How to Choose Lifting Slings

First, identify how many patient lift slings slings your healthcare setting needs. While there isn’t one right answer to this question and the quantity will depend greatly on the patient population in a building, below is a general starting point. These per-lift recommendations will change based on the acuity level of patients and body type.

Sit-To-Stand Lifts:

Sit-to-stand lifts help patients who have some mobility, but need assistance rising from a sitting position. Sit-to-stand lifts allow caregivers to comfortably and safely assist mobility patients with sitting and standing. Below are a few sit to stand lift sling considerations:

Standing Slings: 2 medium and 1 large

Standing slings are ideal for patients who can bear half or more of their own weight and have sufficient head and neck control. These types of sit-to-stand lift slings can take patients from a seated to standing position.

Transport Slings: 1 medium and 1 large

Transport slings provide back support up to a patient’s shoulder area and underneath their thighs. Transport sit-to-stand lift slings can be used for seated transports, such as bed to chair or in room transport.

What Are Specialty Patient Slings?

Keep in mind that you may have patients who, based on weight, shape or specific health needs, require other sizes or sling types (hygiene, walking, gait training, repositioning, etc.)

A few examples of patient-specific slings include:

• Bariatric Sling
• Repositioning Sling
• Harness

What materials are slings made from?

Patient lift slings can also be customized to meet specific needs through their sling material. Common lifting lift material includes:

• Poly. Poly slings are the standard lift sling material and are strong and durable.
• Mesh. Mesh slings are commonly used for bathing, as they dry and let go of water easily.
• Padded. Padded Sit-to-Stand sling material offers added comfort for patients.

Lifting Slings Chart: Multi-Brand Compatible Slings

Direct Supply offers a variety of sling and lift solutions for your healthcare setting. Discover our multi-brand compatible sling selection and learn more about this versatile offering in this Multi Brand Sling Vlog.

Direct Supply’s multi-brand slings have passed compatibility testing and are appropriate to use with leading brands of lift equipment. The lifting slings compatibility charts below contain our Direct Supply multi brand compatible sling models, material and size options:

Floor Lift Slings Chart:

Sit-to-Stand Lift Slings Chart:

Shop the full collection of Direct Supply’s multi-brand slings to standardize and save on slings in your healthcare setting.

A best practice is to assess the needs of each individual patient to determine the lift and sling mix you should purchase. Some benefits of purchasing patient-specific slings include:

How Do I Determine What Sling My Resident Needs?

While fit and comfort are important assessment factors when choosing the correct sling, there are other essential considerations to take into account. The determination of the correct sling model and size must be done by a licensed clinician. That designated licensed clinician should:

1. Assess the resident and determine that the resident actually requires a lift/assist device
2. Determine the correct lift/assist device and sling based on the resident assessment and the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations to determine the appropriate sling based on the desired function.
3. Document the specific recommended lift/assist device (make, model and weight capacity) and sling (make, model and size – including any specific attachment instructions). Remember, slings can be made of mesh, breathable fabric, nylon, quilted, padded and may have parts that can be plastic or metal. Be specific.

How Do I Ensure Proper Usage?

Having the proper equipment is an excellent start, but making sure your staff and residents know how to use them is absolutely essential. Be sure to follow any and all manufacturer instructions and safety compliance instructions. Additionally, consider these tips:

Types of Wheelchair Scales

Digital

• Electronic weight indicator automatically displays weight on the digital wheelchair scale
• Typically more accurate and efficient than mechanical scales

Bariatric

• Bariatric scales have a higher weight capacities than standard scales
• Wider platform accommodates larger wheelchairs

Key Considerations: Wheelchair Scales

Durability

• Heavy-duty construction designed for long-term daily use across various resident weights
• Rust- and corrosion-resistant materials
• Non-slip rubber mats on platforms prevent wheelchairs from rolling

Low Profile

• Gentle incline for easy rolling of chairs on and off the platform
• Enhances resident comfort and safety

Built-in Ramps

• More stable than standalone ramps
• Smooth transfer of residents on and off the scale
• Dual ramps for accessibility from both sides

Safety Grab Bars/Handrails

• Provide a greater sense of security and stability
• Enable residents who can stand on their own to use the scale safely
• Assist with stand-up weighing

Precision

• Stainless steel load cells for increased accuracy
• Clinical grade accuracy: 0.2-lb/0.1-kg

Graphics/Display

• Large, easy-to-read display at a glance
• Tabletop or wall mount designs for pivoting and positioning where healthcare professionals can easily read results

Mobility

• Wheels for easy rolling of the scale from room to room
• Handles for a secure grip and control while moving
• Fold-down scale columns for added convenience

Key Features: Wheelchair Scales

WI-FI/Bluetooth Connectivity

Wireless EMR/EHR connectivity allows for seamless data sharing, transmitting resident weight directly to electronic medical records. This reduces the risk of misplaced clinical notes and minimizes human error

Wheelchair Scale FAQs

How do wheelchair scales work?

