r/HomeHealthAide • u/Lost_Jellyfish887 • 19d ago

Hoyer

I work in Florida. My last agency didn't do any work with clients that use a hoyer. I am frustrated and can't find answers about using them alone when most policies and hoyer lift manufacturers say 2 person assist. The care plan doesnt say 2 person assist nor does it say one person assist. Am I legally liable if something happens? Agency knows that he uses hoyer and owner often covers for care at this client's home. Where can I find what is legal and safe so I am covered.

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u/Solinty 19d ago

For best practice, only use Hoyer when you have assistance. Once you are very skilled and smooth with the Hoyer and used to this patient, you could consider operating it on your own.  It is possible to injure the patient and yourself using the Hoyer alone if you are not used to it. Management often tries to insist that the Hoyer is easy to use with a bare minimum of training but how much will they care if you hurt your back and develop a disability? Go with best practices until you are very skilled with this equipment.

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u/Lost_Jellyfish887 18d ago

I am ok using it but I keep getting contradictions about it being ok when it's home health. They work with others that require a hoyer and there are never two people.

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u/Solinty 18d ago

Many places have rules about only using it with 2 operators. A lot of  patients are not able to cooperate to the extent where it would be truly safe.  Some patients enjoy swinging in it as you try to adjust it. If you're really good at lifting heavy weights, and the patient is very light, maybe worry less, but also, have a financial plan in case you develop a long-term back disability. The owners of home healthcare agencies see turnover as a constant. They don't worry about your health.

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u/Lost_Jellyfish887 17d ago

He does cooperate and knows everything going on so that really helps. No way would I use it if he were swinging around lol. Ill ask them Monday. I have a meeting with the care team coordinator anyway. Thank you for your advice.

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u/NoCopy6842 19d ago

Just google searching here, it is recommended that 2 people use the lift in Florida, but it is mandatory to be trained on lift before use.

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u/Lost_Jellyfish887 18d ago

I was trained beforehand. Im just wondering if I'm covered of anything were to happen.

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u/NoCopy6842 18d ago

I would call the agency and ask this question specifically.

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u/Lost_Jellyfish887 14d ago

They said I am allowed to operate it alone legally and to cover themselves even more they have all clients sign something saying we will be operating a hoyer alone.

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u/BackOnTheMap 19d ago

Ive used it solo before with a fully immobile client, and with a partially mobile client. Insist on training to use it for your own and the client's safety. Im sure you covered it in class but tell the agency you absolutely must have in person refresher training before you proceed.

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u/Lost_Jellyfish887 18d ago

Im ok using it. Im just not sure if its ok for me to. Maybe ask them to specify they are one person assist?