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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
But...
If the sling has long "legs" criss cross them that might help.
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.