Hoists & Slings

Hoists & Slings are used where there is a mobility issue, and the user is unable to weight bear.

The mobile floor lifter is used in a homecare environment as well as an aged care facility or hospital. The primary benefit of using a hoist versus performing patient handling techniques with staff is that it reduces the potential for injury of both the carer and the patient. When trained correctly, it may be possible to transfer with reduced staff, thereby reducing costs.

Available also are portable patient hoists. These portable hoists also fold and are designed to be easily transported by one person. This allows a user to travel by plane, train, cruise ship, or any means that is well designed to support people with disabilities. Depending on the level of mobility, the user may be able to travel alone or with one caregiver.
There are different kinds of patient hoists; however, they all operate using the same method. A sling supports the patient and attaches to the sling bar of the unit. Once the patient is securely supported the carer operates the lifting mechanism. This is the first part of the transfer.

If the equipment used is a portable lifter or a mobile floor lifter, the carer will then push the complete unit to the desired location. If the motor is part of a Ceiling Hoists system, the unit with the sling and patient is pushed along a track mounted to the ceiling. Once the patient hoist is positioned correctly, the patient is then lowered, and the sling is removed.

The additional benefit of a ceiling hoist is that it reduces floor space. The track is discreet, the motor can be stowed out of the way of a caregiver or user, and the sling may only be fitted when in use.