Case studies
Hoist slings
Included here are slings for children and young people with disabilities for use with hoists. They are available in a range of children's sizes and some may be made-to-measure.1
The sling is placed around your child while they are seated or lying down. Your child is then hoisted up, the hoist is wheeled to the new location and your child is lowered, for example from their wheelchair to a shower chair.2-3
There are various types of children's slings available including bathing, toileting and 'sit-on' slings. They may be provided in fabric such as polyester, fleece-lined, mesh and low friction fabrics such as parasilk. Options include head support, extended leg and shoulder sections and chest straps.1
Please read our FAQs if you have any questions about how to change information, what the DLF ratings means, etc.
Help and advice
Selecting the right sling is crucial to your child's comfort and independence and can affect their willingness to use the hoist. It is therefore very important that your child's occupational therapist, physiotherapist or moving and handling advisor are involved in the choice of sling as different slings suit different children. Read more about choosing a sling.3
In the past, advice was often given to use a sling made or supplied by the hoist manufacturer. Often however, your child's therapist or manual handling adviser may feel another sling would be best for your child. If this is the case, check with the hoist manufacturer that the sling and hoist are compatible and get permission in writing from both the hoist and sling companies.4-5
The equipment listed here may be provided by your local authority, depending on their eligibility criteria. If your child is eligible, the equipment will be provided on a long-term loan basis. Alternatively, you may be eligible for a direct payment from your local authority to purchase something suitable.
To read about applying slings and more about the different types of slings available, please see our factsheet - 'Choosing a mobile hoist'.
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