What is a toileting sling?

Toileting Slings, also known as Access Slings are designed to aid the toileting process for those with mobility impairments as long as it's safe for them to do so.

What are toileting slings used for?

The toilet sling allows a nurse or carer to safely adjust the position of their patient or move them. These slings are made from Polyester which is a strong and durable material with soft touch for comfort. They are usually used for individuals who can control their head but have less function in their upper body, hips and thighs; however, the Invacare High Back Dress Toileting Sling are for those who need full body and head support.

What is an Invacare hoist?

Invacare produces hoists that are designed to help people who struggle with mobility as long as they are eligible to use one. This product lifts and lowers a patient after the correct sling has been wrapped around them. They are used in both domestic and residential care environments and can be folded, making them easier to store.

Hoists for toilet slings

Invacare Birdie Evo Compact Hoist 150Kgs & Invacare Birdie Evo Hoist 180Kgs

The only difference between these hoists is that the Birdie Evo Compact Hoist is smaller than the Birdie Evo Hoist which means it can be used in smaller environments. The maximum weight capacity for the Compact Hoist is 150Kgs and the regular can hold 180Kgs; however, there are hoists which can hold more weight.

The Birdie Evo Hoist provides comfortable and safe lifts and transfers to or from a bed, chair, or floor. These hoists can rotate a full 360°, to reduce the risk of injury, the hoists have a high boom feature. The hook design ensures that carers can securely attach slings and the flexible, outward-pointing lip easily detaches the sling. These hoists can be folded and unfolded without the need for tools for easy storage.

How to use Toileting Sling?

The toileting slings are easy to fit as they can be adjusted, though they still come in their designated sizes so always make sure to double-check the size which is right for your needs before purchasing. Adjusting the straps in certain ways creates different results, shorter loops at the shoulders and longer ones at the legs create a more vertical lift which is the preferred way of moving an individual into a chair or wheelchair. Lowering the loops at the shoulders and shortening the loops at the legs results in more of a reclined position that is appropriate for a chair-to-bed transfer.

These slings typically have a large opening so clothes may be adjusted. If the patient has any wounds, you must consider them as you are applying the sling, if they suffer from an above-knee amputation or hip disarticulation then you must use an amputee sling. A professional must carry out a risk assessment before using the sling. If in doubt, always reach out to the maker or supplier of the sling.

Sitting in a Chair or wheelchair:

1. Lean patient forward, making sure they are well supported to risk injury and encourage safety as well as security.
2. Slide the sling down behind the patient, keeping it centred and aligning the aperture apex with the waist.
3. The padded upper edge must be directly under the arms at this stage.
4. Sit the client back against the sling.
5. The patient's arms must be outside the sling.
6. Pass the leg support towards the front of the chair, and keep going until you place it under the thigh.

Sitting on a bed

1. Lean patient forward, making sure they are well supported to risk injury and encourage safety as well as security.
2. Slide the sling down behind the patient, keeping it centred and aligning the aperture apex with the base of the spine.
3. Sit the client back against the sling.

Application of the legs straps

Crossed leg straps:

1. Maximum security. Reduces the risk of forward pitching and maintains a better alignment of the hips and lower limbs.

Looping the leg sections together:

1. This method requires a risk assessment to be completed to account for the chance of forward pitching.
2. Clients who are prone to spasms should avoid this method.
3. As long as the above has been assessed, if the client feels more comfortable to do so, pass each individual leg strap under both legs.

Uncrossed leg strap:

1. This method can be used if the patient has abdominal sensitivity or requires intimate hygiene.
2. Apply each leg strap to each leg
3. Do not cross the straps before connecting to the spreader bar or lifting strap

Attaching loops to the spreader bar or lifting strap

1. Attach shoulder and head loops first
2. Attach legs next
3. Sling can be used at spreader bars with 2 or 4 attachment points
4. The size of the spreader bar needs to correlate to the size of the sling

Looking for a sling supplier? Get in touch today!

We work with leading brands to provide the most efficient healthcare equipment at Next Day Care Supplies. Contact us today for advice on our range of slings, lifting aids, hoists, and other care supplies.