Mechanical lift question

purple_rose_3 · Jun 8, 2006

When I was a CNA I would leave the bed pads (lift pad/sheet) under them and then slide the sling under them. I know it's not the best, but it was better than nothing. Or I would use just a towel rolled up. Hope that helps!

valifay · Jun 8, 2006

No lift is a comfortable lift. You'd be surprised how many residents and how often residents are bruised from those things. The nursing home I used to work at never had the appropriate size for one of our residents (who had a crabby POA) and we would actually use bath blankets to pad the sling to keep her from getting hurt. Her entire chair was padded with bath blankets too! One little scratch was all it took to throw the POA into a whirl wind...and of course, the CNA's always got blamed...

all4schwa · Jun 8, 2006

the stand up lift has saved my life, made my life alot easier, requires less help, so i'm not always running around looking for someone to lift with me, and is causes less chicken-winging than some of these girls do the way they sling people around.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jun 8, 2006

LOL, well we got some sheep skin car seat covers and makeshifted them to fit in areas of the slings that were uncomfortable. We had quite a few seamstresses in the group and they were happy to spend a bit of time custom making those fit and stay put on the sling!

We also had some folks wear sleeves cut from a sweatshirt in areas that tend to sheer, or even leg warmers. It was also cool for those pts that bang their legs so often to have those leg warmers on to stop them from bruising all the time! Costs less than those ones you buy for padding, and sometimes as easy as go home, get old clothes, cut and use!

Hope that is helpful!

SaraO'Hara · Jun 9, 2006

Thanks everybody

mandaleigh · Jun 10, 2006

At the LTC facility where I am doing my geri clinicals, they use both of these. I do realize what the pros are for using them but most of the residents hate them and a few have remarked that it makes them feel like an animal. A couple of elderly gentlemen have said that they are scared of them.

thsnursluvsgeriatric · Jun 11, 2006

Mechanical lifts are a God send to the profession. However they do have to be used correctly to prevent injury. The sit stand lift slings that I have used are lined with sheepskin. The cover zips on and off and can be laundered easily.

There are many different types and sizes of hoyer or medi lift slings, some padded at the legs, some meant for resident bathing. Etc. The cost varies but is approx. $300. Whether residents have their own depends on the facility. Some homes leave them under the resident some don't. There are pros and cons to either. Do make sure that the Medilift sling if not padded is spread out and not gathered under the leg, this distributes the weight more evenly.

When using the sit/stand made sure that the harness is low and snug enough so that it will not ride up under the arms. The resident also needs to be able to hang on with both arms. There be a few exceptions, such as a strong person who has had a stroke and able to hang on well with one arm. The resident also needs to be able to bear 90% of their own weight to use this lift, if not you do run into allot of trouble bruising etc.

Medi-lift slings/or lifts in general have come along way. It's at times a matter cost as to whether or not you will have them in your facility.

Some facilities pay for slings and others have the residents buy their own.

Not to be morbid but at times when these same residents pass on the slings are donated to the home and the other residents then benefit.

Their are allot of for profit homes and equipment can be sporifice. Improvising is a great idea. Just be careful to use a sling that is approved and check the seams for wear.

good luck.