There are many people who live with mobility issues. Sometimes, they’re born with a disability, and sometimes, it happens later in life. Whatever the reason for the mobility problem, there are tools and equipment that can make it safer and easier for caregivers to provide the care they need, and to interact with the world more easily.
Transfer lifts are a great tool to help people with mobility issues to get from their bed into a wheelchair and to use other kinds of equipment and furniture. Here’s how transfer lifts work, and how this mobility equipment can help you.
1. Position It
The first thing you need to do when using transfer lifts is position the sling. This is done based on the position that the person being moved is in. The sling needs to be behind their back. So, if they are lying down, position it so that they can be rolled onto the sling. If they are sitting, position it behind their back, and work it down behind their hips.
2. Lock It
To ensure that the sling is safe to use, you will want to lock it in position before you try to use it. Make sure the arm or boom of the sling is directly over the person you are moving, and that the wheels are fully locked in place.
3. Hook It
The next step in using transfer lifts is to hook all the necessary loops in place. Some are used to hook the sling itself in place. Others lock optional accessories like the neck flap in place. Make sure they are all securely connected.
4. Lift!
Once everything is secure and in place, it’s time to do the lift and transfer. Make sure you lift slowly until the person you are lifting is in place, and then unlock the wheels and move them until they are directly above their new position. Adjust the width of the transfer lift base while you go, and make sure you are facing the person you are moving as you go.
5. Lower
Once the lift is in place, you can relock the wheels, and slowly lower the person you are transferring into their new position. Different kinds of lifts have different controls, so make sure you practice lowering and lifting slowly and smoothly before you help an actual person!
6. Remove the Sling
Once the person is in place, you can unhook the loops, and then reverse the lifting procedure, either by rolling the person off the sling or by gently working it free of their hips and back.
Transfer lifts can make a big difference for people who are living with mobility problems and their caregivers. If you’re looking for a lift or any mobility equipment in Lethbridge, we’d love to talk about your options. There’s a lot of mobility equipment out there that really can be life-changing. So, for safety, convenience, and quality of life, transfer slings and other mobility equipment are a great investment.
If you are looking for an easier way to move loved ones, we know everything there is to transfer lifts. We can show you how they work, and we can even provide in-home installation! Contact Leading Edge Mobility today to learn more.