Innovation in Transfer Assist Technologies for Persons with Severe Disabilities and Their Caregivers

Abstract

When the human body is immobile, it deteriorates after a short period of time. Early and frequent mobilization of a patient or resident is thus critical to maintaining or regaining health. The effects of immobility are often a deterioration of numerous body systems and increased dependence on caregivers to assist with activities of daily living [1]. Complications associated with chronic immobility include patient injury, development of pressure ulcers, muscle atrophy, metabolic decline, joint contractures, microvascular dysfunction, atelectasis, thromboembolic disease, and psychological decline. These complications are exacerbated in the case of an obese patient.