Patient Lift Uses

Patient lifts are mechanical devices that help transfer a patient's weight so he can be safely moved. Manufacturers recommend that caregivers use patient lifts only to assist patients in moving from one position to another, such as from a seated to a standing position or from a bed to a wheelchair.

Sling Lift

• The sling lift is commonly known as a "Hoyer Lift," the oldest and most common brand name for it. The lift has the same design as a machine created to lift engines. A piece of canvas or mesh fabric about as large as a full-size bed sheet is placed under the patient and then attached with hooks or clips to the patient lift. Once the patient is safely cradled in the sling, caregivers activate a mechanized pulley to lift the patient.

Sit-to-Stand Lift

• A sit-to-stand lift bears the patient's weight to enable her to move from sitting to standing and is similar to the sling lift. A mesh or canvas sling is placed under the patient's arms and the caregiver activates a pulley to allow the patient to stand. The patient must be able to bear her own weight when standing.

Mobile Patient Lifts

• Mobile patient lifts are the most common and versatile in transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair or any other place a patient may want to move. These types of lifts have small wheels or casters. A sling made of canvas or mesh is placed around the patient by a caregiver, and the sling is attached to the lift, permitting the patient to be transferred.

Permanent Ceiling Patient Lifts

• A ceiling lift is a 'T' bar attached to a track to permit a patient to be moved. Arm straps or a large sling is attached by hooks or clips to the ceiling lift. When the patient is safely in the sling or arm-straps, a caregiver moves the patient from a bed to a wheelchair.