PALCO Systems is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of non-ambulatory individuals by developing and marketing innovative methods and products that simplify caregiving.
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Market Need
Growing need of assistance for non-ambulatory people

Caregiving is becoming costly 		In the US and other developed international markets, the population of non-ambulatory elderly and disabled individuals who require assistive care is growing rapidly. This creates increasing demand on the healthcare market to provide safe and efficient methods for caregiving. The methods of lifting and transferring non-ambulatory individuals between various care equipment platforms are a particular area of concern. This is due to the caregiving time and cost associated with transferring, as well as potential for injury that results.
No recent innovation in transfer equipment With little fundamental innovation in lifting and transferring techniques over the years, the healthcare market is now demanding significant improvement in both the transfer process and the technology of the assistive equipment involved. Providing fast, efficient and safe transfers is a key to improving the overall care of non-ambulatory individuals. In essence, the market is looking for ways to make the process simple.
Current methods
- Manual lifting
- Equipment assisted 		Currently, there are two primary methods used to transfer non-ambulatory individuals: direct manual lifting or hoist-type equipment assisted lifting. Both of these methods have disadvantages and can be significantly improved in terms of ease, speed, safety and comfort.
$20 Billion/year spend on back injuries

12% nurses leave or have thought of leaving the profession

Back injuries affect up to 38% of all nurses

Institutions mandating “NO LIFT” policies 		Articles have been published in the US stating that direct and indirect costs associated with back injuries in the health care industry are estimated to be $20 billion. Reports indicate that 12% of nurses have left or have considered leaving the profession due to chronic back problems. The American Nursing Association reported that back injuries affect up to 38% of all nurses. In a 1995 US based study, the act of transferring patients from their bed accounted for 24% of all nursing-care related back injuries. Moreover, a minimum of 50% of workers compensation costs are related to patient transferring and handling injuries. Many US facilities are now mandating “NO LIFT” policies in attempt to lower the tremendous expenses associated with workers compensation. In Europe and other international markets, injury issues associated with transfer are also a clear area of market need.
4 million homecare transfers each day

1.5 million nursing home transfers each day 		In the US homecare environment, it is estimated there are a minimum of 4 million transfers each day assisted by a spouse, family member or professional caregiver. In nursing homes, it is estimated there are over 1.5 million patient transfers occurring each day. Estimates of transfers in US hospitals vary widely, but the numbers are also significant. In the developed international markets such as Europe and Japan, similar demand for patient transfers can be found.
Growing need of assistance for non-ambulatory people The market need for innovation in the transfer of non-ambulatory individuals is clear. Providing this innovation to the market is a central element of PALCO Systems’ mission to enhance the quality of life of non-ambulatory individuals.


Transfer Process Improvement
Today, caregivers use both direct manual lifting and equipment assisted methodologies to transfer non-ambulatory individuals between various care equipment platforms such as beds, wheelchairs, day chairs, commodes, toilets and baths.

Current Method
The direct manual process requires the caregivers to provide a wide range of supplemental weight lifting support to the individual depending on the ambulatory needs. Injuries occur as the caregiver lifts all or a portion of the individual’s weight. While the method is simple and relatively fast, this approach has been directly associated with high incidences of injury.

Equipment assisted lifting has been used extensively with a multi-step process. See Transfer Process Comparison chart below. The most common equipment used is a combination of a fabric sling and a hoist-styled mechanical lift. Inherent with the use of this type of equipment the care-receiver experiences a swinging motion. This can create a feeling of insecurity or discomfort for the individual. To negate this effect, a second caregiver is frequently used to steady the individual. The process involves several steps:

  1. The caregiver selects the appropriate type and size sling.
  2. The individual is rolled to the side of the bed.
  3. The sling is positioned on the bed.
  4. The individual is rolled back on top the sling.
  5. The individual is placed into a sitting position.
  6. A final positioning of the sling is made to minimize the occurrence of skin tears to the individual during lifting.
  7. The hoist is rolled into position.
  8. The corners of the sling are pulled up and attached to the hoist.
  9. The individual is lifted from the surface of the bed fully supported by the sling.
  10. The hoist and individual is rolled to a secondary platform taking special precautions to minimize swinging.
  11. The individual is lowered.
  12. The sling is disconnected from the hoist.
  13. The hoist is withdrawn.
  14. The individual is manipulated appropriately to remove the sling.

This overall process generally requires two caregivers and consumes twelve to twenty minutes of total labor time. While the use of this type of equipment is safer, caregivers will often elect to save time by using the direct manual method of transfer, exposing them to back injury risk. In addition, skin sheer or injury can occur or be aggravated by the use of a sling.

PALCO Systems Method
PALCO Systems’ method represents a significant improvement in the transfer process. Steps are eliminated as the Cradle Lift™ solution does not utilize a sling. This also removes the possibility of caregiver back injury from placing and positioning the individual in the sling. In addition, the discomfort or insecure feeling of swinging is totally eliminated. Using the PALCO Systems methodology, only six steps are involved and generally only one caregiver is required.
  1. The individual is brought to a sitting position
  2. The lift is engaged with the individual
  3. The individual is raised off the bed surface
  4. The lift, with the individual, is rolled to a secondary platform
  5. The individual is lowered
  6. The lift is withdrawn

The overall process is complete in less than two minutes. Improving the transfer process eliminates unnecessary steps and the potential for injury to both the caregiver and non-ambulatory individual. The result is a safe and simplified process that is more natural in movement, and five times faster.
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