Patient Lifts: Which One is Right for You?

Whether for post-op recovery, or long-term use due to chronic illness or injury, a patient transport lift can ease caregiver strain, and improve patient outcomes. Knowing which lift to choose is not always clear. Here are some basic guidelines:

Types of Lifts

• Hoyer Lifts - "Hoyer" is actually a brand name but is commonly used to refer to sling-style lifts for those completely unable to bear any weight on their legs. They can range in max. weight capacity, but some models can lift up to 600 lbs. Several manufacturers make a lightweight portable sling lift that can allow everyone to travel together...even those needing more care!
• Sit-to-Stand Lifts – These lifts are appropriate for users who can bear weight on their legs but have difficulty standing from a sitting position. The user should have enough upper body and grip strength to safely grasp the positioning or safety bar on the unit. You will want to consult with your OT, PT, or physician to determine eligibility for sit-to-stand usage.

Insurance Coverage? Check with your insurance company to determine what type of lift they will cover. Often, insurance coverage provides for manually cranked lifts only. You will need to confirm that the operator is able to safely crank the lift multiple times a day without incurring injury or strain. Fully battery-powered lifts are usually the preferable option and are typically not an insurance-provided item.

Purchasing vs. Renting: Many users choose to rent both sling-style and sit-to-stand lifts because they are often needed for a fairly short period of time and are difficult to store. Renting can also help users better manage the expense of caring for their loved one.

Service and Repair: Your local dealer should provide service and repair of both purchased and rented patient lifts. At Mobility Plus Alpharetta, we service everything that we sell and are authorized dealers for 26 different suppliers!

Need to rent or purchase a Hoyer-style or sit-to-stand lift? Call us today at 470-545-1827 to discuss all of the options!