When an individual with physical limitations is unable to maneuver or lift themselves, it can be unsafe to move them without assistance. If you are a caregiver who has difficulty lifting patients with limited mobility, a patient lift could be the right medical device to help. They offer a safe and efficient solution for transferring and repositioning patients with varying degrees of mobility. But choosing the right patient lift can be tricky.
Whether used in a professional healthcare setting or home care environments, patient lifts not only prioritize patient comfort and safety but also alleviate physical strain for caregivers and increase the quality of care. In this article, we explore the types, benefits, and features of patient lifts to help you make an informed decision.
Patient Lifts: An Overview
A patient lift, also known as a Hoyer lift, is designed to help safely move patients from one location or position to another. An attached sling or harness is positioned under the patient and supports them during the moving process, ensuring a controlled and safe lifting or lowering. A lift can be operated manually or through a power source, such as a battery or electrical outlet.
These medical devices make care routines and daily activities, such as bathing and dressing, smoother and more efficient. Found in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and home care settings, patient lifts enhance the comfort, safety, and mobility of individuals with disabilities while reducing the physical strain placed on the caregiver.
Types of Patient Lifts and Features
There are various types of patient lifts to accommodate different needs and mobility levels. Below we cover the different types of non-powered and powered Hoyer lifts and their features.
Manual Lifts
A manual patient lift, or hydraulic lift, is a full body lift with a hydraulic arm that must be manually pumped to lift a patient. These pumps can be difficult to operate, so the caregiver needs to be in good physical shape.
These lifts are the more cost-effective option when compared to electric lifts. The most basic models start at around $400 while those with more advanced features can cost up to $3,000.
Electric Lifts
Another type of full body lift, electric lifts are just like manual lifts, except they are powered via a battery or electricity. There is no manual pumping involved with these lifts, which takes even more strain off the caregiver.
While these lifts are easier to use, they are typically more expensive than manual lifts. For an electric lift, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $6,000.
Patient Sit to Stand Lift
Sit to stand lifts maneuver patients from a sitting position to a standing position and vice versa. These lifts are best for patients who have some mobility but don’t have enough strength to change positions on their own. As with full body lifts, there are non-powered and powered sit to stand lifts available.
Key Features of Patient Lifts
Patient lifts come with various features designed to enhance safety, comfort, and usability. This section covers some key features to look for.
Patient Lift Sling
Patient lift slings facilitate patient transfer. Be sure to assess the patient’s measurements in order to choose the appropriate sling size. If the sling is too large or small, the patient may slip out.
In addition, patient lifts have attachment points where slings can be securely fastened. These attachment points ensure that the sling remains stable during the lifting process.
Slings come in a wide range of designs and include:
- Universal slings (U-sling): These slings are designed for general-purpose use and can accommodate a wide range of patient sizes and needs. They typically have multiple attachment points and are suitable for most lifting and transferring tasks.
- Full body (hammock) slings: Full body slings extend past the patient’s head and offer the most support. These slings come with 4-point and 6-point cradle options.
- Toileting (commode) slings: These slings have an open bottom to facilitate toileting and personal hygiene activities. Slings with a commode opening come in 2-point and 6-point cradle options.
- Bathing slings: These 4-point slings come with waterproof meshing and are designed to allow a caregiver to bathe a patient while they are supported by the sling in a tub or chair.
- Bariatric slings: These 6-point slings support heavier patients and have padding for added comfort.
Full Body Support
A patient lift provides full body support when used with the appropriate sling. These slings are specifically designed to support the entire body, including the head, torso, and limbs.
Heavy Duty Options
Patient lifts have specific weight capacities that dictate the maximum load they can safely lift. It’s crucial to match the lift’s capacity with the patient’s weight to ensure safe operation.
Safety Features Of Patient Lifts
An emergency shut-off control and manual override switch stops the lift motor in case of emergency or power loss. In addition, battery backup ensures that patient transfer can still safely occur despite a power outage.
Remote control options with user-friendly controls allow caregivers to smoothly operate the lift. Also, locking mechanisms are in place to prevent accidental lowering.
Adjustability
Many patient lifts are adjustable to accommodate various patient heights and sizes. This adaptability ensures that the lift can be used comfortably and safely for a wide range of individuals.
Benefits of Using Patient Lifts
Patient lifts can significantly improve the comfort and quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges. The following are some of the key benefits of owning your own patient lift:
- Enhanced Mobility: Patient lifts enable surface to surface movement and help users maneuver into different positions.
- Increased Safety: Using a lift helps reduce the risk of falls and injury.
- Caregiver Ease: Patient lifts reduce the physical strain on caregivers and can help them carry out a patient’s daily routine more efficiently.
- Independence: Lifts enable users to navigate more freely and stay in the comfort of their homes.
Expert Tips for Choosing a Patient Lift
Buying a patient lift is an investment, so be sure to properly research the available options. Before buying one, here are a few things to consider:
- Assessing Needs: Consider the specific needs of the primary user, including their mobility limitations, weight capacity requirements, and any additional features they may require for comfort and safety. Identify which slings are the best fit.
- Environment Suitability: Patient lifts can be large, so it’s important that the lift you choose is suitable for the size and layout of the room it will be in. Be sure to measure the space your chair will occupy.
- Supplier Reputation: Make sure to research the suppliers of the patient lifts you are considering. Check customer reviews and consider the quality of the customer service since you’ll rely on them for installation and maintenance.
- Budget Considerations: The overall price depends on the type of patient lift you choose. Electric lifts will be more expensive than hydraulic lifts. Don’t forget to include installation and maintenance costs in your budget.
- Warranties: Check to see if the supplier offers warranties on their lifts. If your patient lift doesn’t come with a warranty, you will have to pay for any repairs or maintenance.
Buying vs. Renting a Patient Lift
The decision between renting and buying a patient lift depends on a variety of factors, such as your financial situation, the duration of need, and your preferences for ownership.
Renting a patient lift is perfect for short-term use, such as when recovering from surgery. The rental company is responsible for any repairs or maintenance, but you will be responsible for any damage that occurs while in your care. Also, renting means there are little to no customization options, and you won’t have as wide of a selection of lifts to choose from than if you were to buy.
Generally, buying a patient lift is the way to go, especially when it comes to long-term use. While the initial upfront costs will be high, in the end you’ll spend less than renting. Also, buying allows you to customize the lift to fit your specific needs, and you’ll be able to resell it when you’re done with it.
The Bottom Line
The right patient lift can enhance the home mobility and safety of those with mobility issues. When looking to buy a patient lift, be sure to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice before you make a decision.
And On the Mend Medical Supplies & Equipment is here to help as well. We have a full selection of patient lifts for you to browse and staff on hand to answer any and all questions. We have a variety of Arjo lifts as well as the Protekt 500 lift and other Protekt lifts available. Contact us on our website or by phone at
FAQs
What is a patient lift?
A patient lift is designed to help safely transfer patients from one location or position to another.
What are the main types of patient lifts?
There are full body lifts and sit to stand lifts. Both types can be operated manually or via a power source.
What features should I look for in a patient lift?
You need to consider safety features, sling type, adjustability options, and whether you’ll need full-body support.
How much do patient lifts cost?
Manual lifts can cost anywhere between $400 to $3,000, and electric lifts can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000.
What are the benefits of using a patient lift at home?
Patient lifts enhance mobility, increase safety, relieve caregiver stress and strain, and provide users with more independence.
Where can I buy or rent a patient lift?
Contact On the Mend for all your patient lift needs. We have patient lifts available to buy and rent.
