Patient lift slings for handicapped patients fulfill a variety of needs, ranging from standing assistance to toileting help. According to the FDA's best practices for patient lift use, users should match a sling to a patient's specific weight and the right lift type. Patient lifts can be either manual or electric. They support and transfer patients from one place to another using a specific type of sling and fabric. Avoid using slings that show damage, as this may lead to hazards for the patient.
Some factors to consider when choosing slings are:
- Patient's weight
- Type of patient lift
- Cross-contamination (Is laundering an issue?)
- Patient's mobility ability
- Transport destinations, such as beds, toileting, or water
Amica offers a variety of patient slings to provide comfort and durability. Just as finding the right patient lift should be a well thought-out decision, choosing a sling to match relies on knowing what the patient needs.
Not sure how to choose lift slings for handicapped patients? Here's a bit of information on each type of lift sling to get started.
5 Types of Patient Slings
U-Slings
U-Slings, or Universal Slings, support the whole body and are ideal for transporting a patient to the toilet or to/from bed. Using a full body U-Sling requires knowledge of different patient positioning, depending on the type of transfer. They support the back at a reclined position, making them a good fit for those who struggle to support their torso upright. The U-Sling's split leg, open bottom design provides hygiene for toileting transfers.
Full Body Slings
Full Body Slings offer complete neck and head support with padded comfort. These are ideal for patients with limited torso and neck control and who are totally dependent. Because they come in a variety of fabrics, such as mesh or solid polyester, you can use them to transfer from bed to wheelchair, toilet, or floor.
Standing Lift Slings
Standing Slings are great for patients with partial mobility and have head and neck control. They can ideally sit up on the bed and can bend below the waist. Standing Lifts help to move patients with greater weight bearing ability from beds to chairs. When deciding on this sling, be absolutely certain that you are accommodating the right type of patient, otherwise it can be dangerous.
Toileting Slings
Toileting Slings transport patients to and from the toilet safely. Users can easily apply these in a wheelchair and help to smoothly lift a person to the toilet. There are options with neck and back support for patients with limited torso stability. Alternatively, you may choose Toileting Slings with less back support, better suited for those with stronger head and neck control.
Disposable Slings
If cross-contamination is a concern, then Disposal Slings are a suitable option. As the name suggests, these slings are for single patient use and do not need to be washed. Once they begin to fray and show damage, users can simply dispose of the sling. You can also use Disposable Slings for bathing and showering.
Amica Medical Supplies provides Low Prices, Great Service, and Expert Advice. Browse all of Amica's lift slings for handicapped patients here!
We have the right slings. We have a Invacre 9805 PN1128585 Rev. D Hoyer Lift.
However, our sling hanger (or cradle or whatever it is called) is shaped like a clothes hanger and it won't work and we want a cradle that goes straight across in order to load my wife into our car. She has a severe brain injury and is not able to help us in the transferring process. We do not have the $ resource to buy a lot of stuff but could sure use some help.