How to Use a Hoyer Lift
🔍 Skill Overview
Operating a Hoyer lift demonstrates your ability to safely transfer non-ambulatory residents while protecting both resident and staff from injury. This procedure requires attention to safety, proper body mechanics, and careful coordination. Proper use of mechanical lifts is essential for safe resident transfers and preventing workplace injuries.
🧰 Required Equipment/Supplies
- Mechanical lift (Hoyer)
- Appropriate size sling
- Safety straps
- Two staff members
- Privacy supplies
- Non-slip shoes
- Documentation materials
- Call light within reach
⚡ Key Steps
- Pre-procedure
- Verify resident identity
- Explain procedure
- Ensure privacy
- Gather equipment
- Check lift functions
- Lock wheels on bed
- Position lift properly
- Have second staff present
- During procedure
- Position sling correctly
- Check sling placement
- Attach all straps properly
- Cross legs if appropriate
- Raise resident slowly
- Monitor resident comfort
- Move lift carefully
- Communicate with partner
- Lower slowly and smoothly
- Post-procedure
- Position resident properly
- Remove sling carefully
- Ensure comfort
- Store equipment
- Document transfer
- Report any concerns
- Clean equipment if needed
⚠️ Critical Points
- Always use two staff
- Check equipment safety
- Proper sling size/position
- Lock wheels
- Monitor resident
- Maintain dignity
- Clear path for transfer
- Follow weight limits
✅ Skills Test Tips
- Check equipment first
- Explain each step
- Show proper coordination
- Demonstrate safety checks
- Monitor resident comfort
- Use clear communication
- Follow proper sequence
- Maintain resident safety
📹 Video Demonstration
Watch our detailed video demonstration below to see proper Hoyer lift technique in action. This video shows you exactly how to perform this essential skill for your certification exam.