Whether at home or in a long-term care center, caring for someone with mobility challenges involves ensuring safe and comfortable movement, making patient lifts critical. These tools allow caregivers to transfer patients from beds to chairs or toilets and change their positions without causing injury to both the patient and caregiver.
These devices have a broad range of models and features to accommodate varying needs, and selecting the right type can be tough without sufficient guidance. To help you, this article breaks down the many types of lifts and things to consider before purchasing.
Lift Designs for Various Mobility Levels
Patient lift devices are versatile and can be operated either manually or electrically. Manual types are affordable and straightforward to use. Caregivers only need gas or hydraulic hand pumps to elevate and lower the patient. However, these lifts may be challenging for caregivers with limited strength and small builds. Moreover, the risk of injury is serious if operated incorrectly.
Conversely, electrical lifts depend on plug-in electrical systems or rechargeable batteries. With a button push, they can steadily raise and lower a patient regardless of weight. Because of this convenience, many caregivers (especially those caring for patients daily for long periods) prefer electrical lifts despite the higher costs.
Lift devices are also differentiated based on varying patient circumstances. Below are some of the most common lift types and their pros and cons:
Sling Lift
This patient lift suspends individuals or a body part with fabric slings attached to a cradle to support, reposition, and move between locations. The material is soft on the skin, durable, and has several attachment points that connect the straps/hooks for even weight distribution and safe lifting.
Sling lifts can be installed overhead or mounted on floors and are available in diverse sizes and weight capacities. Because of their versatile and practical design, they are common go-to choices for home care and clinical settings. However, incorrect use can lead to skin abrasions, overextended joints, musculoskeletal injuries, and nerve damage from pressure on some body parts.
Floor-Based Lift
These assistive devices let caregivers roll or scoot patients who fell on the floor into slings and help them get back up. They are cost-effective, portable, accessible, and suitable for home and long-term care settings with adequate floor space.
On the downside, floor lifts have limited weight capacity and are therefore unsuitable for larger patients. Using them in small spaces requires more physical effort from caregivers, increasing the risks of strain and injury.
Ceiling-Mounted Lift
This type transfers individuals from one point to another using a mechanical system with tracks affixed to the ceiling. It has a high weight capacity and can minimize the effort needed to operate and the risk of injuries. It’s favorable in medical environments where transfers may be frequent.
Ceiling lifts are customizable and can be installed at home, seamlessly integrating the system into the space. However, they are generally costlier and may involve major construction work to install.
Sit-To-Stand Lift
Also called the stand-assist or standing lift, this type helps patients stand up from seated positions. It comes in manual and electrical designs, all fitted with adjustable cradles for all heights, padded seats, leg supports, and more for enhanced comfort.
Sit-to-stand lifts are ideal for those with weakness in the legs, who can bear weight or require minimal assistance steadying themselves when standing up. Moreover, they decrease the likelihood of caregiver strain injury and patient fall-related injury.
Bariatric Lift
These heavy-duty options safely lift and move patients with mobility problems and higher body weights. They have wider bases, improved lifting mechanisms, and reinforced frames and slings. Overall, they reduce strain and injury risks while enhancing caregivers’ and patients’ safety and comfort.
Bariatric lifts are often utilized in homes and medical/assisted living settings. However, they’re more expensive than standard ones and require trained caregivers to operate efficiently.
Bath Lift
This battery-operated lift device, designed with waterproof features, helps people with restricted mobility get in and out of bathtubs. It prevents slip-and-fall injuries and lets patients bathe, relax, and maintain good hygiene independently and with dignity.
Despite their advantages, bath lifts cannot help users get over the bathtub’s wall. Patients may need to maneuver more to settle in comfortably. Those dependent on a caregiver’s assistance to move or switch positions may not find this option suitable.
Determining the Right Lift
It’s essential to evaluate your needs and several factors when choosing a lift to invest in. Here are some pointers to remember:
- Equipment Size and Height: The user’s height, ability, requirements, and the caregiver’s capability to utilize the lift are good starting points. For example, tall patients may need lifts with a high lifting range. So, check whether the lift the lift is adjustable to full height or within a sitting-to-standing range only.
- User’s Weight: Lifts have specified weight capacities, and exceeding these can endanger patients. Check the device’s limits and whether it has sufficient features for proper support and stability. Patients with heavier builds should consider exploring bariatric models.
- Portability: Consider where and how you will use the lift. Will it be used only in one place? Or will you also need it to get in and out of vehicles? If portability is non-negotiable, you should explore lifts with wheels, compact frames, or foldable parts.
- Components and Functions: Ensure that the lift’s features offer the necessary support. For instance, cradles or spreader bars are critical to moving and stabilizing the user. Slings, which come in different sizes and materials for various conditions, must also be compatible with cradles. Patients unable to move or turn themselves should consider lifts with swivel functions.
- Emergency Mechanisms: All electric lifts must have emergency controls or manual override systems. This way, you can still operate the device in case of a power failure. Such mechanisms are vital in hospitals and assisted living centers.
Find the Right Lift Today
Patient lifts are indispensable to improving the quality of life of individuals with limited mobility. They also help caregivers provide excellent care and assistance to their patients. From simple manual types to more sophisticated ones, these devices offer greater motility, safety, comfort, and dignity.
Remember the key pointers above and seek expert guidance when deciding which lift to buy. Contact a healthcare provider or mobility equipment specialist for more information.