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boneweary Asked February 2023

Purchased Hoyer lift and small toileting sling. Elderly Mother slides right through. What do I do now?

KaleyBug Apr 2023
This is like the one I used

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PBPW6VH?pd_rd_i=B09PBPW6VH&pf_rd_p=043f9dc5-a086-4c60-873d-19938137e1a3&pf_rd_r=5PY0V2XFP1RZ0G9NYZ5X&pd_rd_wg=baqqW&pd_rd_w=KgqZo&pd_rd_r=f4a4b022-5382-4eff-9934-316b1628583f

KaleyBug Apr 2023
Get a U one that you criss cross under the legs. Adjust the straps using the closer loop to mom. You may need a smaller sling. If your mom has the strength to pull her self to stand but not walk a spryte or as I call sit to stand is perfect for transfers. I always made sure to put the back of the u sling a bit under moms bum. Put a porta potty near the bed and should not have to lift her very high.

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BuffyRoberts Feb 2023
The slings come in several sizes and shapes. Some cross between the legs which helps prevent sliding out. You probably just need a smaller size.

Llamalover47 Feb 2023
boneweary: Perhaps your mother now requires managed care facility living. I see that you did telephone the manufacturer of the equipment and that they were unhelpful.

Fawnby Feb 2023
This situation is why people place their loved ones in residential care. We had a Hoyer lift for my mom, and it took two people, both CNAs, to use it safely. When I was there, I helped also.

But since you chose to keep her at home and take care of her yourself, please keep trying until you get some serious in-home training. If you plan to care for her until the end, you need to avoid injury yourself. And you certainly don't want to hurt your mom.

Best of luck as you move forward in your caregiving journey.
KaleyBug Apr 2023
A hoyer lift provided for the home is an easy piece of equipment to use with the proper sized sling. I have psoriatic arthritis and over 70 and easily used it for my mom and later my dad who was 260lbs. Makes things so easy.
WendyElaine Feb 2023
Situation sounds dangerous.
Could you ask her doctor to order some in-home care where a professional can guide you on what you need and how to do it? When my mom was in rehab and dependent on a Hoyer lift it was a 2-person job. And my mom was not big—5 foot, 135 pounds.
I hope you can find some help. May e this situation is showing you she and you would benefit from a care placement.
Wishing you well in this difficult time.

LavenderBears Feb 2023
Sounds like you're using a "U (Universal) Sling"? They're pretty scary looking. I always used the Full Body Hammock type.
When I used a Hoyer Lift for my Mom, they had a toileting sling called a "Full Body Hammock Sling" and it had a little round hole that the patient sits in over the potty - and there's no way anyone should fall through that.
I'd lay Mom on her side, and roll her onto the sling, then hook it up and lift it. They sell that type of sling on Amazon.

AnnReid Feb 2023
My mother was 4’11” and about 100 pounds.

Although she was able to stand and have a commode rolled under her for toileting, there were always 2 caregivers assigned when she was showered in a Hoyer.

I feel real concern for you. Have you been able to do a survey of residential sites in your area “just in case”?

If you are “bone weary” and I’m sure you are, you may need to consider whether you are able to continue providing her care as you are now.

You are not alone.
KaleyBug Apr 2023
The hoyers used at the facilities are not like the one person easy to use ones at home.
Sample Feb 2023
I opted not to go that route. To me it looked like too much work and I have a small space. So I gust lift her up fortunately I am strong and healthy. I also keep her in diapers and just let her go in the bed and changer her. I also use those disposable bed protectors. They have those external catheters pure wick she used in the hospital but they are very expensive.
KaleyBug Apr 2023
For my parents at nightI used the washable bed protectors, save a lot of money over the disposable ones.
Beatty Feb 2023
Is this a machine to stand up? With a sling that is mostly supports around the waist?
That style requires good leg strength.

Or full lift style, that lifts up the whole body? No leg use required.

The sling should work with legs crossed but if Mom is shorter, or very small proportioned then maybe a child size hoist would fit better?

Can you have a PT or OT experienced with hoists review your equipment? Even by photo? The peadiatric ward of a large hospital would use smaller hoists & slings & maybe could be a resource?
KaleyBug Apr 2023
No a hoyer cradles the person in either a u-sling sitting position or a full one with or without a hole, which depending on how you hook them up move them in a sitted position or slightly leaning back.
MetroUrban Feb 2023
A physical therapist would be able to assess your mother to see the appropriate equipment know this is easier said than done. If she is eligible for Home Care under Medicare a PT is on staff.

Sadinroanokeva Feb 2023
Wow..I ask why? Sounds like a nursing home makes sense. What a huge job. Good Luck.
KaleyBug Apr 2023
They are so easy to use once you know how.
AlvaDeer Feb 2023
Wish there was more help for your query, but I think it serves as a warning to others. The cost of this equipment is high.

boneweary Feb 2023
Tried criss crossing the legs. It helped but still didn't solve the problem.
KaleyBug Apr 2023
Criss cross under the leg. Did you buy one where the front and back loops hook on the same hook or the ones where you hook the back ones on a hanger like system at the rear and the legs at a hook on the other side. That type keeps the patient more upright vs the one hook on each side that both the front and rear loops go on the same hook.
Grandma1954 Feb 2023
There are different size slings.
But...
If the sling has long "legs" criss cross them that might help.

lealonnie1 Feb 2023
I'd call the company directly to see what options, if any, they offer for this situation. I know the slings come in many sizes; perhaps there is something that can be rigged for mom to keep her snugly fit in the toilet sling, I don't know.
boneweary Feb 2023
Thank you. Called company (Joerns). They were no help at all. Got some admin person who likely never actually used one. In fact the admin person told me to buy a larger sling. They did give me some local distributors to try calling them.
Also I wouldn't suggest to anyone they buy a toileting sling with a 2 inch web seat belt. It is painful. I now see models with a wide cushioned belt. But I don't want to buy another sling no knowing if it will work or not.

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