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For people with impaired mobility, moving even short distances can be a major challenge, and these movements can pose injury risks for the patient and the caregiver. Fortunately, lifting devices safely meet the needs of patients and caregivers.
A patient lift is a device to safely transfer a patient from one surface to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair. It helps promote mobility, reduce injury, and maximize the comfort and dignity of the individuals that need them.
Lifting equipment can be manually operated, powered by hydraulics, or connected to a power source. Patient lifts come in different varieties and are used in homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and patient care facilities for patients with varying degrees of mobility.
At HPFY, we understand the challenges of patient transfers and bring you a range of innovative patient lifts to help you move patients safely and efficiently. We carry Hoyer lifts, hydraulic lifts, electric lifts, bariatric lifts, pool lifts, a wide variety of slings, and accessories for patient lifts.
The following are the basic components of the patient lift:
It is cost-effective and the most used lifting equipment. A hydraulic lift is operated manually using the hydraulic mechanism that raises and lowers the patient on a sling. This lift needs human power during the movement phases of patient transfers. However, the hand cranks and push levers are easy to use without much exertion. Manual patient lifts require some learning processes for caregivers before operating them.
It runs on an electric motor that uses AC/DC power source or a battery pack. Battery-powered patient lifts can be recharged from an AC power source. Electric lifts are generally the easiest lift type, and the operator only requires to simply press a button to mobilize the device. They offer greater relief from pain and heavy exertion while maneuvering a patient transfer.
Sit-to-stand lift is ideal for those who do have some mobility but still need help standing up from a sitting position to transfer to another seat. These devices use straps or belts, and the individual uses their strength to pull themselves up into position.
Heavy-duty lift is designed to accommodate patients weighing more than 500 pounds. Bariatric lifts have a stronger frame, a stable base, and reinforced material to make transfers of bariatric patients more comfortable and easier.
A pool lift assists people with difficulty getting in and out of swimming pools. Their structure is waterproof, more stable near pools, and easy to operate.
Caring for loved ones who cannot move freely on their own can be difficult. Lifting devices can greatly ease the physical difficulty in performing safe and effective transfers in the home, such as moving patients in and out of bed and other daily tasks, such as toileting and bathing.
The following are the benefits of a patient lift:
Weight capacity: Consider the weight capacity of the patient lift and see if it supports the patient’s weight. Selecting a lift that supports the user’s weight is crucial for secure and reliable performance. Bariatric models are available to accommodate heavier patients.
Height adjustability: Another important consideration is the height range you need to transfer your patient. The patient lift should offer a wide range of height adjustments to reach and lift the patients up. Some lift assists have only a few inches of height adjustment, while others have a much more extensive range.
Device size: Patient lift assist devices come in various styles and sizes, and it is important to consider whether they can easily be accommodated in the space where you intend to use them. Take accurate measurements of the areas and the travel areas between those rooms.
Emergency control option: When buying an electric lift, it is important to ensure that it comes with emergency control or manual override. This allows you to lift and move the patient safely if the power goes out.
Slings: Selecting the right lifting sling is as essential as choosing the right patient lift. A sling is a key component when using a patient lift. It holds the patient and connects to the lift.
Different types of slings are available such as U-sling, full body sling, stand-up sling, and bathing and toileting slings for different support levels and usage. Therefore, consider the support needs of the patient and the activity of the patient for which lift will be used before choosing.
If you are looking for patient lifts for your home or facility, you are at the right place. Health Products For You offers an extensive range of patient lift assist devices to help prevent injuries to both patients and caregivers by providing smooth and comfortable transitions.
We supply high-quality patient lifts from leading manufacturers like Prism Medical, Joerns Healthcare, Aqua Creek Products, Etac, etc., at affordable prices. Place an order with us today!
Floor lifts or total lifts are used when patients cannot bear weight on their legs and can provide minimal assistance during the lift and transfer (more dependent). These lifts are used to transfer a patient from one room to another. Stand assist lifts are used for pivot transfers from a bed to chair or commode and vice versa. Stand assist lifts are recommended for patients who can bear weight on at least one leg and have some upper body strength (less dependent).
Using a 6-point spreader bar attachments is advisable because 6 connecting points to the spreader bar is safer than traditional 2 or 4 point hookups. In addition to the 6 point system the patient girth is spread over a wider area ultimately allowing for a much more comfortable lifting experience.
Total body lifts are used to transfer patients/residents from a bed to a wheelchair, toilet chair, bathtub, commode, etc. or vice versa. A total body lift is typically used with patients who cannot bear weight, have physical limitations (quadriplegia, amputee), or are very heavy and cannot be safely transferred manually by staff. A portable total lift supports the entire weight of the resident with a sling attached to a stand on wheels that can be freely moved or positioned to allow a transfer to a different surface.
Total body lifts can be used with bariatric patients, or for those who cannot bear weight on their legs e.g. quadriplegics, amputees or people who do not possess physical strength due to a disease.
Patient lifts are very versatile as they allow for patients to be transferred between many surfaces such as beds, wheelchairs, commodes, bath tubs or other places throughout home or healthcare facility. They use electric or hydraulic energy to safety lift patients with limited mobility or the ability to transfer on their own and relocate them while keeping them comfortable.
Improper use of patient lifts can result in injury. Always consult the user manual and/or any documentation that comes with your patient lift as well as lift sling, and if you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor/caregiver or supplier of the lift.
