Product Overview:
In managing home care for the less mobile and bedridden, frequently the biggest challenge for caregivers is handling the physical burdens of mobility, dressing, eating and toileting. Of the estimated 48 million US caregivers, many cannot effectively perform all of the physical tasks required. Whether it’s due to the age, size or condition of the patient or caregiver, the timing and complexity of the required movements, or the prospect of injury and/or contamination, a failure to overcome physical limitations can mean the elimination of the preferred home health option altogether, costing individuals and families thousands of dollars annually and limiting the freedom of patients to live their lives in their own way.
The Omantec Lift is designed to help home care givers and providers manage the physical aspects of patient care for limited mobility and bedridden patients. Using a cushioned T-bar support, the Omantec Lift enables caregivers to safely lift patients from a reclining position. Using a cushioned T-bar support, a caregiver can gently lift the legs and lower torso of a bedridden patient to facilitate routine movement, changing, cleaning and bathing. The product was invented by Michael Osika after his personal experience in assuming the caregiver needs of his father.
“In April 2011, life took a turn that would forever change my perspective on life as I knew it and not in ways that I had planned. My mother had been the primary caregiver of my father, but had suffered a heart attack that left the responsibility for care on me and my brothers. Dad had a massive stroke years ago and required care to remain at home.Although there was assistance from the VA/Home Nursing for two hours a day, the bulk of the responsibility fell to the family. Although Dad would have qualified for 24/7 care at the VA, we knew it was in his best interest and his desire to remain at home.
However for anyone who hasn’t had to take care of a disabled elderly parent or relative, the first time having to address the hygiene needs of an adult can be quite an eye opener. After my first time doing this, I knew there had to be a better way. After searching unsuccessfully for a device that could assist with this task, I created this device that proved to be most useful in making this task bearable for both my dad and me.In addition to aiding with the process, it also has been a tremendous aid in avoiding potential personal injury and made it more comfortable for my dad as well”.
Management Group
The management team of the Company has experience in the conception, development and commercialization of new technologies:
Suzanne Furlani is a founder of the Company. She is an equity owner of DataSure24, a Buffalo NY Managed Security Services company, recently retired from her former position as COO.. From 1991 to 2005, she served as Chief Administrative Officer and Equity. Owner of the RACO Group of Companies, a Buffalo NY provider of communication services. Prior to 1989, she served as a Vice President and other leadership capacities at Empire of America, a $10B Buffalo NY financial services provider, where she managed branch banking, human resources, operations, telephone banking, call center management and corporate planning and directed the conversion of Smartline, a subsidiary of Empire of America, into a privately-held telephone banking services firm.
Barbara Osika is a founder of the Company. She is currently a Corporate Sales Manager for a global data center security and information technology service provider. Mrs. Osika has over 14 years’ experience in the co-location industry in Account Management and Corporate Sales. A goal oriented sales account executive, with a proven record including numerous awards for outstanding sales performance. Responsibilities include growing revenue and building customer loyalty. Prior to 2000, Mrs. Osika was a Vice President at KeyBank, with over 25 years in the financial services industry, including sales and customer service management.
Michael Osika is a founder of the Company and is the principal inventor and developer of the Omantec patient lift technology. For 40 years, he worked at American Precision Industries, most recently as a CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) Machine Operator. He channeled his personal knowledge and expertise about metals, plastics, and CNC programming abilities to design and create the Omantec Lift, to address the personal invalid-care needs of his father. His experience includes the review of product blueprints and subsequent programming of the machine operation to perform hundreds of different functions, including drilling, cutting, and shaping highly precise items that are used in a variety of industries. He is highly experienced in the production of computer controlled technologies used in the production of units including laser cutting equipment, drill presses, milling machines and lathes.
Richard C. Bulman, Jr. is a professional advisor to the Company and has counseled start-up, growth and Fortune 500 companies with significant global technology interests within the life sciences, information, and specialty manufacturing industries. Mr. Bulman served in executive and legal positions with KL/Gates (formerly Kirkpatrick & Lockhart), IVAX Corporation (AMEX:IVX), American Lawyer Media, LLC, Akerman Senterfitt, as well as several early-stage technology companies, including Brickell Biotech, Concordia Pharmaceuticals, and CityLabs. Mr. Bulman earned his B.A. from the Rockefeller School of Public Affairs and Policy at SUNY Albany and a J.D. from the Faculty of Law and Jurisprudence at SUNY Buffalo. He currently serves as a Managing Director of Beyond R&D, a Fort Lauderdale IP development company, and as a Director of Northwind Software, a privately held Ontario, Canada hospitality management software developer.