Currently The SDS Vest™ is NOT reimbursed through Medicare although we have begun the long tedious process in hopes of obtaining reimbursement. We are also diligently working to introduce all of our products into the various managed care insurance organizations and will keep all abreast of these efforts through our website.
Stay tuned to our news section for the latest information.
It is important to recognize that in any healthcare setting, or even in one’s own home, semi-ambulatory patients are typically transferred either manually or by using a gait belt. Lifting patients manually under the arms repeatedly often times leads to skin tears and bruising for patients in general, and even broken bones with those suffering from osteoporosis. If a gait belt is used for transfer, more often than not it has a tendency to slip and ride up during the transfer process, which puts the caregiver at risk for injuring themselves, and leaves the patient horrified that they might actually fall during the transfer process.
What’s unique about the patents pending SDS Vest™ is:
- The vest pleasantly conforms and cushions the patient’s torso.
- The strategically placed handles allows the patients skin to never be touched, while also reducing the risk of injury to the caregiver as they get to use lower body mechanics rather than their entire upper body
- By design, the Clavicle Handles are supported by internal webbing which is vertically tied to the 'Glute Strap', which means that when the clavicle handles are used during transfer, they are actually initiating the lift directly from the buttocks area.
Measurement should be taken approximately 1 (One) inch above the persons' naval area, measuring the entire circumference of their midsection.
Currently The SDS Vest comes in 3 sizes with the addition of our new Small-Medium PLUS size. This new PLUS size is for those who are small in the shoulder and chest area, yet are larger (36-44 inches) around the waistline, resembling a pear shape.
As of August 2011, we will be releasing our 2XL Fall Prevention Vest. PLEASE NOTE this size does NOT come with the Glute Strap for transfer assistance. This product has 6 strategically placed handles for any caregiver to use to stabilize the patients upper torso during rehabilitation and walking.
Contact us at info@ChooseTheVest.com with any questions related to sizing.
The SDS Vest Sizes (for fall prevention and transfer assistance)
Small/Medium: 28-35 inches
Small/Medium PLUS: 36-44 inches
Large/XL: 36-44
Fall Prevention Vest Size
2XL Fall Prevention Vest (45-52 inches; NOT used for transferring)
The cover material is breathable, yet non-permeable so any fluid should not go through the cover. Suggested cleaning instructions are for any spots or stains, simply clean with soap and water, wipe dry. The vest CANNOT be laundered.
Glute Strap Cleaning Instructions—The Glute Strap contains a Polyurethane coating, which allows for easy cleaning. Simply wipe Strap with an anti-microbial cloth or soap and water, wipe dry.
In this case, it is recommended to use the handles located on the waist belt to transfer rather than the handles at the clavicle area, especially if there is only one caregiver. Be sure to use the same technique, placing the caregiver’s knee in between the patient’s knees, keep your back straight, while bending your knees and pulling forward and up using a 90° angle.
Yes, you will have to order the disposable liners if you choose to use the vest for multiple patients. Again, the blue tech-stretch cover has an anti-microbial application and also is non-permeable so fluids cannot penetrate this material. We also recommend wiping down the vest with an anti-bacterial cloth between uses, making sure to dispose of liner.
While the gait belt is considered the industry standard for fall prevention and transfer assistance, most clinicians and even family members are uncomfortable using a gait belt due to its tendency to 'ride up' the patient, which can actually contribute to a fall. In comparison, our innovative patented vests have 6 strategically placed handles that allows any caregiver to stabilize the patient's upper torso during rehabilitation and walking. In addition, with our Signature product, The SDS Vest, an integrated Glute Strap allows any caregiver to transfer someone in a much better ergonomic position using the clavicle handles, while the lift is initiated from the buttocks of the patient.
The ideal patient or loved one for our products are semi-ambulatory, which means those patients who can partially bear weight, yet require either one or two person(s) to assist them with walking, rehabilitation, and/or transferring. Our current customers typically have gait and balance issues, whether short or long term. Examples include stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Mentally Retarded/Developmentally Disabled, Neuromuscular skeletal Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, as well as the Elderly.
This product is NOT intended for non-weight bearing patients, nor is it intended to replace any mechanical/electrical lifting device.
Any potential distributors should send an email to Info@ChooseTheVest.com.
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