Patient Lifts
The term patient lift encompasses many different types of lifts. Typically any lifting device that uses a sling to lift an individual may be called a patient lift. They serve many functions. Patient lifts may be used to aid in transferring someone from a bed to a bathroom, wheelchair, different room, or onto a couch or chair. Additionally, they can provide safe lowering and raising into and out of pools, bathtubs, or showers.
There are 3 main types of patient lifts, including ceiling lifts, hoyer lifts, and wall mount/other. Each lift provides different capabilities and can be adapted to meet most situations. Options HME is able to install and service ceiling lifts and wall mount lifts, giving you the choices necessary to find a solution that fits your needs and your budget.
Ceiling Lifts
Ceiling lifts are overhead style patient lifts. They may attach directly to the ceiling or use a system of posts to support an overhead rail. They can be used with either a fixed motor (that moves along the overhead rail) or portable motor (that can be moved from rail to rail). Ceiling lifts are the type of patient lift that offers the largest amount of customizability. You have the ability to choose from simpler solutions such as a single straight rail, or complex solutions like curved overhead rails that span multiple rooms. Additionally, the motors are capable of lifting from 400 to 1000 pounds, depending on the model. If you desire a system that does not attach to the ceiling, 3 post, 4 post, and pressure mount systems are also available.
Hoyer Lifts
Hoyer lifts are mobile patient lifts. They typically consist of a frame with wheels and a lifting arm that supports and lifts the sling. Thanks to the caster wheels on the frame, they can be moved between rooms and are not limited by the set path of a fixed rail (like a ceiling lift is).
However, hoyer lifts have limited weight capacities. Also, because the legs of the lift extend out, underneath the patient, they are limited in where they can actually complete lifts. There must be access underneath the area where the patient is being lifted. This is no issue when being used to lift a patient from a raised bedframe. However, they do not work well for lifting or lowering from a bathtub or shower, where a raised shower or tub wall prevents the lift’s support legs from rolling under the patient.
Wall Mount & Other Lifts
Wall mount and other types of patient lifts are designed for used when a ceiling lift or hoyer lift is not the solution. If a beam, obstruction, or the ceiling’s substructure does not allow for a ceiling lift, we may be able to make a wall mount lift work. While these types of lifts are a little less common, they provide an excellent solution when other lifts will not work or fit your needs.