How to Attach a Hoyer Lift to a Safety Vest

Caregivers often need assistance when transferring a patient from one position to another. Using a Hoyer lift with a standing sling is a useful tool to transfer patients who are not able to bear full weight, but are able to assist in transfer in a upright position. Hoyer is one of many manufacturers of lifting equipment. Some manufacturers such as Invacare and Rifton refer to their sit-to-stand patient accessories as a vest, where Hoyer refers to it as a sling. The equipment is comparable in function and appearance.

Instructions

• 1

  Verify sling weight capacity prior to assisting patient. Use a safety vest that is rated for the weight of the patient that is being lifted.

• 2

  Position sling behind patient that is seated. It should be positioned so that the pad sits between the base of the shoulders and above the patient's rib cage.

• 3

  Wrap the vest around the patient. Secure the vest with the buckle on the vest.

• 4

  Attach vest to the Hoyer lift with vest straps.

• 5

  Instruct the patient to grip the handle bars. The patient's knees should be placed against the leg padding on the lift. The patient's feet should be placed on either the floor or the foot rest attached to the Hoyer lift. If the patient is placing her feet on the floor, the foot rest should be removed.

• 6

  Instruct the patient to keep arms inside lift straps at all times, leaning head back slightly.

• 7

  Ensure wheel casters are unlocked to allow Hoyer lift to move as patient is lifted into a standing position.

• 8

  Transfer the patient to new position immediately.