Leg Lifter – Bariatric/Oedema

WHAT IS THIS PRODUCT?

The Leg Lifter – Bariatric/Oedema is designed using a soft, medical-grade material that is easy to wipe and has foam padding to ensure comfort. It features a central raised padded section that protects the legs from touching while lifting or lowering. This product is ideal for people who have difficulty lifting their legs onto a bed due to obesity or oedema. Carers can either lift the patient’s legs by hand or with a hoist.

BRIEF INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Lower the bed so that the patient can sit down and place their bottom as close to the center of the bed as possible. Show the patient where to sit so that when they lie down, their head will be on the pillow.

Place the Leg Lifter behind the patient’s ankles and lower calves, ensuring that the central section is between their legs. When lifting by hand, hold the lowest loops with one hand on each side to prevent the legs from being squashed together. Start lifting by taking the feet away from the side of the bed slightly so that the Leg Lifter does not ride up under the knees. Lift the legs high enough to clear the mattress and walk around to the end of the bed, gently placing the legs on the bed. If necessary, you can place a folded Pelican Bed Slide Sheet at the foot end of the bed to slide the feet to the middle of the bed and reduce the amount of lifting.

If using a hoist to lift, fit the Leg Lifter webbing to the spreader bar. Move the hoist away from the side of the bed slightly when starting to lift the legs so that the Leg Lifter does not ride up under the knees. Once the legs are high enough to clear the mattress, move the hoist so that the patient’s legs will be on the bed. Before lifting the legs, it is important to practice using the hoist to ensure that it fits around the bed legs. Carefully remove the Leg Lifter, and if the patient can bend and open their knees, remove it from between their legs.