People with limited mobility recovering from surgery, sickness, or other challenges greatly benefit from patient lifts. A patient lift is an essential tool for safe and more comfortable transfers for both patient and caregiver. However, choosing the right type of patient lift is crucial for mobility, injury prevention, and long-term success.
Familiarize yourself with the most common types of patient lifts used in home-based care that are reliable and approved by both patients and caregivers. Whether you are preparing for your future post-surgery healing or wondering how to safely transfer a loved one, understanding these patient lift options will help you clarify the best choice of medical equipment for your circumstances.
1. Electric Lifts – Best for Reduced Physical Strain
Electric lifts offer an easy way for caregivers to transfer patients by using a motorized system. Because the motor does most of the work, caregiver effort is minimal.
Electric lifts give a smooth and controlled lifting experience for the patient. Many electric lifts come with a handheld remote to lift patients safely and precisely. Electric lifts give the patient comfort by providing a safe, balanced, and smooth ride. They also assist caregivers who struggle with physical exertion by taking the brunt of the patient transfer.
Some types of electric patient lifts come with an emergency manual lowering option in case of a power failure. So, check to see if the lift comes with the ability to stop the lift motor in case of an emergency.
Look for reputable mobility equipment companies like Mobility Plus Colorado to rent or purchase safe and dependable electric patient lifts.
The takeaway: Electric patient lifts are perfect to reduce in-home caregiver strain, for care in nursing homes, and for any context that calls for frequent use.
2. Hydraulic Patient Lifts
Lifts with hydraulic power are trusted and cost-effective. This type of lift uses manual pumping to both raise and lower a patient.
Hydraulic lifts do not need to be plugged into a wall as they do not require electricity. This is a good feature for homes with limited electric outlet options or limited lift placement locations. These types of patient lifts offer simple options and are perfect for short-term recovery at home. Adjustable lifts also fit snugly to furniture, helping fit in tight spaces. Slings can be removed for cleaning.
The takeaway: These types of patient lifts assist patients with a safe, straightforward, and simple solution to maneuvering positions. They are great for in-home settings as well as other rehabilitation healthcare settings.
3. Sit-to-Stand Patient Lifts
Sit-to-stand lifts are designed for people who have some mobility but still require assistance from a sitting position to a standing position.
Look for sit-to-stand patient lifts that allow partial weight-bearing so that patients may continue to gain strength while receiving assistance. Patient safety is a priority with sit-to-stand lifts by offering balance and stability while the patient slowly stands.
Full-body lifts transfer immobile patients from one location to another. However, sit-to-stand lifts offer the patient a smooth sit-to-stand motion with a low risk of injury. Look for lifts that offer a height adjustment for taller or shorter patients. Oftentimes, these types of lifts are used in rehabilitation facilities to encourage independence in patients using:
- Padded knee blocks
- Adjustable footplates
- Comfortable handles
The takeaway: Sit-to-stand lifts are designed with both the patient and the caregiver in mind. These lifts are the perfect option for people needing a bit of help to get to a standing position.
4. Sara Stedy Patient Lifts
Sara Stedy lifts are non-powered patient lifts made for one caregiver to aid semi-mobile patients in sit-to-stand transfers. This type of standing lift also reduces caregiver strain and is safely moved from room to room.
The Sara Stedy lift is able to help a patient with stability and balance while offering some independence of movement. For people who are able to receive mobility guidance and can use their strength to stand with just a bit of extra help to get the job done, the Sara Stedy lift is a great choice.
The risk of injury is lowered by having a stable base, wheels, and handlebars. The design allows the patient to access the toilet and other personal hygiene tasks. This makes the Sara Stedy a popular choice for in-home care, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
The takeaway: The Sara Stedy is perfect for mobile patients who need just a bit of help moving from a seated position to a standing position.
5. Ceiling Lifts – Patient Lifts to Accommodate Floor Space
Ceiling lifts are either permanently or semi-permanently installed systems that glide along tracks in the ceiling. These lifts require no manual lifting and save floor space.
Ceiling lifts are great for homes with limited space or where frequent transfers are made from one location to another. They offer a smooth, hands-free option for both caregiver and patient alike. However, because of the extra installation fees and modifications, not all families will be comfortable with this product.
The takeaway: Ceiling lifts are a desired lift that allows easy movement of a patient; however, installation costs may be a deterrent for some.
6. Bariatric Lifts – Patient Lifts With a Large Weight Capacity
Bariatric lifts are for heavier patients who need extra support and strength for safe transfers.
Bariatric lifts come in manual and electric options and include extra-wide padded slings, heavy-duty castors, and reinforced frames. These lifts tend to be larger in size to accommodate larger patients with a higher weight capacity than standard lifts. Bariatric patients must have accommodations to ensure their safety when moving from place to place.
The takeaway: Bariatric lifts ensure that heavy patients are moved respectfully and safely.
7. Pool Lifts – Patient Lifts to Reduce the Risk of Injury by Pools
Pool lifts are made to move patients into pools, allowing for water-based activities.
Pool lifts come in manual and powered options. These lifts are perfect for patients receiving water therapy or exercise in the pool.
The takeaway: Pool lifts enable patients to enjoy water activities safely.
8. Mobile Floor Lifts
Mobile floor lifts support full-body transfers and can be moved from one room to another.
Mobile floor lifts are versatile and accommodate most sling types, including full-body slings. These lifts are great for moving between patient rooms, whether at home or other healthcare facilities. Because mobile floor lifts are not the only type of portable patient lifts, be sure to understand your needs before making a final choice.
The takeaway: Renting or purchasing a patient lift like a mobile floor lift allows for movement throughout rooms without installing permanent equipment.
Patient Lifts for Both the Patient and the Caregiver
Knowing the different types of patient lifts will help you or your loved one build a safer and more comfortable home care space. Research shows that lift hoists benefit caregivers, and patients benefit significantly from floor and ceiling lifts.
Ceiling lifts, manual lifts, hydraulic floor lifts, or other patient lifts offer levels of stability, balance, and ease. Choose the right patient lift that allows for dignity, mobility, and ease for the patient and caregiver team.
Once you know the level of mobility the patient has and how much support is needed for transfers, choose a lift that best fits your floor space and budget for the most appropriate option. There are many types of patient lifts, and knowing the basics of these top patient lift possibilities will help you choose the perfect fit for your situation.