How to Use a Manual Drive Hoyer Lift
- 1). Consult the owner's manual first. Hoyer lifts have weight limits, depending on their make and model, and you must be sure the lift can support the patient's full body weight safely.
- 2). Choose a side of the bed from which you will perform the transfer, and place the wheelchair close to the bed on that side, seat facing away from the edge of the bed. Lock the wheels for safety.
- 3). Raise the bed, if possible, and lower the bed's side rails, if present.
- 4). Instruct the patient to sit up. If he is unable to sit up on his own, gently help him to a sitting position. Remove loose bedding and blankets from the bed. Move pillows out of the way.
- 5). Detach the sling from the Hoyer lift. The sling is usually made of cotton or nylon, like a hammock, and attaches to a trapeze-shaped bar by a series of hooks. Place the sling next to the patient's hips on one side. Tuck and pull it under her buttocks until she is sitting evenly on the sling.
- 6). Fasten safety harness, if present.
- 7). Steer the Hoyer lift close to the bed. Spread the base wide to ensure stability, moving the legs under the bed. Lock the base and legs in place.
- 8). Release the Hoyer lift's hydraulic valve to lower the trapeze down towards the patient. Be careful to not hit him with the trapeze.
- 9). Instruct the patient to cross her arms across her chest as you carefully attach the sides if the sling back to the trapeze.
- 10
Pump the Hoyer lift's handle to manually raise the patient above the bed, and then guide him gently towards the wheelchair. - 11
Slowly release the Hoyer lift's hydraulic valve again to lower the patent onto the wheelchair. - 12
Unhook the hammock from the trapeze, and pump the handle to lift trapezes out of the way. Tuck and pull the hammock out of beneath the patient to gently remove the hammock from beneath her.
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