'Uplifting' foundation donation helps McAuley Residence purchase patient safety equipment

Thanks to charitable donations designated for McAuley Residence, the Kenmore Mercy Foundation was able to fund the purchase of four Sara Stedy lifts to benefit patients and residents at the Catholic Health skilled nursing and subacute rehabilitation facility.

The lifts, which enable residents to achieve greater independence and confidence in their mobility, are part of a fleet of equipment used by Catholic Health’s “Move with Care” program to improve safety for residents, patients and associates.

In addition to reducing the risk of falling and other transfer injuries, the Sara Stedy enhances a patient’s confidence in their mobility allowing them to take an active role in their recovery while also improving their circulation, breathing, digestion and muscle tone.

The Sara Stedy also helps to reduce the risk of injury to health care workers who, according to recent reports from the U.S. Department of Labor, are among the most at risk for musculoskeletal dis­orders as a result of repeated manual patient lifting activities.

“This equipment make a world of difference to our patients and residents, offering them the reassurance that they can safety move out of bed and accomplish basic hygiene with more independence,” McAuley Residence Acting Administrator Lynne Laverdi said. “Equally important, it prevents back injuries among our staff by reducing the need to manually lift patients.”

A five-star facility according to Medicare.gov, McAuley Residence offers short-term rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, wound care and speech therapy, to help patients make the transition from hospital to home. For those requiring long-term care, the facility also offers 24/7 skilled nursing care.

“The Kenmore Mercy Foundation is delighted to support these initiatives,” said Susan Jandzinski, executive director of the foundation. “Through the philanthropic support of generous donors, we can continue to fund innovative equipment and programming to improve the health and wellbeing of residents, patients and associates. To learn more about supporting McAuley Residence, contact the Kenmore Mercy Foundation at 716-447-6204.