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2026 May 14th
Where to Buy the Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid in Canada?
Safe Patient Handling in Canadian Healthcare
Workplace injuries related to patient handling are a major concern in Canadian healthcare facilities. Nurses and caregivers frequently suffer from back and musculoskeletal injuries due to manual lifting and transferring of patients. To comply with provincial regulations, such as those set by WorkSafeBC, and to protect staff, long-term care (LTC) facilities and hospitals must invest in proper mechanical transfer equipment.
The Sara Stedy: A Game-Changing Transfer Aid
The Sara Stedy by Arjo is widely recognized as one of the most effective sit-to-stand transfer aids available. It is designed for patients who have some weight-bearing capacity but require assistance to stand and pivot. This device promotes patient mobility and independence while significantly reducing the physical strain on caregivers.
Key Features of the Sara Stedy
The Sara Stedy incorporates several design elements that make it a preferred choice in healthcare settings:
- Pivoting Seat: The split seat allows the patient to be comfortably seated during the transfer, providing security and stability.
- Knee Support: Soft knee pads provide essential support as the patient pulls themselves up to a standing position.
- Crossbar Handle: The ergonomic handle allows the patient to actively participate in the transfer, pulling themselves up safely.
- Pedal-Operated Chassis: Caregivers can easily adjust the width of the base using foot pedals, allowing the device to fit around wheelchairs, toilets, and beds.
Sara Stedy vs. Hoyer Lifts
It is important to understand when to use a Sara Stedy versus a full mechanical lift (often referred to as a Hoyer lift). The Sara Stedy is an active transfer aid, meaning the patient must be able to bear weight on at least one leg and have the upper body strength to pull themselves up. It is ideal for quick transfers to the toilet or wheelchair.
In contrast, a Hoyer lift is a passive transfer device used for patients who are entirely non-weight-bearing or unable to assist in the transfer. Facilities must assess each patient's mobility level to determine the appropriate equipment, ensuring both patient safety and staff protection.
Products Mentioned in This Article
What is the Sara Stedy used for?
The Sara Stedy is a sit-to-stand patient transfer aid designed to assist caregivers in safely transferring patients who have some weight-bearing capacity. It is used for transfers from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to toilet, and wheelchair to chair. It promotes patient participation in the transfer, which helps maintain muscle strength and independence.
What is the weight capacity of the Sara Stedy?
The Sara Stedy supports patients up to 400 lbs (181 kg). The Sara Stedy COMPACT model supports up to 330 lbs (150 kg). Both models are designed to accommodate a wide range of patient sizes, making them suitable for most residents in a long-term care setting.
What is the difference between the Sara Stedy and the Sara Stedy COMPACT?
The Sara Stedy COMPACT is a smaller, more maneuverable version of the standard Sara Stedy. It is designed for facilities with tighter spaces, such as smaller bathrooms or single-occupancy rooms. The COMPACT has a slightly lower weight capacity (330 lbs vs 400 lbs) but offers the same core functionality and safety features.
When should I use a Sara Stedy instead of a Hoyer lift?
The Sara Stedy is appropriate for patients who are partially weight-bearing and can actively participate in the transfer by pulling themselves up using the crossbar handle. A Hoyer lift (passive lift) should be used for patients who are fully non-weight-bearing, have no upper body strength, or are unable to follow instructions safely. An occupational therapist should assess each patient to determine the most appropriate equipment.
Does the Sara Stedy comply with WorkSafeBC safe patient handling regulations?
Yes, mechanical transfer aids like the Sara Stedy are specifically recommended under WorkSafeBC's safe patient handling guidelines to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers. Implementing a 'no manual lift' policy supported by equipment like the Sara Stedy is a best practice for WorkSafeBC compliance.
How many caregivers are needed to operate the Sara Stedy?
The Sara Stedy is designed to be operated by a single caregiver, which is one of its key advantages. The device's design allows the patient to actively assist in the transfer, reducing the physical load on the caregiver and enabling safe one-person transfers in most cases.
Is training required to use the Sara Stedy?
Yes, proper training is essential for the safe operation of the Sara Stedy. Arjo provides training resources, and facilities should ensure all staff who use the device are trained in its correct operation, including patient assessment, positioning, and emergency procedures. Improper use can result in patient falls or caregiver injury.
What replacement parts are available for the Sara Stedy?
Arjo offers a range of replacement parts for the Sara Stedy, including the sling seat, knee pad, and chassis components. Maintaining replacement parts in stock is recommended for facilities that rely heavily on the device, to minimize downtime in the event of a component failure.
Can the Sara Stedy be used for toilet transfers?
Yes, the Sara Stedy is specifically designed for toilet transfers. The split seat and adjustable base width allow the device to be positioned directly over a toilet, enabling the patient to be safely lowered onto the seat. This is one of the most common and valuable applications of the device in long-term care.
From our Calgary warehouse, how quickly can the Sara Stedy be shipped?
From our Calgary warehouse, we can typically ship the Sara Stedy COMPACT within 3 to 5 business days for facilities in western Canada. For eastern Canadian facilities, delivery times may range from 7 to 14 business days. We supply long-term care homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers nationwide with Arjo patient handling equipment.