How to Attach a Hoyer One Piece Sling Onto a Hoyer Lift

The Hoyer lift is a mechanical device used to lift and transfer a person with limited mobility. Used in healthcare facilities and homecare settings, the Hoyer lift can cut down on injuries to both patients and their caregivers. The Hoyer lift is a wheeled metal frame with an arm-like lift attachment. A canvas or mesh sling, called a Hoyer sling, is placed underneath the person being transferred. The Hoyer sling is then attached to the arm-like lift, prior to transferring. Understanding how to attach the Hoyer sling is an important safety factor when using the Hoyer lift.

Things You'll Need

• Hoyer lift
• One piece Hoyer sling

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Explain the procedure to the patient.

• 2

  Check to see that the one-piece Hoyer sling is placed correctly under the patient. The bottom of the sling should be just below the patient's knees, while the top of the sling should be just above the patient's shoulders. This sling position provides even distribution of the patient's weight and promotes optimum safety.

• 3

  Position the Hoyer lift under the bed so the cradle is centered over the patient. (See References 1)

• 4

  Widen the base of the Hoyer lift and lock the wheels.

• 5

  Lower the cradle until it is low enough to attach the Hoyer sling straps to the hooks.

• 6

  Attach the four straps of the Hoyer sling to the four corresponding hooks on the cradle. Some Hoyer lifts may have four chains hanging from the cradle that hook through metal plates on the four edges of the sling. For U-shaped slings, make sure the bottom straps crisscross between the patient's knees before attaching them to the cradle hooks. Always check the manufacturer's manual to be sure you are using the correct sling for the model of Hoyer lift you are using.

• 7

  Check to be sure that the Hoyer sling is securely attached to the cradle hooks before lifting the patient. Each side of the Hoyer sling must be attached to its corresponding side of the cradle.

• 8

  Proceed with the Hoyer lift transfer.