Wheelchair scales have a platform where the wheelchair is placed, and the scale calculates the total weight. The weight of the empty wheelchair can be subtracted to determine the weight of the individual.

Why are wheelchair scales important?

Wheelchair scales are essential for accurately monitoring the weight of non-ambulatory individuals. This is crucial for medical assessments, medication dosing, and overall health management.

How to weigh someone in a wheelchair?

First ensure the scale is on a flat surface and zero it with the empty wheelchair if possible. Gently roll the wheelchair onto the scale, making sure it is centered and stable. Engage the brakes, then wait for the weight to display and record it. If you didn’t zero the scale, subtract the weight of the empty wheelchair from the total. Ensure the patient’s comfort and security throughout the process, and document the weight in their medical record.

How accurate are wheelchair scales?

Wheelchair scales offer clinical-grade accuracy, typically within 0.2-lb (0.1-kg), ensuring reliable weight measurements.

How do I maintain a wheelchair scale?

Regular maintenance includes:

• Checking and cleaning the platform and ramps.
• Inspecting for wear and tear.
• Calibrating the scale periodically according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Can these scales be used for other purposes?

While primarily designed for wheelchairs, some scales can also be used to weigh other equipment or items, provided they fit within the platform and weight capacity limits.

Types of Patient Lifts

Sit-to-Stand Lifts

• Sit-to-stand lifts are for patients who demonstrate some weight-bearing ability or upper-body strength
• Ideal for use in patient rooms, toilet areas, bathing areas and common areas
• More dignified and conducive to patient involvement
• Easier and faster to use than floor lifts
• Small footprint for easy maneuvering in small areas

• Ceiling lifts are ideal for patient, therapy and tub rooms; can be permanent or portable
• Weight capacities up to 1,000 lbs.
• Reduces caregiver strain
• Offers expanded lift range

Key Factors in Choosing a Lift for Your Facility

Base Length & Width

• Shorter base lengths and widths allow lifts to maneuver in tight spaces
• The base should be wide open enough to fit around equipment and provide stability

Emergency Control

• All electronic lifts should have a control to stop the lift motor in case of an emergency 
• Manual override allows residents to be safely moved in case of power loss

Gait Training

• Many patient lifts can also be used for gait training
• Boom height must be tall enough to accommodate the standing height of your patients
• If choosing a sit-to-stand lift, look for models with removable footplates to allow patients to stand comfortably between the base widening legs

Scale Attachment

• Allows caregiver to weigh residents during transfer, helping reduce incidence of caregiver injury
• Saves time and eliminates the need for an additional transfer to a scale

Transport vs Transfer

• Not all lifts are designed to move patients throughout your community
• Many lifts are intended for short-distance transfers, such as from a bed to a wheelchair.
• If you do a lot of long-distance moves, transport lifts can virtually replace the other transport equipment you use, such as stretchers or transport chairs.

Prioritizing safety: The advantages of safe lifting practices in your community

As acuities continue to rise and surveyors continue to cite F-Tag 323 (Accidents), it’s becoming increasingly important to establish and promote ergonomic and injury prevention programs.

Learning how to use sit-to-stand lifts and utilizing them correctly and consistently can play a key role in establishing a culture of safety within your healthcare facility. The proper use of senior lifts can significantly impact the safety of residents and staff, as well as enhance residents’ mobility, strength, and independence.

How to Enhance Resident and Staff Safety in Lift Transfers:

• Minimize lifting-related incidents and injuries
• Alleviate caregivers’ daily strain
• Lower insurance costs
• Improve care quality and resident outcomes
• Ensure safety for resident outcomes
• Boost staff recruitment and retention
• Increase community marketability (resident admissions)
• Control employee injury and malpractice expenses

Patient Lift FAQs

What is a patient lift?

