Domiciliary Equipment Service

Fact sheet
Self help pole

January 2013

Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 06/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: Page 2 of 2

Domiciliary Equipment Service Self help pole Fact sheet

What is a Self Help Pole?

A self help pole is an upright frame/pole with a triangular hand grip which hangs over the top of the bed. The hand grip hangs from a chain which can be adjusted in length to suit the individual. The self help pole is also known as a “Goose neck”, “Monkey Grip / Bar”, “Self Lifting Stand” or “Overhead Triangle”. It comes in Freestanding or Bed Mounted types.

Uses

The pole can be used for

·  Assisting movement up or down the bed

·  Lifting the upper body off the bed

·  Lifting the bottom off the bed

·  Assisting to move from lying to sitting

The pole will be installed appropriately for you by a staff member on delivery.

Instructions for use

·  To lift the upper body, have hands on the hand grip with palms facing toward the head of the bed.

·  To lift the bottom, have hands on the hand grip so that the palms are facing down toward your feet.

·  Hook the hand grip/triangle onto the frame, out of the way, when standing from or sitting on the bed.

·  Use your strongest arm to hold onto the hand grip/triangle.

The length of the chain holding the hand grip/triangle can be shortened or lengthened by lifting and replacing on the hook.If a hoist is being used to assist transfers, ensure care is taken when negotiating around the legs of the self help pole, which normally sit under the bed.

General Care and Maintenance

Notify your service provider if you notice any of the following:

·  Excessive bowing (bending) in the pole.

·  Any signs of weakness in the chain links.

·  The pole is wobbling excessively when in use.

·  The pole/frame has moved significantly from its original position.

·  Any loose nuts or bolts or rusting.

·  Any wear or damage to the hand grip.

·  If required, the pole can be wiped over with a damp cloth and diluted disinfectant.

·  If the self help pole knocks against the wall or back of the bed head, place some padding (eg. a towel) between the pole and bed head.

Precautions

·  Ensure the hand bar is hooked onto the pole when not in use. This is to prevent injury when sitting on the side of the bed.

·  Ensure the pole is swung out of the way when not in use, to prevent interference with other devices or when sitting on the edge of the bed.

·  Use caution if you have any existing upper limb pain or injury.

·  Only pull on the hand bar, not on the chain.

·  Do not hang other items off the pole.

·  Do not move the pole from its original position.

·  Do not use the pole to get on/off the bed.

Weight Tolerance

This equipment is weight tested to Australian Standards. If you experience significant weight gain the equipment prescribed may become unsafe. If you experience significant weight gain please contact Domiciliary Equipment Service.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

You should receive a quality service, delivered in a safe and competent manner. Please inform us promptly of any change in your circumstances or if you experience any problems with your equipment or service so that corrective action may be taken at an early stage.

Please take care of any equipment provided to you and let us know when you no longer require it.

General Enquiries

If you experience problems with your equipment and it has been hired for you by another agency, please call your service provider to report the problem. Alternatively you may call DOMICILIARY EQUIPMENT SERVICE on

Ph: 1300 295 786 or Fax: 1300 295 839

For Repairs & Maintenance: Ph: 1300 130 302

Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 06/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: Page 2 of 2