Uses for Hoyer Lifts

The Hoyer lift is a brand of sling lift that's used to transfer immobile patients between a bed and a wheelchair or between a wheelchair and a car. This is the only authorized use for a Hoyer or other brand of sling lift, according to the Planet Mobility website. It says Hoyer lifts are not intended as a mini-crane or equipment lift and should never be used to lift or transfer anything other than a person.

Lift Types

• Hoyer lifts are offered as a manually pumped hydraulic type and as a battery-powered electric type. Both types are made of steel and feature a U-shaped wheeled base connected to a mast with a boom at the top, according to Planet Mobility. Typical models can lift 350-400 lbs. but heavy-duty models can lift up to 600 lbs.

Configuration

• The boom at one end is connected to the mast and the hydraulic or electric lifting mechanism. The boom's other end is connected to a swivel bar or cradle to which the sling holding the patient will be connected, according to Planet Mobility.

Using a Hoyer

• In use, you roll the bed patient onto the sling, then roll the Hoyer lifter's base under the bed, hook the sling to the swivel bar or cradle on the boom above the patient and then use the lift to raise the patient off the bed. You then pull the lifter away from the bed with the patient facing you, roll the wheelchair between the legs of the "U" base and lower the patient into the chair, according to Planet Mobility.