An ‘uplifting’ donation helps McAuley residence purchase patient safety equipment

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 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.

The chairs help to reduce the risk of falling and other transfer injuries. The Sara Stedy also 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 healthcare 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,” said McAuley Residence Acting Administrator Lynne Laverdi. “Equally important, it prevents back injuries among our staff by reducing the need to manually lift patients.”

“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.

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. To learn more about supporting McAuley Residence, contact the Kenmore Mercy Foundation at (716) 447-6204. 

Photo caption – Courtesy of Kenmore Mercy Hospital -McAuley Residence Acting Administrator Lynne Laverdi (left) and Unit Clerk Andrea Wasilewski demonstrate the Sara Stedy lift.