest. It is our hope that Carson's legacy will in fact live through his book, bringing inspiration to kids just like he wanted.

To the Leslie family, our thoughts and prayers are with you, and know that Carsons' legacy will reach and inspire kids all over the globe.


IN-HOME
PERSONAL USE

HOME HEALTH

HOSPITALS // PT REHAB

SENIOR HOUSING

PEDIATRICS
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Falls and the never event

If you are not familiar with the legislation concerning falls in health facilities, the government has determined they are "never events". Something that should not happen at all. And right they are. How often can you say that about the government!

Falls occur when a resident or patient needs to move. It can be climbing out of bed or trying to sit. It can most often happen in the bathroom. 10% of the falls result in serious injury (broken hips, head injuries, rib injuries) and may end in death.

How do we prevent falls? In every way we can. The cost of falls can be devastating and there should be no method of prevention overlooked.

Try the SDS Transfer Vest;fall preventions best friend!

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New Vest is out West

Heading to Dallas today to start some meetings and to see the new SDS Transfer Vest in all its glory! It is exciting. New features include, a breathable non permeable material, larger head and arm holes, longer on the torso with some additional handles for PT and OT use. As the Founder of SDS likes to say Let's Rock and Roll!
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Senior Moment

I was discussing business with a friend and as he walked me to the car, he saw an object in the back area and asked what I had there. I pulled one of the SDS Transfer Vest and told him the story. He looked at me and said, "my Mom.....". It happens almost every day around here. Another storyline that needs a happy ending. A Mom, Dad, Sibling, Granmother that is semi-ambulatory and need some help to get up and around.
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Manpower

Working on an opportunity at Novations, the large GPO based in Dallas. They are reviewing falls and falls strategies for their clients. A wise man once told me that for all the sophistication in the world, all the products made to help eliminate falls...it really comes down to manpower. While our Vest is easily the best way to transfer someone, if no one is there to help...a fall can happen. I am not sure of any statistic to prove this point but logic indicates that it may take a minute or two under the best case scenario for a night nurse or aide to respond to an alarm that a patient is moving. And a full bladder demanding a bathroom will drive a person off their bed in less time than that. Manpower.

It is the small things

We had a nice woman from a home health agency in CA. order a vest. She had seen the SDS Transfer Vest at the show in LA.

Do you need it for work, we asked. No. Do you have a client that needs this? No. What do you intend to do with the vest? I need it for my Dad, he needs it so we can help move him safely. She then said, if it works like I saw in LA, I will strongly recommend it to my company....one vest at a time makes the world a happier place.
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Falls-Number One

I just read that falls are the number one reason for injuries and death in folks 65+.
Wow! Knowing that some of those falls might have been prevented with some simple measures gives me a sense of urgency to tell the world about our Vest. Any fall that occured during a transfer is totally preventable and I need to get the word out-get the SDS Transfer Vest and use it right.....
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Another Friday Oneday

Haiti is on the minds of millions as Nature has once again shown man that there are forces you can not control. We will send money, we will send aid and we will say prayers. The lives of most Haitians will be altered for ever. Let us hope that Haiti becomes a better place to live with better regard for humanity.
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Can Do, Will Do

Our physical skills and abilities erode with time and use. That clock never stops ticking and for some people it is a fast moving clock at that. While aging is enough in most cases, debilitating disease often shows conveniently up and takes charge. One of the lessons I have learned is that you can be robbed of your physical gifts but never of your attitude unless you allow it. I have been impressed over and over again by the can do, will do attitude of people who have suffered greatly at the hands of disease and aging and yet never say die. As a parent looks on the gift of children in their lives, a caregiver can look on the gift of attitude in the same way. We walk away a little proud of the actions and the attitudes. Let's make sure these Heroes get the help and dignity they deserve.
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Startling statistics

Did you know that your average hospital will have 33 workman's comp cases with an average of 5 days lost time at work. Almost all of them from straining and lifting when they should not. The average direct cost...$24.704.00 per incident with an estimated indirect cost at $24,704.00 minimum and more likely 5 times that.

That is huge expense for a facility, do the math and it is costing the hospital along the lines of $1.6 million annually. I contend that you will eliminate 33% of those injuries by using our vest as it should be used. So if you bought 100 vests at the institutional price you would spend the equivalent of 1/2 of one injury with lost time.
So you could save over $580,000 in direct and indirect costs. You earn back the investment 21.4 times in the first year. Wow.
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The website is almost done...we still need to clean a few pages up but if you would like to take a gander at the new site, www.mvworldwide.org . You can soon watch a training video and order vests or download brochures. Feed back is always welcome!
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Here is a plan worth noting

I just read an article about a non profit called Clarity Care that has a new model for helping people live independently despite health problems. They are providing services to those clients for as little as $3.00 an hour! They use community support and private donations to offset the true cost of in home care. They are just moving into Brown County, Wisconsin where there are 650 low income residents on a waiting list as the county's own funding is suffering shortfalls for providing at home care. Clarity Care employs about 500 people to help the elderly and disabled.
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New Year New Vest

A new Version of our SDS Transfer Vest is almost ready to unveil. The addition of PT useful soft handles, the mesh back and the use of non permeable materials are going to make this particular vest into the Super Vest! More details to follow as we near the finish line in introducing the new vest version. To lift the quality of life to both the caregiver and the loved one is a tremendous charge we take seriously and we will be able to do it better yet in 2010.
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