Thanks to today’s well-designed technology, nurses and caregivers can focus on delivering efficient caregiving functions and promoting patients’ health and not worry about their own safety. An important part of this technology is a patient lift, also called a Hoyer lift, that facilitates the lifting and transfer of patients safely from one spot to another. This has significantly benefited nurses, caregivers, and patients. With the use of a lift, caregivers no longer have to rely on their own strength to move and transfer patients, reducing the risk of injury for parties.
Keep reading to learn more about the different types of lifts, their many uses, benefits, and how they empower both nurses and patients.
What are Patient Lifts?
As the name suggests, patient lifts are assistive devices mainly found in hospitals, that help nurses transfer patients from resting places, like a bed and a chair to other locations. You will also find these well-designed devices in nursing homes or in-home care settings. There are several different models to choose from based on the patient’s needs, environment, and operator capabilities.
Hydraulic Patient Lifts
Hydraulic lifts are relatively easy to use but they do require some upper body strength. They are operated manually by pumping a lever that engages the hydraulic pump to raise the patient. To lower the lift there is a valve or leaver that will slowly release the pressure and lower the patient. The benefit of a manual lift is that it can be used in any setting and doesn’t require a power source, no cords, or dead batteries to restrict transfers. Hydraulic lifts can accommodate two, four, or 6-point cradles.
Electric Patient Lifts
If you want to easily raise your patient up or down with just the push of a button, an electric patient lift is for you. Electric lifts are simple to use, making them the most popular. Caregivers who lack the upper body strength to operate a manual hydraulic hand lift can easily transfer their loved one with an electric lift.
Some power patient lifts use rechargeable batteries, while others operate by simply plugging into the wall. Either model offers enough power to lift and hold patients with convenience and maximum safety. They can accommodate 4-point slings and are ideal for homecare use where you will be moving from one room to another.
Bariatric Patient Lifts
All-Star Medical offers the best bariatric electric patient lifts with removable and rechargeable batteries. These patient lifts are specially designed to meet the needs of larger patients. Their sturdy frames and design can lift and support 500 lbs. to 1000 lbs. These units are outfitted with powerful motors, a sturdy 4-point harness and have the option of a removable, 24-volt rechargeable battery.
Standing Lifts
Standing patient lifts, also called Sit-to-Stand Hoyer lifts, play a critical role in securing patients as they shift to a standing position from a seated one. A standing lift is an excellent choice if the patient is more mobile and has enough strength to help with the lifting process. These lifts offer a chance for the user to be more independent and help to gain the specific muscle control and strength to stand independently. These lifts as powered and can accommodate different slings designed for standing assistance.
Car Transfer Patient Lifts
Not all transfers take place in the home. Specialized patient lifts are designed to transfer individuals from a seated position to a car. Car transfer mobile floor lifts feature unique spreader bar designs for enabling controlled and precise positioning ideal for transferring patients from a sitting to a lying down position with minimal motion.
All-Star Medical: Your Home for Medical Equipment
At All-Star Medical, we offer a selection of different patient lifts to meet your needs. We want to help ease the strain on the caregiver and increase independence, mobility, and access to home/community for the user. We also offer different types of slings, including full-back, U-shape, and commode slings.
And for those who only temporarily need a lift, All-Star Medical offers two rental options, the electric lift, and the hydraulic lift. We also offer many other mobility aids and medical equipment for rent as well as for purchase.
If you have questions as to what the right lift is for you or your loved one, call or come into either of our locations. Our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you make the best choice. Don’t feel like you have to make the decision on your own, let us help you with the process. From answering your questions to delivering the equipment, All-Star Medical is there every step of the way.