When she first came home on 28 March 2012, Mum was hoisted in and out of bed, but then, as she became confident to weight bear long enough to "twiddle" herself round and sit on the chair or glider commode, she did not have to use the hoist - and therefore had no need of the sling either - at all.
It's only been the last year or so that Mum's strength and confidence waned, which then necessitated the use of the hoist, and ever since Mum has had be hoisted on a regular basis, the carers have used the original slings that were provided nearly 7 years ago.
To begin with, although she really didn't like being lifted in and out of bed, and up from the chair to the glider, Mum got used to routine and coped with it. However, after a fairly short time, the texture of the material used for the sling became a problem. The "body" of the sling obviously has to be strong enough to take the weight of people much heavier than Mum, but it is quite harsh, and then there is the binding that goes all round the sling, which is even harder. After the carers had positioned Mum in the sling, and hooked it up with the straps to the hoist, as she went up in the air, the edges of the sling began to press and cut into her flesh, especially around the top of her legs. No matter how carefully the carers tried to make sure that the sling was placed perfectly evenly around her thighs, it was still such a painful manoeuvre, that Mum would cry out, "You're hurting me! You're hurting me!"
This clearly couldn't go on, and so Mum's lovely Occupational Therapist (OT) Kerry came to see her, to assess what sling would be better for Mum, and a lot kinder and gentler on her skin.
Another sling was chosen; after it was delivered, Kerry came round to see it "in action." It was certainly better than the original versions, and we agreed to continue with it, and see how Mum got on. Alas, after a short while, it became clear it was still too hard and uncomfortable for Mum. She is nearly 100 years old, and her skin is so sensitive, she needed a bespoke sling to suit her needs.
Kerry then organised two separate visits from reps from mobility equipment supply companies. Both brought samples to show what slings they had, but the second gentleman who came to round had grasped the problem and clearly had the most choice to demonstrate what was available. Kerry was very thorough, checking every sample. Eventually, a beautifully soft sling was chosen as being perfect for Mum. It was very strong, but made of a far superior material, and as she was lifted up, the sling gently folded itself around her like a cocoon. Mum was hoisted up and down several times, without making a single protest.
This was a great result, so Kerry went ahead and ordered one for Mum. It was agreed that if, after a trial period, it was still proving successful, she would order a second sling, so that if one had to be washed, Mum would not have to revert to the old originals.
Most of Mum's carers had not seen this particular type of sling before, but Kerry showed two ladies, who are with Mum on a very regular basis, how to use it; soon the instructions on technique were relayed to everyone on the team, and it has turned out to be the best sling Mum could have.
It is wonderful that Mum has a very conscientious OT, who is always determined to achieve a good result for Mum, and make sure she is kept happy and comfortable every day.
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