What Is a Patient Lift?
For those caring for loved ones with extremely limited mobility, transferring them from a wheelchair to a bed, toilet, or shower is challenging, especially if there is no one else in the household who can assist. Not only can it be awkward and uncomfortable, but also dangerous for both parties. A patient lift is a device designed to transfer occupants from one place to another with relative ease. The word “lift” is used in a lot of mobility products, so it’s important to understand the difference between the various products. A patient lift raises someone into the air using a sling. They are either motorized or use a manual hydric system. A stair lift, on the other hand, is a motorized chair that transports occupants up and down staircases. A wheelchair lift is an elevator designed specifically for mobility devices. There are both residential and commercial models. And a lift chair is a motorized recliner that “stands” and lowers to allow easy entry and exit.
Types of Patient Lifts
There are several types of patient lifts, and each one offers specific advantages. Determining which one is right for you will depend on your home’s configuration, your budget, and your own physical condition. Patient lifts come in the following varieties:
- Ceiling lifts – These lifts travel on tracks mounted on the ceiling, thus the name. Because they don’t require bulky support platforms, they’re good for homes with narrow door frames.
- Hoyer lifts – These lifts are mounted on wheeled frames and can be pushed from point A to point B. They’re available in both manual and powered operation.
- Portable lifts – These lifts are designed to transfer occupants from their wheelchairs into a vehicle seat. They can then be folded and stored in a trunk or back of an SUV or van for use upon arrival at the destination.
If you are interested in adding a patient lift to your home, the company to turn to in the Upper Peninsula is the Barrier Free Store. We offer and install a wide variety of mobility aids and are a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.
