In-Home Lifting and Transporting Devices (POC 13)

This policy replaces the following VPPM 2 policy: 2.2.22.xi In-Home Transporting/Lifting Devices.

Purpose

This policy outlines the Department’s position with respect to the provision of in-home transporting and lifting devices.

Policy

General

1. Stair glides, elevators, ceiling lifts and other types of in-home transporting or lifting devices, as well as installation charges associated with this equipment, may be approved as a treatment benefit where, in the opinion of the Department, the devices are the only intervention which can reasonably address the client’s medically-based and functional needs and will assist the client in remaining independent in the home.
   In-home transporting and lifting devices for the purpose of this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:
   1. elevators
   2. stairglides
   3. ceiling lifts
   4. bathtub lifts
   5. lift slings
   6. platform lift
   7. porch lift
   8. wheelchair stair lift.
2. In-home transporting and lifting devices may be provided for clients who are in need of support with their activities of daily living (ADLs), and who have a diagnosis of a long-term medical condition that is physically challenging to the extent that they would require the use of this equipment on a regular basis in order to:
   1. access essential facilities to perform ADLs; or
   2. carry out essential in-home instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) when supported through the assessment of a health professional as part of addressing the client’s overall need for support.
3. Approval of special equipment and devices must be determined by Departmental representatives and health professionals to be an effective and appropriate response to the client’s health-related and mobility requirements.
4. The evaluation of the client’s needs must indicate that:
   1. the client does not have the physical ability or stamina to safely access the areas of the home necessary for the activities of daily living; and/or, for certain IADLs that are both considered essential activities given the circumstances of the client, and clearly contribute to the client’s independence;
   2. provision of the equipment will not create premature or avoidable dependence in the client resulting in further muscle atrophy;
   3. the client has sufficient coordination and perceptual/cognitive skills to operate the equipment safely or that there is a caregiver who can assist the client;
   4. the client, caregiver or supplier is able to take care of and maintain the equipment in safe condition;
   5. the benefits and limitations of using the equipment have been explained to the client/caregiver so that the client has a realistic understanding of this; and
   6. other options have been tried and considered.
5. In-home transporting/lifting devices must have preauthorization by the Department. All clients must be advised that if they go ahead and install this type of equipment on their own, they run the risk of not being reimbursed.
6. In-home transporting/lifting devices may be provided and installed in a client’s principal residence only; this is normally the client’s year-round home.
7. The home must lend itself to installation of the transporting/lifting device without major construction or enlargement (see Home Adaptations policy).
8. If the client is not the owner of the home, the written consent of the owner is required for the installation of the equipment.
9. Two detailed estimates should be provided whenever possible for the equipment and installation costs. These costs must be within an acceptable standard for the geographic area.
10. Installation of the equipment must conform to all municipal/provincial by-laws and ordinances, and shall not jeopardize the safety of the client or other members of the household. Permits and certificates will be the responsibility of the homeowner, and the supplier/provider shall be responsible for meeting installation standards. 
11. Payment for the installation of in-home transporting/lifting devices will not be made if:
    1. admission to a health care facility is imminent because the client cannot remain at home with the present support system or is waitlisted for Long Term Care; or
    2. there is a medical uncertainty whether the provision of the equipment will have a desirable therapeutic or rehabilitative effect; or
    3. provision of the equipment creates a safety concern (usually as related to the client’s ability to use it safely).
12. If the request for the equipment is to provide the client with access to a bathroom or bedroom located on another floor away from the main living area, an assessment should be undertaken to confirm whether this is the most economical and beneficial means of meeting the client’s needs.
13. Training in the use of the equipment must be supplied by the provider.

References

Veterans Health Care Regulations, section 4

Home Adaptations