CHOOSING THE RIGHT SLING SIZE
Selecting the correct sling size is crucial for ensuring both comfort and safety. An improperly sized sling, whether too large or too small—can compromise support, cause discomfort, and increase the risk of skin breakdown, pressure points, or shearing.
Why Size Matters:
- Too Large
An oversized sling increases the risk of the user sliding out or falling through, which presents a serious safety concern. - Too Small or Too Short
Slings that are too small may fail to support critical areas like the back or neck, leading to discomfort and reduced safety for both the user and caregiver.
How to Choose the Right Sling:
To simplify the selection process, we’ve developed a Sling Selection Guide, which includes questions related to the user's health condition and mobility. This will help determine the most suitable sling option for your needs.
Key Features:
- Color-coded Support Straps: These make installation and positioning easier.
- Mandible Measuring Tape: Use this for accurate sizing.
- Client Weight: This can provide additional insight into the right sling size (refer to our Patient Sling Catalog for details).
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or need help selecting the right sling, feel free to contact us. We’re here to assist you!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL FOR YOUR SLING
When selecting the right sling for your needs, the material plays a crucial role. Different materials offer specific advantages for various lifting and care requirements. Our 4-way stretch polyester, crafted by Physio-Trace in Canada, is engineered to provide optimal comfort, support, and breathability.
Key Benefits of Our 4-Way Stretch Polyester
- Superior Breathability & Comfort:
Our 4-way stretch polyester ensures a comfortable experience for the end user. The fabric allows for air circulation, minimizing the risk of discomfort or skin breakdown. - Durability:
This material is designed to withstand industrial washing without shrinking, losing density, or compromising its integrity. You can also air-dry the slings without worry. - Reduced Risk of Skin Shearing:
The soft yet robust polyester minimizes the chances of skin shearing, making the sling easier to apply and remove while promoting skin safety.
Weight Capacity
- Standard Models: 600 lbs.
- Bariatric Models: 1000 lbs.
Ideal for Shower or Bath Use
When used in a bath or shower system, the polyester material maintains its strength and color, withstanding frequent moisture exposure without fading or losing its integrity. Additionally, we offer textilene and blue wicking nylon/mesh options, perfect for cleaning and quick drying.
Best for Long-Term Use
For those needing a sling to remain under the user in a wheelchair or bed after the transfer, our 4-way stretch polyester is the best option, especially for full hammock slings. Its seamless design ensures no friction in key areas like the buttocks (Ischial/Trochanter area) or back, reducing the risk of skin irritation or breakdown.
Material Options Available:
- Polyester: Weight capacity of 600 lbs. (1000 lbs. for bariatric models)
- Spacer Fabric: Weight capacity of 485 lbs.
Training for LTC facilities, caregivers and vendors
Why Choose Us?
In today’s complex healthcare landscape, understanding your clients’ conditions and knowing how to operate equipment is only part of the solution. The right product selection, installation, and ongoing education are equally critical to achieving success and maintaining safety.
We offer:
- Tailored Education & Instructional Support: Addressing the unique needs of your residents and facility.
- Expert Guidance on Product Selection & Installation: Helping you choose the right products for patient handling.
- Training that Promotes Better Outcomes: Focusing on safety and preventative measures.
Our Resources
To further support your success, we’ve created two valuable resources designed to enhance safety and effectiveness in patient handling:
- Sling Selection Guide: A detailed guide to help you choose the appropriate sling for your patients' specific needs.
- Sling Inspection Guide: Ensuring your equipment is in top condition to prevent accidents and ensure comfort.
These guides are available through our
secure login portal, making it easy for you to access the right information at any time.
Get Started Today
Join our growing community of healthcare professionals and vendors who trust DLCANA for their training and product needs. Contact us to learn more about our services or to access our training materials.
Courses, training and consulting
At DLCANA Inc., we are committed to enhancing workplace safety through specialized training programs that emphasize proper lifting techniques and resident handling. Our approach is designed to foster a healthy work environment and significantly reduce workplace injuries.
Collaborative Expertise
In partnership with our in-house Occupational Therapist, Mario Le Bouthillier, and trusted local vendors, we offer comprehensive training solutions tailored to the unique needs of your facility. Mario brings extensive experience in mobility and transfer devices, providing hands-on training to healthcare workers to ensure safe and effective resident handling.
Customized Training for Healthcare Environments
We specialize in delivering targeted training for Long-Term Care (LTC) centers, hospitals, and healthcare vendors. Our programs are designed to complement your specific work environment, addressing sector-specific challenges and promoting best practices in resident care.
Comprehensive Training Topics
Our training sessions cover a range of essential topics, including:
- Safe and effective working habits
- Realistic scenario-based learning
- Proper patient transferring techniques
- Optimal body positioning
- Sling selection, installation, and removal
- Prevention of shearing, skin breakdown, and pressure sores
These sessions are available both
on-site at your facility and through our
online training portal, with the flexibility to develop
customized programs tailored to your facility's specific needs. We accommodate both
small and large group sessions to ensure accessibility and effective learning.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how our training solutions can support your team and enhance the well-being of your residents.
Mario's
profile
Originally from New-Brunswick, Mario Le Bouthillier, Occupational Therapist, is owner of OT Consult Ergo (est. 2006). He is bilingual and a graduate of the University of Ottawa with a bachelor’s degree of science in Occupational Therapy (2002).
As an OT that works predominantly in seating & mobility, Mr. Le Bouthillier works with individuals that have various mobility impairments as related to musculoskeletal/neurological/motor control/cognitive deficits. He has been responsible for all aspects of administration for local OT contracts in long term care homes (LTCH) since 2006.
He oversees the delivery and administration of the comprehensive occupational therapy program in contracted LTCH locally. In addition, Mr. Le Bouthillier provides occupational therapy services to clients in community home settings and LTC / retirement homes. Evidently, his area of practice is mainly with an adult population, mostly comprised of geriatric age group.
He is well versed in mobility & transfer devices with and enjoys sharing his knowledges by providing hands on Lift and Transfer in-services to small or large groups of health care workers willing to participate. Outside of work, Mario has an amazing and supportive wife and two daughters. He enjoys outdoor sports during all seasons. Specifically, golfing in the summertime and organizes an annual charity golf event with proceeds to the Spinal Cord Injury Ontario.