A patient lift is a device designed to assist individuals with limited mobility in transferring safely and comfortably from one place to another, such as from a bed to a chair or from the floor to a bed.

Why are patient lifts important for senior care?

Patient lifts are crucial in senior care as they can help reduce the risk of falls and injuries for both patients and caregivers. They provide a safe and efficient way to transfer elderly individuals, enhancing their comfort and dignity.

Are patient lifts safe to use?

Lift assists for the elderly are designed with safety in mind. They often come with features such as emergency stop buttons, safety straps, and sturdy construction. Proper training on their use is essential to ensure safety.

Can patient lifts be used for lifting someone from the floor?

Many patient lifts, specifically floor lifts, are designed to reach low enough to lift patients from the floor. It’s important to choose a lift that can accommodate this function if needed.

How do I maintain a patient lift?

Regular maintenance includes:

• Checking for wear and tear on slings and straps
• Ensuring all mechanical parts are functioning properly
• Charging batteries for electric lifts
• Cleaning the lift according to the manufacturer’s guidelines

Bariatric Wheelchairs At-A-Glance

1. Weight capacities over 500 pounds
2. Wider seats, larger dimensions
3. Robust constructions specifically designed to accommodate higher weights
4. Stronger axies, heavier tubing, double cross braces, gusseted frames and reinforced upholstery

Key Specifications: Bariatric Wheelchairs

To ensure adequate support, safety and comfort, be sure the following important specifications align with the needs of your specific patient and resident population.

QUICK TIP Be sure to measure door frame widths in your community to ensure bariatric wheelchairs can fit through easily while in use.

Weight Capacity

Up to 1000lbs.

Most standard wheelchairs have a weight limit of 250 to 300 pounds. Exceeding this limit can lead to serious injury if the frame breaks or a part fails. Bariatric wheelchairs are designed for higher weight capacities, ensuring safety and comfort for larger individuals

Seat Width

From 26″ to 32″

Seats that are too narrow create an opportunity for skin shearing. Seats that are too wide rotate legs inward and put a strain on hips.

Seat Depth

From 18″ to 22″

Shallow seats cause forward weight shift and instability, while deep seats can pressure the knees, leading to pelvic tilting. This posterior tilt increases the risk of falling as the user may slide out of their seat.

Back Height

From 18″ to 22″

An average back height for a self-propeller is 16” tall, while 18”-20” is the average for a person who is dependent in propulsion

Backs that are too low cause poor trunk stability. Backs that are too high cause restricted shoulder movement and the resident to lean forward.

Seat-to-Floor Height

17-1/2” to 21-1/2”

Appropriate seat floor height ensures effective foot propulsion, providing exercise and independence. Seats that are too low can cause legs to drag or knees to bend uncomfortably with front riggings.

Frame Weight

Typically, the higher the weight capacity, the heavier the bariatric wheelchair

When selecting a bariatric wheelchair, it is crucial to balance the need for higher weight capacity with the practicalities of handling a heavier frame.

Frame Construction

Most heavy-duty wheelchairs fold from side to side. Highest weight capacity chairs are more likely to have solid frames

Direct Supply^® can help you find the right fit:

Wheelchair sizing guide

Bariatric Wheelchair Features for Enhanced Comfort & Safety

In addition to larger dimensions and higher weight capacities, to choose the right bariatric wheelchair for your facility, consider the following:

Bariatric Wheelchair FAQs

What is a bariatric wheelchair?

A bariatric wheelchair is a wide wheelchair designed to accommodate individuals who require a higher weight capacity than standard wheelchairs, typically supporting weights up to 1000 lbs or more.

Can a bariatric wheelchair be transported easily?

While bariatric wheelchairs are heavier and larger than standard models, many are designed to fold for easier transport. However, solid frame models offer maximum support but are less portable.

What features should I look for in a bariatric wheelchair?

Key features include reinforced frames, adjustable seat widths and heights, heavy-duty wheels, comfortable upholstery, and customizable accessories such as leg rests and armrests.

How do I maintain a bariatric wheelchair?

Regular maintenance includes checking for loose parts, ensuring the wheels and brakes are functioning properly, and cleaning the upholstery. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific maintenance requirements.

What should I consider for bariatric wheelchair safety?

Ensure the wheelchair is the correct size and weight capacity for the user. Regularly check for any wear and tear, and make sure the user knows how to operate the wheelchair safely, including using the brakes and navigating different terrains.

