Patient lifts are mechanical devices designed to make moving a patient easier, safer, and more comfortable for everyone. These specialized medical lifts come in many styles:
- Stationary, ceiling-mounted track lifts
- Portable sling lifts
- Sit-to-stand patient lifts
Some patient lifts use hydraulic power to raise and lower the patient. In contrast, other patient lifts are powered by: an electric motor, connecting to a wall outlet or an onboard rechargeable battery.
When is it time to get a patient lift?
At-home patient lifts can make a big difference for caregivers and patients alike by dramatically reducing the amount of physical effort needed to transfer from a bed to a chair, move from a sitting to a standing position, or take a bath or shower.
If you’re a person with mobility issues who requires assistance to transfer, or you care for someone who needs hands-on help to move around, it may be time to rent or purchase a patient lift.
How patient lifts help caregivers
Re-positioning a patient, helping them transfer to and from a chair or bed, and assisting with bathing are all tasks that can be physically demanding for caregivers. It can be a real struggle to lift another person, especially for patients who are medically fragile or have complex needs.
Following the manufacturers’ instructions, a patient lift can reduce the risks of a caregiver suffering from an acute or overuse injury, decrease caregiver stress and even cut costs by allowing one caregiver to safely perform transfers that would otherwise require an extra set of hands.
How patient lifts help patients
Patient lifts are specially designed for safety and comfort. Most lifts are compatible with a variety of patient slings that eliminate painful bruising that can occur with manual, non-assisted lifts and transfers.
Most patients find that using a lift is far more comfortable than being re-positioned or lifted by a caregiver alone, which can, in turn, help keep patients more active because moving around no longer hurts. Patient lifts can also help patients remain in their own homes rather than be placed in a long-term care setting by making it possible for caregivers to help patients with toileting, bathing, and other activities of daily living.
Choosing the best patient lift
When picking out a patient lift, take the time to think about your particular needs. Do you require a lift that can accommodate a bariatric patient weighing up to 600 pounds? Will the lift be used in one location, such as the bedroom or bathroom, or do you want a lift that can be moved throughout the home?
Patient lifts come in two basic styles: sling lifts, which can be used to transfer a patient from a bed to a chair and vice versa, and sit-to-stand lifts that assist patients when moving from sitting to standing.
You’ll also need to decide if you want a budget-friendly manual hydraulic lift or a premium full electric lift powered by either a built-in rechargeable battery or that connects to a standard household outlet.
Contact our medical supply specialists at Copper Star Home Medical to learn more about in-home patient lifts. We sell a variety of high-quality patient lifts and have several patient lifts for rent at our home medical supply store.
