How is a "Patient lift" used for those who can't move?

My grandmother needs a lift to move her from bed>wheelchair>other. She can't move on her own.

I would like to know how lifts are used to move patients. More spacifically, the piece used to support the patient underneath; like a sling?

piaryel2007-09-14T10:04:44Z

Favorite Answer

This is called a Hoyer lift, another brand is called the Guldmann lift. Your grandma can have tracks installed on the ceiling (like, from her bedroom to the bathroom) which makes it so much easier to help mover her around. Or she can use the portable one which could either be manually or battery-operated (rechargeable). A sling is used to cradle her body and then it's hooked up to the lift to transfer her. We use this 2 types of lifts in our hospital and it has decreased the incidence of back injuries in the staff. It's very easy to use. Patients' families get this for their quadriplegic family member when they go home. Ask your grandma's insurance if they would pay for it.

Farhan2014-12-25T20:31:08Z

Patient lift is a device that allows patients in hospitals and nursing homes and those receiving home health care to be transferred between a bed and a chair or other similar resting places, using hydraulic power. A patient lift may be either a sling lift or sit-to-stand lift. It is very useful for them who can't move like others.

allmightyjaz2007-09-14T10:04:16Z

They are often called "hoyer lifts". I was an LNA for 7 yrs, we used them all the time. It does look like a sling.it is put under them while they are still in bed. Then the straps are hooked up to a machine that lifts them up.Then they can comfortably be moved from bed too wheelchair and back ect...
They are very safe an do not hurt at all! Hope this helped!

NurseBunny2007-09-14T09:53:18Z

Yes, a sling is often used...depends on the severity of her limits. If you were to get a lift, the company should teach you how to use it safely before you use it alone.

essentiallysolo2007-09-14T09:52:50Z

That is called a Hoyer lift, and if you get one from a medical supply agency, they will teach you how to use it.