People too often experience adverse events and readmissions that can be prevented after being discharged from the hospital to home. All settings lack proper assistive devices that can help prevent adverse events especially when it comes to basic mobility.
Invisible CareGiver® is focused on addressing areas where there has been a void of effective tools for activities of daily living. To Age-in-Place we must address fundamental mobility issues such as getting out of bed and getting on and off the toilet.
Knowledge: another fundamental issue that must be addressed so people can make informed decisions by comparing risks and benefits. Lack of knowledge in this area creates safety issues and why as a company we feel it is important to address knowledge gaps in general.
Fundamental change is needed in our healthcare system to address the unprecedented changes taking place. As a company we realize this is a time to be active and be part of the solution. It is also a responsibility because it is our future too.
Patrece Banks, CEO
Business with a DifferenceIt isn't just about selling a product its also about making a difference
little by little, person by person.
Our commitment to make a difference goes beyond our products. Our
package assembly and distribution comes from the "South King County
Activity Center" (SKCAC) a non-profit organization that employs people
with disabilities. Founder: Patrece BanksPatrece writes and speaks about bed falls, fall prevention, design safety, aging in place, risk management, compliance, ageism, medical devices and assistive technology devices. Patrece has worked with the federal government to change documents to address bed falls, and patient safety. In 2008 Patrece was recognized as one of the most innovative product designers. New Insight: April 2008, Patrece unexpectedly fractured her foot. This experience gave her new insight into medical devices and the healthcare process. Patrece quickly realized the secondary unintended affects of using devices intended to keep her mobile. The devices were helping her on one hand but on the other they were creating secondary unintended problems that she had to mitigate. Patrece's Journey: In 1999 Patrece was diagnosed with mercury poisoning. Since that time Patrece has worked with Dr. Kellas at the Center for Advanced Medicine in CA (an Outta Bed® user). Patrece will never forget when Dr. Kellas told her he was only the facilitator and that Patrece and her body were doing the work. There were days when Patrece was so weak she could not feed herself. She could have had a few operations, lots of drugs but choose to work with her bodies own healing power not against it. Insurance would not pay for her treatment because it was alternative and preventative medicine. It's scary to think where Patrece would be if she was not able to pay for her healthcare. Now, Patrece wakes up in the morning feeling rested with the ability to work without effort or pain. Her goal has been to live life without pain to allow her to help others instead of helping herself. Patrece and Falls: Before she was 18 Patrece had a couple head injuries from her own falls. Years, later she went through a slew of tests including and an MRI brain scan to make sure she didn't have any brain damage, luckily she didn't. As a kid Patrece got thrown from a horse and was knocked unconscious. As a teenager she fainted and fell face first into a steel railing. The emergency room didn't catch her broken nose so it had to get re-broken. Patrece is sensitive to the issues surrounding fall prevention such as balance, nutrition, assistive aids and proper education. She knows the fall risks of dizziness and muscle weakness. She also knows it can be due to nutritional deficiencies. After he mercury diagnosis in 1999 she had to get vitamin and mineral IV's for a couple of years. Patrece's Other Inspiration: Her father! When Patrece's father was done with radiation in early 2004 he was sent home on massive pain killers, to die. There were no more appointments he was just sent home. This was unbelievable to Patrece but almost acceptable to him since the doctors know best. If, Patrece had better information she could have made better choices and her father would have had better care. Within a six week period in a high end nursing home in Seattle her father was abused, and a police report was filed. Her father was in the facility for a specific treatment which he never got because the facility didn’t have qualified staff that could provide it. Her father needlessly suffered because of this. Her father was a proud WW2 veteran and seeing him suffer like he did made her realize how things needed to change. As a baby boomer herself she knew change must happen and she must be part of it. Background: Philanthropic Involvement:
Consulting/SpeakingThere probably isn't a more important area of safety and prevention than bed falls and fall prevention. We know falls can be prevented but the fact is nobody seems to be aware of what accounts for the most fall deaths. You may think you have a safety or fall prevention program but if you don't know or understand the items below you may have unintended consequences from knowledge gaps:
If you don't know the facts you may have created new or other risk management issues. The example below will show you why we are different. A STEP FURTHER FOR REAL CHANGE Some knowledge gaps are in government for example:
If, you don't see multiple safety issues in the above than you could end up creating multiple safety issues in your own safety or prevention program with unintended consequences. The NIH NIA changed the document after providing new content ideas. It wasn't quite that simple but you get the idea that change can happen with the right knowledge. We have had success in other areas and are currently working on more. Your business and/or facilities need to keep up with the new focus on safety and prevention. Your residents, patients, clients and facilities are at risk unless you are aware of major safety issues that affect quality outcomes. If any of the information on this site is new to you than you have a safety knowledge gap that needs to be addressed. Let us help you change that in areas of:
Please call for more information and consulting fees. Serious inquiries only.
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Updated August 19, 2009