Hoisting

[Harrriet]

Does anyone use a oxford mdi hoist to transer their parent on there own.

Is your parent able to support themselves on their feet at all? My dm was provided with a hoist, but much prefers to use a Sara Stedy - she is just able to pull herself up enough that the seat panels can be swung underneath. The carers also use the Sara Stedy with her (rather than a hoist) - carers will only use the Sara Stedy if there are two carers. Not sure if this is also the case with a hoist? However, I am able to transfer Mum by myself using the Sara Stedy. We got one off eBay it was just over £1k, from memory - but has been so helpful.

A mobile host can be used by one person in some situations, especially if the person being hoisted is able to take charge of the handset and leave you with both hands free. They also need to be able to roll on the bed or sit to edge of bed, without too much assistance. Actually, even if they are less able, with the right equipment many housing situations can be managed by one carer. A Local authority Occupational therapist should be able to advise and provide any extra equipment

Thank you both. Unfortunately a sara stedy wouldn't be suitable as he is recently an amputee. He could operate the handset and can roll / move on a bed. The whole thing has been an absolute bodge and now this person from somewhere or other says I have to be assessed and to stop care. I've been a carer with 20 years service and I'm not going to drop anyone. I know there can't be a rule for one but he's making my life harder as he's in pain, left in a chair or wheelchair for 4 hours and I'm not allowed to move him as I was doing. Sorry for moaning

Why are you not allowed. If you both have capacity you can do what you choose but cannot ask others to take same risks. If whoever provided the equipment feels it is very unsafe with one, they may remove the equipment and say you have to buy your own but I am interested in why they think you are not safe. It may be, if he is a recent amputee, that he needs a different sling, depending on level of amputation but sounds to me like it should be doable with one. Or you could ask for ceiling track hoist to make it even easier

Also, off he has an in situ sling it is easier still as it can be left in position and you just need to stretch the loops.

I am a social services OT, we do sometimes support family members to hoist single handed on a case by case basis. Also you can ask for a ceiling track hoist which makes it easier.

I think she has to tick boxes tbh. Yes I am confident in hoisting , sling is always left in and never ever go from room to room with him dangling in it. The thing that annoys me most as lovely as most of the carers are, they a rubbish at positioning. Slumped down in his chair of choice.
Thank everyone

That worry is well placed — being careful about solo hoisting with a mobile hoist is the right instinct, not over-caution.
With a mobile hoist, the usual practice is two people: one to operate it, one to steady your parent and keep them reassured as they move. It's not an absolute legal rule, but it's the standard for good reason — the sling can swing, and on carpet in particular the hoist is hard to manoeuvre on your own. Whether one person is safe really comes down to your parent, the specific transfer, and the room — which is exactly what a moving-and-handling assessment is for.
That assessment is free through adult social care, and it's the first thing I'd ask for. An OT can look at this particular transfer and either set it up to be done safely on your own, or flag what's missing. They can also talk you through safer options — a ceiling-track hoist is often manageable solo, and there are stand-aids and slide sheets too — and arrange handling training for you.
Has anyone actually assessed this specific transfer with you yet?