Hoyer Lifts & the Proper Way to Use Them

"Hoyer lift" is a common brand name for manual and electric sling lifts. These are wheeled, crane-like devices used in hospitals, nursing homes and home-care settings to transport patients who have limited mobility. Used properly, sling lifts can decrease the risk of injury to both patient and caregiver by fully supporting the patient's weight. Sling lifts come in a number of models to accommodate patient size and need. Carefully follow the instructions provided for your particular lift model and become familiar with the safety precautions before operating a sling lift.

Instructions

• 1

  Position the sling beneath the patient, following the instructions for the sling. Several kinds of slings are available to accommodate a variety of patient needs.

• 2

  Position the base of the Hoyer lift under the patient's bed. Make sure the lift's legs are open and its wheels are locked.

• 3

  Lower the top of the lift over the patient by releasing the hydraulic pressure knob on a manual lift or pressing the "Down" button on an electric lift. If the patient is in a hospital bed, the bed should be raised to its full height, with the bed rails lowered on the side where the lift is.

• 4

  Attach the sling to the lift, following the directions for the sling.

• 5

  Release the locks on the Hoyer lift's wheels and slowly raise the patient by pumping the hydraulic handle on manual lifts or pressing the "Up" button on electric lifts.

• 6

  Raise the patient until he is clear of the bed surface, then swing his feet gently over the side of the bed.

• 7

  Steer the lift slowly away from the bed. Turn the patient so he is facing you as you move the lift.

• 8

  Position the base of the Hoyer lift under a wheelchair or other desired location and release the hydraulic knob or press the "Down" button to lower the patient. Remove the sling as soon as the patient has been safely lowered. Do not leave the sling beneath the patient, as this may cause discomfort or injury.