Manual Hoyer Lift Instructions

A Hoyer lift is a mechanical lifting device which can be used when moving the person is too difficult for one caregiver, or when doing so could result in injury to the caregiver or patient. Done correctly, the lift prevents falls and back and knee injuries. The Hoyer lift is available as a hydraulic lift, or as a power lift. If possible, the procedure should be done with two people.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain that you will be using a lift to transfer them from the bed to a chair. Explain each step of the procedure. A lift operates differently with a person in it than when it's empty. Familiarize yourself with using the lift by practicing with someone who is able to move and stand. Use two people when transferring a person using a lift; one should operate the equipment and one should guide the body of the person in the sling.

• 2

  Raise the side rails on the bed and raise the bed to prevent strain on the caregiver's back and legs. Roll the person onto their side and position the sling underneath them. The sling should extend from behind the knees to beyond the person's head. Smooth out the sling fabric and roll the person onto their back. The U-type sling, which is commonly used, has straps that prevent sliding out of the sling. Bring these straps under the thighs and between the legs. Cross the straps.

• 3

  Get the lift ready for use. Open the base legs as wide as possible and lock the legs in the open position. Raise the head of the bed slightly, if possible. Release the breaks on the lift, but not on the base legs which must remain locked in the open position. Use the steering handle to bring the lift close to the bed and slide the two base legs under the bed. Do not apply the break. It's necessary to have some movement of the lift during this process. For safety, lower the bed and side rail.

• 4

  Attach the sling to the lift -- hooking the four sling straps to the four hooks on the cradle. Slightly raise the person until their body just clears the bed. When the person has cleared the bed, slowly swing their body until it faces out, or towards the caregiver, and their feet are off the bed. On the manual, or hydraulic lift, open the control valve and lower the person, until their feet are resting on the base of the lift and close the valve. If using a power lift, use the control button to slowly lower the person to the same position.

• 5

  Have one caregiver guide the person's body while the other caregiver operates the lift. If transferring the person into a wheelchair, apply the breaks on the wheelchair. Center the sling over the chair and lower the person into the chair. When positioned correctly, disconnect the straps from the lift, leaving the sling under the person.

• 6

  To return a person to bed, put the side rail down on the lift side of the bed. Reconnect the straps to the lift securely and raise the lift, securing the valve. Position the lift under the bed and the sling over the bed. Use the down button on the power lift, or the valve on the hydraulic lift, being sure to close the valve when finished.

• 7

  Disconnect the sling from the lift. Roll the person onto their side towards the bed rail. Remove the sling. Reposition the person for comfort and slide the lift away from the bed. Raise the other bed rail.