3 Ways To Use A Hoyer Lift

Some models may have a foot pedal instead of a spreader handle. Always lock the legs to their widest position before lifting a patient, and as long as the patient remains in the lift. Failing to do so could cause the lift to fall over.

Find the small control valve at the base of a manual lift’s pump handle. When the control valve is positioned toward the pump handle, the valve is closed. The valve must be in this position in order for the pump to work when elevating the boom. Keep pumping until the boom locks into place. [2] X Research source When the control valve is positioned away from the pump handle, the valve is open. Gently move the control valve from the closed to the open position to control the rate at which the boom lowers. Experiment with raising and lowering the boom before you put the patient in the lift. It’s important to thoroughly familiarize yourself with how the lift works before using it to move a patient.

Manual lifts do not have an emergency release, since the lift is controlled by human power rather than a battery with a limited lifespan. There may be 2 or more emergency releases on your model. Know which is the primary release, and which should only be attempted if the first fails.

U-slings are shaped roughly like the letter U, with 2 long extensions running parallel to each other. They are often padded for greater comfort. A full body or hammock sling is 1 large piece, sometimes with a commode hole. Use a sling that provides head and neck support for users who cannot support their own neck. Make sure the sling you use is appropriate to your model of lift. Contact the manufacturer to ask if necessary. Use the advice of a physician to select a sling that is the right size and type for each user, and make it their personal sling. Slings come in small, medium, and large sizes. Familiarize yourself with the dimensions of the different sizes so that you can pick the right one for your patient.

If using a sling with hooks, attach them so the open side of the hook points away from the user, to prevent injury. [5] X Research source Understand which side of the sling the patient should sit on, and which is the outside. Consult an expert or the manufacturer if unsure.

Use your legs to provide strength and stability. Place them apart and bend at the knees before lifting. Keep your back as straight as possible while lifting. Do not twist your body as you lift. Position yourself directly in front of where the patient is going so you do not need to rotate your torso halfway through lifting.

If possible, perform your transfers with an assistant who also knows how to operate the lift. Many hospitals require 2 people to operate the lift even if they are experienced operators, to reduce the chance of injury. Even when you’re using a Hoyer lift correctly, there’s a chance you could injure yourself or your patient if you try to do a lift by yourself. Get another person to help you if at all possible, even if you’re using the lift in a home rather than a hospital setting. Risks of doing a lift by yourself include the patient slipping out of the slings, the weight of the patient causing the lift to tilt, or injury to your back.

Ask about a new user’s mobility before lifting so you know how much they can contribute to the movement. For example, find out if they are able to sit up on their own or hold onto the sling. Use your best judgement when asked to lift a user who makes sudden involuntary movements, has a hostile attitude, or could otherwise cause injury to one or both of you. Refuse if necessary rather than endangering yourself and the user. Don’t try to lift someone who is arguing or physically resisting you.

You will need to position the slings under the patient at the top and bottom before attaching them to the lift. Make sure the slings are correctly positioned and even on both sides before attaching them. Once the sling is attached to the Hoyer lift, raise and lock the guard rails again before lifting. The user may wish to hold onto the guard rails for stability as the lifting begins. Try a slight lift off the bed to make sure everything is positioned correctly before you move the Hoyer lift.

The user should not be on the extreme edge of the bed.

If the patient feels exposed (e. g. , if they are undressed and preparing to go to the shower), leave just a sheet in place to provide some privacy.

If the user cannot stay on their side without support, place a rolled-up towel or similar soft object behind their back to wedge them in place. Alternatively, have an assistant gently hold them in place.

Make sure the fold of the sling is next to the user, with the open side facing away from them. You can fold the sling, roll it onto the person’s back, or just gently push it into place.

Move to the other side of the bed if you can’t comfortably roll the user from the same side. If using a wedge, remove it before rolling the user onto their back to avoid discomfort.

The sling bar should be above and parallel to the patient’s shoulders. Always lock the wheels of the lift before continuing.

If you do not know how to lower the boom, learn how to do so before using the lift with a patient in it. You should always be familiar with the lift before transferring someone with limited mobility.

For slings with leg loops, cross the leg loops under the user’s legs. Make sure the left loop is reaching across to hook to the right hook, while the right loop is reaching across to hook to the left hook, and that the hooks are set away from the boom of the lift apparatus. This criss-cross helps the user’s legs stay together and keeps the user from slipping out of the sling. Some slings include a flap that can be hooked up to help support the neck and head. This detachable flap may not be comfortable for those that are capable of head control. Keep the open end of hooks facing away from the user to avoid injury.

If the lift does not seem secure and comfortable for the patient, slowly lower it, make any necessary adjustments, and start again.

If you are moving to another room, slowly adjust the swivel bar so the user is facing you as you move the lift. Position the user carefully, directly over the center of the new destination (e. g. , a chair, a toilet, or another bed).

Roll the patient from side to side, and fold and remove the sling if the patient is on a bed or a stretcher. Use the same rolling techniques you used to move the patient onto the slings. Tug gently upwards to slide the sling out from behind the patient if the patient is in a wheelchair or a car. For example, if you’re moving the patient to a wheelchair, tug upwards on the top sling while gently bending the person into a sitting position. Then, reach behind their back and remove the sling. Then you can gently remove the sling under their legs from below the hip area.

If you’re transferring someone from a wheelchair, lock the wheels in place first. [8] X Research source

If the person is in a wheelchair, pull the straps down to their mid-thighs. Cross the leg straps through one another before bringing in the lift. [9] X Research source

Open or close the front of the base of the lift apparatus as is appropriate in order to get the cradle directly over the user. Use a foot pedal or shifting lever on the back of the base of the lift apparatus to control the width of the legs. Always widen the legs as much as possible before lifting. Always lock the wheels of the wheelchair in place before lifting. You can also secure the chair against a wall or have an assistant stand behind the chair to stabilize it.

Cross the leg loops under the user’s legs unless they’re in a wheelchair. Make sure the left loop is reaching across to hook to the right hook, while the right loop is reaching across to hook to the left hook, and that the hooks won’t interfere with the motion of the boom. This criss-cross helps the user’s legs stay together and keeps the user from slipping out of the sling. Note that not all lifts have this cross-cross—some are straight across. Hook the flap for neck support if the user is not able to hold up their head. This flap should be left unhooked for users who can hold their heads up.

The user should be facing the mast of the lift.