The Basics of Inpatient Fall Prevention

Sometimes the Simple Things Get Overlooked

As medical technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial that healthcare facilities implement strategies to ensure the utmost safety of their patients. One area in particular to ensure patient safety is in regards to inpatient fall prevention; while all falls cannot be completely avoided, being proactive against potential risks has shown great success in reducing preventable injuries.

There are small steps you can take to implement a system that best fits your needs and quality goals. Let’s identify some of the risk factors of inpatient falls to promote safer environments within your health care facility in 2023.

Understand the Causes of Inpatient Falls

According to The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, almost one-third of falls can be prevented.¹ Falls are a common and devastating complication of hospital care, particularly in elderly patients. Epidemiologic studies have found that falls occur at a rate of 3–5 per 1000 bed-days, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates that 700,000 to 1 million hospitalized patients fall each year.²

Hospital patients typically fall due to a combination of physical and cognitive factors. Physically, patients may have weakened muscles that limit their mobility and make them susceptible to falls. Patients may also experience dizziness or confusion due to medication side effects, recovery from surgery, or other outside factors which may increase the risk of falls resulting in injuries. 

Additional causes of inpatient falls can be attributed to the environment. This includes poor lighting, slippery floors, inadequate patient monitoring, faulty equipment and cluttered hallways. To help reduce the number of inpatient falls, hospitals must take the appropriate steps to implement safety protocols. Additionally, hospitals should ensure that all staff members are properly trained to recognize the potential causes of inpatient falls so they can properly implement hospital fall prevention strategies accordingly.

How To Prevent Inpatient Falls

Knowing the main causes of inpatient falls can help in reducing the risk of occurrence. Hospitals can implement a number of strategies to reduce the risk of inpatient falls and prevent further injury. While you cannot control all risks attributed to a patient’s physical and cognitive state, you can control risks that are attributed to the environment. Strategies to optimize safety in the hospital environment include…

Ensure your patient has a safe bed –

Mattresses such as the Panacea Support Foam Mattress contain raised perimeters to remind patients where the edge of the bed is to prevent them from rolling off. Having a bed with a wider base also decreases the risk of a patient falling off the bed. In addition, you may want to consider installing Adjustable Height Beds in rooms where patients have less mobility. These beds allow staff to adjust the bed so patients can safely transition in and out of the bed. Adjustable height beds can be altered to keep patients safe and comfortable.

Implementing the right call system for your patient –

Consider your patient’s needs and determine the best way for them to quickly alert staff when they are in need of assistance. For instance, does the patient need a call light adapter? Products such as the Attendant Nurse Call Light Adapter ensures your patients have the ability to access help if needed. It is important to make sure that new call light adapters will work with your already installed nurse call system as well.

Educating staff on proper transfer techniques for lifting and moving patients –

Making sure your staff is properly trained to lift and transfer patients is a critical hospital fall prevention strategy. Staff should be familiar with how to use Gait Belts and other Transfer Aids to swiftly help patients get around.  You should also make sure your healthcare facility has a quality Floor Lift to reduce the risk of injury to both staff and patients. A floor lift eliminates the need for manual lifting, which can cause strain on muscles and joints. Additionally, floor lifts can save time by enabling staff to quickly and safely move patients in emergency situations.

By implementing these strategies, hospitals can help to lessen the risk of inpatient falls during their stay. Direct Supply offers a variety of products to reduce fall risk. Learn more about how to strengthen your hospital fall prevention strategies.

The Future of Hospital Fall Prevention Strategies

Investing in the right hospital fall prevention strategies is incredibly important in healthcare. It doesn’t have to be challenging – there are many simple actions you can take that go a long way. The future of fall prevention ensures that patients have access to everything they need in order to remain safe. Adding affordable items such as grip socks to your inventory and implementing other practical strategies can help improve patient safety and satisfaction at hospitals. These measures keep staff safe as well, helping you to promote overall safer environments for your facility in 2023.

References:

¹ Preventing falls in Hospitals. AHRQ. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2023, from https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/fall-prevention/toolkit/index.html

² Falls. Patient Safety Network. (n.d.). Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/falls

1. Evaluate Your Current Resident Safety Program

Creating a safe, welcoming Assisted Living care environment for your seniors and staff starts with investing in a safe resident handling program for your community. Using an assessment guide is a great place to start thinking about how you can introduce, implement and maintain a culture of safety. It can help you understand the current Assisted Living landscape and evaluate how well your community is equipped to handle high acuity. Working through a step-by-step guide that suggests products and next steps can make it easier to implement a program.

