Hoyer Lift

[mvm2]

I am an a new aide for a home care, and starting tomarrow with a new client that requires a hoyer. I have gone through the hoyer lift training, but i am a bit nervous because lifting a person is still different then lifting a dummy. One of the reasons i am nervous about this is that she has really sore knees and arms, neck has fallen out of the hoyer twice, and she has had other close calls I will be doing this alone as well, so my nerves are at a high level.

Is there any advise that i can be given to use these where I am not hurting her, and she is a tiny women and it is a slippery matterial, so I think that is why she is falling out of the hoyer. Anything i can do to make sure she is safer? Thanks

[Glenna, LPN]

I used to be scared about hurting people while getting them into the hoyer's. The thing is when you roll them to get the sling under them they will do those moans and groans. I told myself if I don't use this and get them up, it's going to do more harm. Always look at the postion of the sling and when you go to lift her, keep looking at the positioning and making sure nothing is wrong. When I was a CNA working at the nursing home, I used the hoyer alone a lot. It does take some getting used to but after awhile it becomes something normal. Also, make sure you always check the breaks on the bed and on the wheelchair or where ever you and trasnfering them to and from.

It will be okay! You will do just fine. :-)

[LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN]

]I am an a new aide for a home care, and starting tomarrow with a new client that requires a hoyer. I have gone through the hoyer lift training, but i am a bit nervous because lifting a person is still different then lifting a dummy. One of the reasons i am nervous about this is that she has really sore knees and arms, neck has fallen out of the hoyer twice, and she has had other close calls I will be doing this alone as well, so my nerves are at a high level.

Is there any advise that i can be given to use these where I am not hurting her, and she is a tiny women and it is a slippery matterial, so I think that is why she is falling out of the hoyer. Anything i can do to make sure she is safer? Thanks[/i]

The Hoyer lift has a variety of different slings. The first thing to determine is whether you want the head higher than the feet or the patient level. Next make sure you have the sling attached to the lift before you move the pt. From that point on, raise the pt slowly. If you see a problem, return the patient to where you started and fix the problem. If you go slow and easy you can head off any potential problems.

I found loading the patient onto the sling from the bed challenging until I got the hang of it--like making a bed with a patient in it. Another tricky lift is to transfer the pt to the wheel chair. I had to make sure that after I downloaed the pt into the wheel chair that the pt did not slip out.

Either way, the Hoyer lift is your friend and will save your back or enable you to life a patient by yourself.

[Hygiene Queen]

I was taught to never use a hoyer alone and after many years and experience, I still wouldn't.

You need a partner to spot for you and help maneuver the pt.

A partner is an extra set of eyes that can spot trouble such as a slipping pt, an undone sling or anything else that may cause you to have to stop/start over and reposition, reconnect, get another sling... whatever needs to be done to assure pt safety.

If you are alone and your pt slides, who is going to help you?

Hoyers can also tip.

You really need an extra set of eyes and hands.

Always take the time to ensure safe procedure.

Many people will shun the hoyer or hunting down a partner because "it takes too long".

The hoyer is not about saving time, it's about safety-- yours and the pt's.

I think a healthy dose of fear is good... respect the danger and take your time and anticipate any potential problems.

About 15 years ago around here, there was a case wherein a patient died when the hoyer tipped while a CNA was using it alone.

As for hurting the pt, it is far more gentle than manual transfers.

Be sure to give plenty of reassurance to your pt... it is far scarier to them than it is you.

[LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN]

When working pvt duty or hospice you don't have the luxury of another person. When working alone one learns how important the Hoyer lift can be.

[Hygiene Queen]

When working pvt duty or hospice you don't have the luxury of another person. When working alone one learns how important the Hoyer lift can be.

This is true.

Good point.

I was thinking of a facility wherein one would be working with others, hopefully as team.

I would still hate to use one alone.

[tigerlogic]

Many places require two people- if that's the requirement GET TWO PEOPLE. Things can go wrong. Go slow. Watch where her knees are so they don't hit the lift. Be sure to reposition when she's in the chair. Breathe!

[bubblejet50]

The first facility I ever worked at allowed certain residents to be in a hoyer with one aid. I was scared too. My residents were all comatose from tbi's. I liked having them in a more of a laying position than a sitting position. It made it more difficult to position into a wheelchair but kept them in the hoyer. Cross the leg straps! That helps and like a previous poster said lift them slowly off the bed and adjust if you need to before u take away the nice soft cushion of a bed from under them. Not one resident in my time at that facility was dropped either one person or two. I did have a hoyer tip when I was assisting another aid on a two person lift. I had pulled the resident further than the lift wanted him to go and it fell literally on me after we got the resident in bed.

[FloatFNP-C, BSN, MSN, NP]

My LTC facility requires two people at all times. If you are doing it by yourself, make sure the sling is big enough to really support their whole body. That way their neck won't fall out. I've never had that happen!

[Bluebird5]

It sounds like she doesn't have the correct size or type of sling. If she's falling out of it, it's too big. Also, they make slings that have head supports that completely cover the back of the head (vs. slings that only go to the top of the shoulder).Slings usually slide up (towards pt.'s head) when you lift them, so I place the sling about 2 inches lower than where I want it to end up.Go slow and keep it low. Don't lift higher than necessary.One thing that will raise your confidence is to lift a coworker and then have them lift you. We all had to go for a "ride"; they feel more secure than they look. Good luck!

[mvm2]

thank you all for you kind replies and advise. The nurse came to check on things does not want us to transfer alone. she said it just is not safe, so I am not sure what is going to happen to handle the problem, but at least I can breath easier knowing their safety is first priority.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

My thinking is if a person needs a hoyer lift and there is no one (family or something) there to help the HHA, then the time for home health care is past. This resident is no longer a candidate for home health. It is time for 24 hr skilled nursing.