How to Use the Slings for a Hoyer Lift

A Hoyer lift is used in hospitals, nursing facilities and home care settings to transfer immobile patients to a bed or a chair. The Hoyer is also used to lift patients who are too heavy to lift manually. The slings act as seat when raised and carries the person securely while he or she is being moved. The slings have bars and hooks that attach to the lift for safety and stability.

Things You'll Need

• Hoyer lift (manual or electric)
• Hoyer sling

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose the proper size and type of sling for the patient. Lay the sling on the bed next to the patient. The top of the sling should be just below the shoulder and the bottom should reach just below their buttocks.

• 2

  Roll the patient onto one side and fold the sling in half so that when the patient rolls onto their back, the other side of the sling can be pulled out from under them. The straps at the bottom (on the U-sling) are wrapped under each leg.

• 3

  Position the lift with the legs under the bed and the lifting bar above the patient. Lower the bar and attach the top loop of the sling to the "S" hooks. Cross the leg sections and attach the same way.

• 4

  Begin pumping the handle or push the lift button to raise the patient to a half sitting position. Continue raising until the patients buttocks are off the bed, then gently pull the lift back until the patient has cleared the bed completely. Move to the chair and lower the patient.