Ask yourself a few key questions to help you determine how your community stacks up:

• Do I have an established process for routinely evaluating senior mobility and transfer ability?
• Have I seen increases in staff injuries or workers’ compensation costs?
• Is my community equipped with the right mobility aids and transfer devices to improve these experiences and also improve staff and senior safety?

Assisted Living residents who actively participate in their healthcare are more likely to adapt behaviors that promote and maintain senior safety. Increase resident engagement by reviewing assessment results, providing information on fall prevention and showing exactly what happens during the use of a mechanical lift.

By working directly with your residents and staff, you can help create safer Assisted Living care environments for everyone.

This webinar features Cate Reade, MS, RD – Certified Senior Fitness Specialist & Kelly Sullivan – Senior Product Consultant, Direct Supply.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, mobility is the fastest-growing disability with 40% of people ages 65 and older having difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Losing mobility means independence withers away while the risk of falling grows. Discover why unlocking joint function is the key to regaining strength and balance.

In this webinar, we will explore strategies that include simple exercises, breathing techniques and positive intentions that support greater mobility and confidence. Attendees will walk away with actionable steps to help older adults build stronger physical, mental and emotional capabilities to move, feel and live better.

Help Increase Safety

The most important thing to consider when using a sit-to-stand lift is helping to ensure safety for both the resident and the caregiver. Before using any lift equipment, you must complete a resident assessment by a qualified clinician. The assessment should be:

1. Multi-factorial (physical, mental, cognitive, etc.)
2. Documented
3. Communicated to caregivers
4. Repeated (at time of admission, passage of time, change of condition, etc.)

While the assessment outlines requirements for the resident, we recommend a similar process to help ensure the caregiver is prepared for the lifting procedure and knows how to use a sit-to-stand lift. A caregiver should follow the below sit-to-stand lift instructions:

1. Know the resident’s care plan requirements
2. Verify the resident’s name, physical capabilities, mental status and medical condition
3. Complete a visual lift and sling inspection before each use

4. Disinfect hands and sling both before and after use
5. Engage the resident and explain the lifting procedure

Help Improve Outcomes

After ensuring the proper requirements and procedures are met, the next step is to look at the many ways a sit-to-stand lift can improve outcomes in your community. In addition to simple transfers, these lifts can be a powerful exercise tool to help improve residents’ strength as a way to reduce dependency on lifting devices. To meet the shift of rising acuity in senior living, transfer and lifting devices can help achieve residents’ health and wellness goals. ​Additionally, they can open up a wider range of activities and interventions that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Consider these applications as potentially applicable for a resident:

Falls have become a significant problem for seniors in the United States. With one-third of reported falls among those ages 65 and over – and staggering costs that coincide – preventive measures must be taken to identify and treat individuals who are at risk of falls before they occur. Fall risk screening and conditioning programs are designed to do just that. Over the past few years, research has proven how falls and subsequent cost-related injuries decrease with the implementation of these programs.

In this webinar, you will receive an overview of common intrinsic and extrinsic causes of falls among seniors and individuals with existing disabilities, as well as the consequences and current cost-related statistics. Through various methods and evaluations, attendees will learn how they can play an integral role in providing evidenced-based fall risk assessments in their own communities or workplaces. We will then review common clinical balance, gait and strength tests that can be administered to determine fall risk and discuss what a conditioning program consisting of these tests will look like. Lastly, we will explore how basic marketing techniques can be used to promote a fall risk assessment program to seniors and staff in your community.

This webinar features Comfort Company’s Clinical Education Manager – Ana Endsjo, along with Direct Supply’s Associate Product Manager – Kelly Sullivan.

In this session, we will take an in-depth look at off-the-shelf back supports and the critical role they play in maximizing function and preventing falls and wounds in wheelchair systems. We also will learn about key features of back supports and the importance of adjustability to conform to users’ unique body shapes. We will examine how back supports go hand in hand with cushions to achieve stability, alignment and promote even pressure distribution in an optimal seating system.

Notice: This video is intended to provide information to Direct Supply’s customers, does not constitute medical or legal advice, and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual patients or conditions, or as a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical professional. Direct Supply specifically disclaims all responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the material in this video. You may not modify, copy, reproduce, upload, transmit, publicly display, prepare derivative works based on or distribute any part of this video.