Innovation Idea Details

Organization:
Revera

Innovation Idea:
Our low-tech safety idea is the creation of a ‘luggage tag’ style ID for a resident’s walker or wheelchair. One side of the letter-size sheet has a visual cue for the resident—a picture from their youth or one of a loved one, or of a prominent memory, with a brief description on the bottom.

What workplace hazard does this idea address?
Acts of Violence

If other, please specify:
Dementia, Alzheimer’s

How does your idea improve workplace health and safety?
The image serves as a visual distraction for the resident, during a time of stress. The tag is laminated, primarily for infection control purposes, and the reverse side has the resident’s name along with the word “Likes”. In the white space below, using a dry-erase pen, staff can provide tips on strategies that have worked for distraction and re-direction.

How did you implement this idea?
It was an easy concept to develop and was well received at the one home we trialed it.

What has been the impact on workplace health and safety?
“Works very well for a resident who’s responsive behaviour involves asking for constant reminders of when she came to live here… gives staff who don’t know her well the info at their fingertips” – Care Aide

“It’s an opportunity to tell their story. When I checked the tag, one lady told me about her
husband and how she used to be a teacher – it reminded her of her past strengths” – Care Aide

“The picture on my walker helps me when I get lost”. – Resident (Care Aide noticed she looked less
anxious, making it easier to communicate).

Cost & Resources

What was the initial set up cost?
Minimal

What are the on-going costs?
Minimal

Other staffing resources required:
Not many. Just a few people to create the ID tags

Supporting Files & Links