The 5 Best Patient Lifts for Home Use
If you're thinking of renting or purchasing a patient lift in Denver, Colorado, or a city near you, being familiar with the types, brands, and models of patient lifts for home use can increase your confidence when it comes time to make your selection.
Patient lifts are pieces of durable medical equipment (DME) that facilitate safe patient transfers for people with limited mobility and help to prevent injuries in both the patient and their caregiver(s).
Types of Patient Lifts for Home Use
Patient lifts, sometimes referred to as Hoyer lifts due to the popularity of the Hoyer lift brand, come in several different configurations with a variety of features available. The best patient lifts for home use in your situation will depend on the specific features you need and whether you plan to purchase or rent a patient lift.
Floor Lift vs. Ceiling Lift
Floor lifts are free-standing units that move around on casters and can be taken from room to room. A floor lift is a good option for patients who will use the same lift in the bedroom, bathroom, and living room.
For patients who mostly need to be transferred from their bed or rental hospital bed to a power wheelchair and can then move around independently, consider a permanent ceiling lift or overhead lift.
Manual vs. Electronic Lift
Floor lifts come in two main configurations: manual and electric.
Manual hydraulic lifts use pressurized fluid and a lever or foot pedal to raise and lower the patient without any need for a battery or power outlet. Manual lifts are more cost-effective than powered lifts but require a caregiver who is strong enough to operate the lever.
Electric patient lifts, also known as power lifts, have an electric motor that provides the lifting force at the push of a button (no hand-cranking required). The lift may be powered by a battery or need to be plugged into a power outlet.
Full-Body vs. Sit-to-Stand Lifts
When you imagine a patient lift, what usually comes to mind is a full-body lift that raises the entire patient and transfers them to another surface. However, patients who can bear at least some of their own weight can use a sit-to-stand lift.
In contrast to a full-body lift, a sit-to-stand lift supports the patient with a minimal sling around the upper back and thighs and raises them to a standing position while they grip the grab bars on the lift. These lifts are very cost-effective and allow the patient to work their muscles, potentially increasing their muscle strength or slowing their physical decline.
Bariatric Lifts
Most patient lifts come with a 400-pound capacity, which should be sufficient for a majority of patients. However, if a higher weight capacity is required, you might choose a bariatric patient lift. These lifts are made with very strong, reinforced materials and are used with strong, reinforced bariatric slings for safety. Due to the lifting power required for heavier patients, an electric patient lift is often recommended rather than a manual patient lift.
Best Patient Lifts for Home Use: Suggested Brands and Models
Bestcare PL400H Full-Body Manual Patient Lift
The PL400H is a manual lift that provides 400 pounds of lifting power with a six-point spreader bar (there is also an optional two-point spreader bar). This adaptable lift comes with a hydraulic pump for lifting and a conveniently portable design. This Bestcare full-body patient lift is comfortable for patients and cost-effective for caregivers.
Bestcare PL400HE Full-Body Power Lift
The PL400HE, powered by Bestcare's legacy electronics, is a battery-powered patient lift with a 400-pound maximum weight capacity and an optional digital scale. The electronic control system raises and lowers the patient smoothly with no hand-pumping required.
Bestcare Sit-to-Stand Lift Series
The Bestcare sit-to-stand lift offers a compact and easily maneuverable transfer solution for patients who can bear some of their own weight. This cost-effective lift can be used for transfers between chairs or for assisting a patient to stand and transfer to a mobility aid for walking.
The lifts in this series have adjustable and removable knee pads and a detachable footplate, plus manual and electric patient lift options:
SA182 - electric stand-assist lift rated at 400 lb safe working load
SA182H - manual stand-assist lift rated at 400 lb safe working load
SA228 - electric stand-assist lift rated at 500 lb safe working load
SA228H - manual stand-assist lift rated at 500 lb safe working load
Lumex Patient Hydraulic Lift with Foot Pedal
This Lumex patient hydraulic lift is a heavy-duty manual lift made from gauge steel for superior reliability. The hydraulic pump is powered by a foot pedal rather than a hand lever for caregiver comfort and disassembles for storage when not in use. This lift has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds.
Hoyer Classic Deluxe Electric Power Patient Lift
The Hoyer classic deluxe electric power lift is one of the best Hoyer lifts if you have a larger budget for DME. This electric patient lift comes with a backup rechargeable battery in case of a power outage and also has a mechanical release lever for lowering the hoist manually. Ergonomic hand grips help to reduce the chance of back strain and leg guards and caster bumpers prevent scrapes to furniture and walls.
Alternatives to Patient Lifts
Depending on their precise mobility needs, some weight-bearing patients might be able to use an alternative assistive device rather than buying a separate patient lift. These are typically patients who can walk with the help of a cane or rollator.
Recliner Lift Chairs
Weight-bearing individuals who need to avoid putting strain on their knees and back can often use a recliner lift chair. These look and feel just like regular recliner chairs but have an actuator that lifts the person to almost a standing position at the click of a button. These chairs need to be plugged into a power outlet, and some even come with heating and massage features.
Power Chair with a Lift Function
Certain heavy-duty power wheelchairs have a lift function that brings the user almost to a standing position. Please note that this feature is only an option for users who can stand on their own at least briefly and pivot to another chair or the edge of the bed. Non-weight-bearing wheelchair users will need a full-body patient lift.
Why It's Important to Use the Correct Patient Lift
According to research published by PHI National, personal care aids sustained injuries at almost 50% more than the national average, and nursing assistants sustained more than three times the national rates in 2016. The two most common causes of direct care worker injuries were overexertion and violence from people and pets, with the most common type of injury being strains and sprains, especially in the shoulders and lower back.
Given that most family caretakers and professional direct care workers are not paid for time taken off caring duties and patients need continuity of care, it's in everyone's best interest to reduce caregiver injuries to a minimum. Choosing the correct lift for the patient, learning how to use it correctly, ensuring regular maintenance, and using the lift every time it's needed (rather than risking it sometimes and lifting a patient yourself) are the best ways to prevent injuries from overexertion.
Enjoy Greater Safety, Mobility, and Independence with the Right Lifting Device
Whichever brand and style of lift you choose, the best patient lifts for home use will offer safety, convenience, and comfort for the patient and caregiver. The right lift should offer an appropriate maximum weight capacity for the user and be suited to the desired use.
Before purchasing any mobility device for a patient, make sure that the patient sees a medical professional or mobility therapist for a thorough evaluation. Also ensure that the caregiver receives training in the correct operation of the device.