Ask a care team about hoist slings and most will tell you the same thing. Getting the sling right matters, and it isn't always straightforward.

The sling type, the size and the way it's fitted all shape how a transfer feels for the resident. They affect comfort, positioning and dignity. They also affect how easily staff can carry out transfers that happen many times a day.

So choosing a sling is about much more than picking a size from a catalogue. That's why S&E CareTrade offers hands-on sling support to nursing homes across the Republic of Ireland. Our Product Specialist, Alan Ryan, can visit your home, show your team the options and give practical guidance that fits your residents, your staff and your equipment.

Start with the resident, not the catalogue

There's no single sling that suits every resident or every transfer. A resident's mobility, posture, the support they need and the type of transfer all play a part.

When your team is weighing up the options, it helps to think about:

• how much body and head support the resident needs
• their mobility and physical ability
• getting the right size and a good fit
• comfort and positioning during the transfer
• the type of transfer being carried out
• whether the sling is compatible with your hoist and its attachment system, such as loops or clips
• fabric and material options
• how easy the sling is to put on and take off

Sling choice should always follow each resident's assessed moving and handling needs. A demonstration helps your team see the real differences between options, so those choices are better informed.

What a demonstration covers

Each visit is shaped around your residents, your staff and the equipment you already use. A session can include:

• Fitting slings well. Practical techniques for fitting and positioning a sling, with resident comfort, dignity and safety in mind from start to finish.
• Comfort and support. How sling design, sizing and positioning affect comfort, so your team can make better choices for each resident.
• Ease of fitting. Designs and techniques that make everyday use simpler for staff, without losing the support the resident needs.
• Moving and handling considerations. What to think about when putting on and removing slings as part of your own moving and handling procedures.
• Our full sling range. An introduction to the different styles we supply and what each one is designed for.

Our sling range includes toileting, standing, bathing, in situ and transfer slings in a choice of sizes. Your team can see and handle them in person, rather than relying on a photo or a spec sheet.

Meet Alan Ryan

Alan is our Product Specialist for the Republic of Ireland. He has worked with nursing homes right across the country and spends most of his time on the road visiting care teams.

His focus is helping customers understand the products available to them and how to use them well in a care setting. Whether you're reviewing the slings you use now, looking for an alternative or simply want your team to feel more familiar with the options, Alan can help.

Who the demonstrations are for

Sling demonstrations are available to nursing homes throughout the Republic of Ireland. They tend to be most useful for:

• nursing home managers and Directors of Nursing
• nursing and care teams
• moving and handling leads and clinical leads
• procurement teams
• care home groups reviewing their sling provision

They also suit homes that want to introduce staff to a wider choice of slings, or take a fresh look at what they currently buy.

The real value is getting past the product specifications. Your team can see the slings, understand how they fit, compare designs and ask questions about the residents and situations they deal with every day. It's practical product support, delivered in your own nursing home.

Book a sling demonstration

If your team would benefit from practical help with sling selection and fitting, get in touch to arrange a visit from Alan.

• Email: hello@secaretrade.com 
• Phone: 01 699 1533