CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE OF SLING
For optimum comfort and safety, it is important to have the right size of sling. If a sling is too small, or too large it may provide less support and can be uncomfortable for the end user leading to the possibility of skin breakdown, pressure points or sheering.
With a sling that is too large, the risk of sliding out or falling through the opening is essentially worrying, this brings to light the fact that selecting the right sling is key and looking at every parameter and client condition is important. A sling that is too low or too short can provide less, to no support in the back or neck area and can therefore be a security risk for the user or their carer.
To make it easy and see what size sling offers the proper support for your client, we have created a *SLING SELECTION GUIDE*. These are questions on the user’s health conditions and mobility to better asses their options. Our sling support straps are also color coated to better help determine sizing for easier installation and proper seating positions as each user’s condition is ultimately different. You can also utilize a mandible measuring tape for accurate sizing, or fell free to reach out to us for all your needs or questions.
Client weight can also provide more insight. (Reference our patient sling catalog for more details)
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL
The right material is key when choosing a sling, different materials offer unique characteristics that are suitable to different lifting situations. Our crafted 4 way stretch polyester material that is made in Canada by our manufacture Physio-Trace offers superior breathability, comfort and added support for the end user. Weight capacity ranges from 600lbs to 1000lbs and you can also industrially wash our slings with manufacture specs without the chance of the material shrinking, losing density or you can also simply air dry.
Our robust but soft polyester material offer less chances of shearing from occurring for the end user, this makes the sling even easier to apply and remove and creates less chances of skin breakdown or discomfort.
If the sling is used in connection with a bath or shower system you need to have options like textilene or our blue wicking nylon/mesh material that can be easily kept clean. Our Polyester Material can also be used in the shower or bath without the chance of it fading or loosing density.
If the required option is to leave the sling under the end user in a wheelchair or bed after the transfer is done, our 4 way stretch polyester material is the best selection. The quality and breathability of our material is essential and is always the deciding factor (Full Hammock Sling). We also want to make sure the sling selected has no seams on the buttocks/Ischial Trochanter area or even along the back as this could cause friction or reoccurring issues. Material is Key!
- Polyester Material (600 lbs. weight capacity and 1000 lbs. for our bariatric models)
- Spacer fabric (485 lbs. weight capacity)
TRAINING FOR LTC FACILTIES, CARERS AND VENDORS
Our team of sale representative in Ontario & Atlantic Canada and the added value of knowledge that Mario our Occupational Therapist brings to our industry to offer proper education with leading safety and preventative training measures that influence so many different outcomes.
We distinguish ourselves in a unique industry providing education, knowledge, instructional support especially in today challenging healthcare environment across Canada. Knowing how to properly establish client condition or operate your equipment is never enough when it comes to installation and selection of the proper products for your residents and facilities as it can be challenging at times.
To help, we have designed and implemented our Sling Selection Guide and Sling Inspection guide to promote a successful outcome for patient handling, this can be accessed through our login portal.
Courses, training and consulting
DLCANA Inc. is proud to provide and offer a unique approach, with the importance of proper lifting techniques and how essential it is for a healthy workplace environment and a key factor on preventing workplace injury. We pride ourselves on working closely with our Occupational Therapist and local vendors, to offer proper development and administrative tools to make your job easier.
We are also committed on working extensively with our Long-term Care centers, hospitals and vendors on providing proper and focused training, designed to complement their working environment with specialty implemented courses to focus on particular issues within their sector.
We are also proud to announce in conjunction with our in-house Occupational Therapist Mario, that we are now offering outstanding training that focuses on safety, working habits, ideal scenarios and key topics to benefit your staff and residents but also combining transferring techniques, proper positioning, sling installation & removal but also prevention of sheering or skin breakdown that can also lead to the development of pressure soars if the right sling or material is not selected.
We offer these courses either on-site at your facility or with our online base training portal, with even the ability to offer customized training based on the needs of your facility. Our workshops and training sessions are both offered to small and large groups.
Get in touch with us today for more information on the best scenario for your resident and facility.
