When it comes to transporting bed-ridden individuals, a Hoyer Lift is a "must-have" piece of equipment. Primarily used by nursing homes, hospitals and other health care facilities, this apparatus allows immobile patients to be moved from one location to another---such as from a bed to a wheelchair---safely and with minimal effort by placing them in a sling.
The Hoyer Lift must be in the proper position before moving the individual. Open and secure the legs in the lock position. Use the steering bar to maneuver the lift in place. Rotate the patient's legs off the bed and pull the Hoyer away from them. At the same time position the resident so they are facing the operator. Use the "Down" button on electric models or the control valve on manual or hydraulic machines to lower the sling until the individual's feet touch the base.
The U-style sling is recommended for moving individuals who are capable of sitting upright, if only slightly. Position the sling's back support in place. Wrap the straps over the patient's legs before securing the straps to the machine. Lift him up and position him at the desired location.
Operating a full-body "hammock" or sling requires more time and patience on the part of the operator since most of the time the patient is being transported from a prone position. Turn the patient onto one side. With the sling folded lengthwise, slip the fabric beneath one-half of her body. The material should be distributed evenly, be wrinkle-free and the seam should face away from the resident. Rotate the individual the other way while dragging the folded portion of the sling to the far side. Position her on her back, secure the sling to the machine and lift her up.
If the Hoyer Lift is equipped with chains, you must secure them to the sling bars. Fasten each chain's O-ring to the hook on the bar and the S-rings to the sling. Place the shorter end of the chain close to the person's shoulders with the other end by his legs. Do the same for the other side.
Try not "swing" the resident. The sling should only be raised to a height that clears the bed or wheelchair and eases transfer. One staff member should oversee the patient while the other runs the lift. When the individual is centered over her destination, lower the sling and reverse the procedure
Practice patient safety at all times. Operate a Hoyer Lift with someone else before attempting to transport a resident. Familiarize yourself with how the machine moves and feels when someone is in it. Never leave an individual unattended once he is in the sling.
