Hoyer Sling Instructions

Hoyer slings are a brand of medical equipment used by caregivers to help patients out of bed when they are not able to lift themselves to a standing or upright position. The two most common types of slings are U-slings and full-body slings. U-slings are helpful for patients who can sit up but need help getting to a standing position. Full-body slings are useful when a patient cannot lift himself from a completely reclined, or supine position.

Things You'll Need

• U-style or full-body-style Hoyer sling
• Lift cradle

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Instructions

U-Sling Instructions

• 1

  Use a u-sling to move someone from a bed to a toilet or wheelchair or from a chair to a bed. Ask the patient or person to sit up slightly. Locate the wide portion of the u-sling that provides back support to the user. Slide the wide back portion behind the person's back.

• 2

  Loop the leg straps around the person's legs, one at a time, fastening them comfortably.

• 3

  Attach the lift straps located on the top right and left, and middle right and left sides of the sling to the lift cradle. Ensure the straps are securely fastened to the lift cradle and around the person's legs. Slowly raise the person using the lift until she is able to place her feet on the floor. Carefully walk with the person to the toilet, chair or wheelchair.

• 4

  Detach the lift straps from the lift cradle. Disconnect the leg straps and slide the sling off the person, pulling it away from him.

Full-Body Sling Instructions

• 5

  Use a full-body sling for a person who is not able to raise herself to a slightly seated position. Ask her to roll onto her left side.

• 6

  Lay the sling flat and fold it in half lengthwise. Slip the folded sling beneath the person's body and roll him back to a back-lying position on top of the sling.

• 7

  Roll the person onto her right side, until the folded sling becomes visible. Unfold the sling so that it lies flat and drag it so it is centered beneath her. Roll her back onto her back.

• 8

  Attach the lift straps located at the top and bottom of the sling, on either side of it, to a lift cradle and slowly raise the person from the bed. Carefully move the person to the chair, toilet or wheelchair and slowly lower him into it. Detach the straps from the lift and slide the sling out from beneath him.