In this video the caregiver will learn how to use a Sit to Stand Lift (varying brand names, sometimes called a "Sara Lift") with a stand assist sling (transfer sling not demonstrated in this video) to transfer an individual from a hospital bed to a wheelchair. This general technique can be used for transfers to a chair, bedside commode, toilet or any other sitting surface. Use of a Sit to Stand Lift should be considered when transferring individuals who are unable to assist with transfers, but can support the majority of their weight through their legs. They also need to be able to sit on their own or with minimal assistance, bend at their hips, knees, ankles and hold on to the lift with their hands. Be sure to assess the client or loved one's ability to cooperate/follow instructions during the transfer for safety.
Things to consider:
- Make sure the clearance and space beneath the bed is adequate in order to properly position/use the lift
- The base of the lift must be in it's widest position before lifting your client or loved one
- Always know the weight limit of the lift and sling being used
- Never exceed the lowest weight limit of the two (sling and lift) Example: If you have a sling with a weight limit of 400 Ibs and lift with a weight limit of 350 Ibs the individual being transferred cannot weigh anymore than 350 Ibs.
- Always make sure the sling and the lift are in good working condition before use
- Do not use a sling that is torn or fraying
Take Care 2 Care
- Allow the loved one to do as much as possible
- Assist them into sitting at the side of the bed
- Raise the bed as needed to improve body mechanics when assisting the loved one to the side of the bed
Sling placement
- Place the sling around the back of the client
- Tags of the sling should be facing away from the client
- The bottom edge of the sling is positioned in the area of the lower back of the client with the upper edge in the area of their shoulder blades
- Fasten the inner belt to a snug fit (make sure there are no issues in the stomach area that would prevent the use of the belt)
- Bring each side of the sling around to the front of the client's body, making sure the client's arms are on the outside of the sling
Preparing for the Lift
- Widen the lift base
- As the lift is being positioned, have the client place their feet on the foot rest, assisting as needed
- Position the lift so that the knee pad is resting on the client's lower legs (adjust with pull pins as needed for the top of the knee pad to rest just below the knee caps)
- Use the color coded loops, or mark with identifying tape/ribbon, to make sure you attach each side equally in length
- The closer the attachment loop is to the sling the more back support and upright position for the client
- The taller the client, the further out toward the end of the lift bars the loops should be attached
- Bring the same colored loop on each side of the sling around the outside of the lift bar, attach securely around the same level knob on each side
Performing the Lift
- Always inform the individual of what to expect/what you are doing
- Do not apply the sit to stand lift brakes during the lift (lift needs to be allowed to move in order to position itself beneath the individual's center of gravity as they are lifted)
- Base of the lift should be in it's widest position
- Client's arms should be outside the sling and they should be asked to hold onto the lift bar
- Make sure the pump valve is closed by turning clockwise
- Use pump handle to begin lifting client off of the bed
- Have the client slightly lean back into the sling as they are being lifted
- Continue to monitor the sling attachments as you begin to lift
- Raise just until the individual's bottom has cleared the bed
Performing the Transfer
Take Care 2 Care
- Make sure to use good body mechanics when moving the lift, bending your knees and keeping your back straight
- With the wheelchair locked, position the lift sling over the seat of the wheelchair towards the back of the seat
- Release the pump valve, slowly turning counter clockwise
- Once lowered, remove the straps from the lift bars and pull the lift out of the way
Return Transfer to the Bed
Preparing for the Lift
- Place the stand assist sling on the client as reviewed previously
- Widen the lift base
- Make sure the wheelchair brakes are locked
- As the lift is being positioned, have the client place their feet on the foot rest, assisting as needed
- Position the lift so that the knee pad is resting on their lower legs (adjust with pull pins as needed for the top of the knee pad to rest just below the knee caps)
- Use the color coded loops, or mark with identifying tape/ribbon, to make sure you attach each side equally in length
- The closer the attachment loop is to the sling the more back support and upright position for the client
- The taller the client, the further out toward the end of the lift bars the loops should be attached
- Bring the same colored loop on each side of the sling around the outside of the lift bar and attach securely around the same level knob on each side
Performing the Lift
- Always inform the individual of what to expect/what you are doing
- Do not apply the sit to stand lift brakes during the lift (lift needs to be allowed to move in order to position itself beneath the individual's center of gravity as they are lifted)
- Base of the lift should be in it's widest position
- Client's arms should be outside the sling and they should be asked to hold onto the lift bar
- Make sure the pump valve is closed by turning clockwise
- Use pump handle to begin lifting client off of the bed
- Have the client slightly lean back into the sling as they are being lifted
- Continue to monitor the sling attachments as you begin to lift
- Raise just until the individual's bottom has cleared the wheelchair
Performing the Transfer
- Make sure to use good body mechanics when moving the lift, bending your knees and keeping your back straight
- You may have to lift the client higher as you position the the lift to return them to sitting on the bed
- Release the pump valve, slowly turning counter clockwise
- Once lowered, remove the straps from the lift bars
- Make sure your client is in a secure, sitting position on the bed
- Pull the lift out of the way
- Remove the stand assist sling
Special thanks to OxyCare for the use of the Sit to Stand Lift and Sycamore Village Assisted Living in Swansea, IL for the use of their facility.