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Instructions for Using a Hoyer Lift Sling

A Hoyer lift is a useful medical and home health device for lifting elderly and incapacitated patients who are too heavy to lift without mechanical help. Patients are easily and comfortably moved for bathing or moving from a bed to a chair.

  1. How a Hoyer Lift Works

    • The lift acts much like a mechanic's engine lift. The lift rests on two legs that extend out in front to provide support underneath the patient. It sits on wheels or castors to allow easy movement from one location to another. The patient is placed on a sling, which is attached to the upper arm of the lift. A hydraulic jack is employed to lift the patient off the bed.

    Placing the Sling Under the Patient

    • The patient must first be placed on the sling, which is a strong, nylon, piece of fabric much like a hammock. At each corner is a short chain with a hook that is attached to the arm of the sling.

      Turn the patient toward you, make sure the rail is up, and place the sling underneath. The top of the sling should sit around the shoulders and the bottom approximately mid-thigh. Turn the patient the other direction and straighten the sling. It is important to smooth the sling to minimize discomfort.

      Lower the lift arm to just above the patient where the sling chains are easy to reach. Attach the hooks to the arm of the sling and prepare to lift.

    Stablize the Hoyer Lift

    • Before raising the patient off the bed, the lift must be stabilized. The legs of the lift are parallel to the floor and sit on four wheels. For storage, the legs can be closed in order to take up less room, but when in use, the legs must be spread apart in order to stabilize the lift with the patient in it. Most accidents occur when the legs are not separated, causing the patient to fall to one side or another during transportation.

    Raising and Lowering the Hoyer Lift

    • Once stabilized, use the hydraulic jack to slowly lift the patient off the bed. The design of the lift will raise the shoulders first and then the rear end. The patient can grab the cross bar of the cradle for added stability. Once the patient is in a comfortable seated position, they can be moved to their new location.

      To lower the lift, ensure the patient is over the new bed or chair and slowly let release the jack. As the patient is lowered, adjustments should be made to ensure they are placed properly and comfortably. When sitting up in a chair, the sling can remain underneath the patient until they are moved back to the bed.

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