When designing a care environment, people – in this case residents in long-term care settings and patients in acute care settings, as well as the caregivers – should be at the centre of the entire process. This focus is essential to achieve an attractive and efficient environment that stands the test of time. 

Promoting mobility among patients and residents in care facilities is critical for healthy daily lives. 

Standing and raising aids, also known as sit-to-stand devices/lifts, are used by caregivers to transfer patients or residents between two seated postures, for example, seated on the edge of the bed to a wheelchair, or wheelchair to commode or shower chair.

Much has been written about the safe patient handling which requires direct patient contact, for example a patient transfer, but less so about the handling risks associated with patient transportation.

There is significant clinical evidence to  support that early patient mobility as part of an ICU (Intensive Care Unit) rehabilitation program can help to counter the effects of ICU acquired weakness, which in turn can improve the patient recovery process and long-term functional outcomes.1,2,3

A study by Loughborough University, UK found, during an evaluation of 6 different sit to stand devices for use in rehabilitation, an 'overwhelming preference' for Arjo's standing and raising aid, Sara Flex.

An evaluation of 6 different sit to stand devices for use in rehabilitation shows an 'overwhelming preference' for the Sara® Flex knee support during a study in Loughborough University, UK.