Types of Patient Hoist

A patient hoist is a lifting device that can lift someone from a lying or seated position and transfer them to another location, such as a bed, wheelchair, a seat or a bath. A ceiling lift is the most common type of hoist that consists of a hoisting unit mounted to a track in the ceiling. This type of hoist allows a person to be lifted and moved across a room, or between rooms.

Types of Hoists Available?  There are four types of hoisting devices:

Ceiling Hoists
Mobile or Wheeled hoists
Bath hoists 
Pool Hoists

Ceiling hoist Quick, safe and comfortable transfer A patient ceiling hoist is a hoist that is mounted on the ceiling. An electric hoist with a sling system is attached to a ceiling track and the person is lifted in the sling and moved along the ceiling track. Ceiling hoists save time, reduce risk of injury and allow comfortable and safe transfer. The primary consideration in choosing and installing a track-mounted ceiling lift is the position of the track. You must also provide a clear path of travel along the route of the track, particularly at door frames for a system that connects two or more rooms. OpeMed can advise and design the layout for the maximum efficiency. Ceiling tracks can be provided in a variety of locations and are particularly useful where space is limited.

Mobile or Wheeled Hoist A wheeled mobile hoist for transfer with a unique tilting spreader bar. A mobile hoist is free-standing equipment that supports the person being moved in a sling or harness that is suspended from a cantilevered arm. The sling is placed around the person while he or she is seated or lying down. The person is then hoisted up, the hoist is wheeled to the new location and the person is lowered. One of the first things to consider is the amount of manoeuvring space a wheeled hoist needs. The wheeled base of the hoist must be wide enough to remain stable with the person in it. Consequently, wheeled hoists require a wide and unobstructed path of travel — usually at least 1,100 mm (43 1/2 in.) and possibly more if turns are required. Another design consideration is clear space under furniture and fixtures, to accommodate the frame of the hoist. If a wheeled hoist is to be used for transfers in and out of a bathtub, the bathtub should have legs or be raised from the floor the hoist frame will fit under the bathtub.

Bath or Pool Hoist Bath hoists are mounted to the floor and can lift a patient in and out of the bath. Although the base of the hoist is fixed, a support arm pivots to transfer the person sideways. Swimming Pool Hoist Pool hoists can be transportable sling or seat devices that mount in a socket next to the pool or are freestanding.

When Should You Consider a Hoist or Lift? Consider a hoist or ceiling lift when the person being moved becomes too heavy or too large to be moved safely manually, where the bathing process is taking too long or space is limited. One person can easily and safely assist with transfers if a mechanical hoist is used for the transfer.

 Contact OpeMed for more information.