Moving & Handling training is best delivered face to face, where practical experience can gained and methods demonstrated.

With the wider situation of the pandemic however this is becoming increasingly difficult, and in any case it is never possible to demonstrate every single piece of equipment that you might encounter in the field.

With this in mind we have put together this library of resources to help you understand different equipment better.

Below you will find a presentation that we use in our training which contains a series of videos.

There are further video resources below for you to use.

How to Use a Sling

This video shows a typical sling in use and demonstrates best practice for their application.

Note the coloured loops - most slings attach to hoists at 4 points, and the different hoops allow the person to be positioned from horizontal to sitting upright as they are raised by changing the length of strap used.

The configuration used should be detailed in the care plan and is usually decided by an Occupational Therapist.

The way the lower straps - between the legs - are configured can differ quite a lot between manufacturers and it is very possible to work in care for a long time and still encounter something new & confusing! Always ask if you're unsure and never use equipment unless you're confident you understand how to.

Also, be mindful that the person might have a different sling for toiletting which is not suited to regular transfers - toiletting slings have large apertures which increase the risk of slipping.

Using a Mobile Hoist

Here exemplary use of a mobile hoist is demonstrated.

Remember that hoists are not intended to transport people over any distance - you should be using them only for transfers from bed to chair, for example.

You should think of mobile hoists as being used to pivot on the spot or move within their own approximate footprint only.

Hoists are difficult to manoeuvre and have a high centre of gravity when loaded - the legs should be spread at all time during lifting. The brakes should also be off when lifting to allow the hoist to right its own balance as it takes the load.

Loose carpets make the risk of toppling even higher.

You will note that the person in the video is using the hoist single-handedly - you should always have a second carer present when hoisting.

This is also linked to local policy, but the reasons for it are the risk level of this activity.

Home care never presents an ideal environment - floor surfaces and space are usually a compromise, as are various distractions.

You should check one another's sling configurations and use two people to manoeuvre the hoist at all times.

When the person needs to be mobilised from room to room they will typically need to be transferred to a wheeled commode or wheelchair. The hoisting procedure is then repeated to transfer them from the commode either to a chair or bed.

Using Slide Sheets

There are two videos here covering slide sheets comprehensively.

Slide sheets are used to reposition a person in bed where they are unable to do this independently.

The basic principle is to allow movement by using two pieces of fabric which are designed to move against one another with low friction.

The first variant is put in place in a similar way to a hoist sling. Another variant of this is a one piece 'hoop' slide sheet which slides against itself, which you will see in use more commonly.

The second variant is known as a 'WendyLett' - this is a brand name you will see often in the field.

For this one, part of the slide sheet is like a regular bed sheet with a low friction top which stays on the bed while the person is in it. A top sheet sits on top of this whose underside is also low friction. It is important to install these correctly when making the bed for them to work effectively.

Again, it is required for you to have a second carer present at all times when using slide sheets.

Here, the risk of injury is to you more than the service user.

Ensuring the bed is at waist height - or average waist height - is important to avoid back injury.

The service user is at risk too however - you should be careful not abrade skin with your movements while using slide sheets, or worse cause a fall out of bed.

Using Turntables

Turntables - often referred to as Ross Returns - are more simple devices which can be used single-assist.

The basic principle is that the person can pull themselves to a standing position on a platform independently so that the care assistant can pivot them round to sit down on a wheeled commode to mobilise, for example.

The person would not otherwise be able to stand safely.

This equipment relies on the person having sufficient leg and upper body strength to stand, and it becomes unsafe if they deteriorate.

Moving & Handling Equipment Test

Now please complete this short quiz to demonstrate your knowledge.