Patient Lift
If a person with a disability needs help being transferred, one solution is a lift. This type of lift is often called a Hoyer lift, which was a brand name, but has become a synonym for this style of lift.
Close up↑ Sling Laid Out↑
A Patient Being Picked up in a Lift↑
The way a patient (Hoyer) lift works is that a sling is placed underneath the patient and the boom arm of the lift picks up the sling with the person in it. Once the patient is raised up, the whole setup – lift, sling, and patient is rolled to the location that the patient is being transferred to. Then the boom arm is lowered, and the patient is guided down to the transfer location.
A patient lift is typically easily available through most insurance policies. To obtain a lift you can contact your local medical supply company to find out what your insurance policy covers and what paperwork is required.
When ordering a lift, be sure to have the following written on the prescription from your doctor:
Patient lift with “U” or “Divided Leg” sling
There are many different slings available. The U sling/divided leg sling will allow the sling to be easily taken on/off of the patient. If you receive a different kind of sling, it will be difficult or impossible to take the sling on/off the patient when not in use. This is important because a patient should not sit on the sling for extended periods of time. Sitting on a sling for a long period of time can put the patient at risk for pressure sores.
If your lift is delivered with the incorrect sling, contact the supplier and make them give you the correct sling, as prescribed by your doctor.
There are other options for being transferred other than a Hoyer style lift, but these devices are typically not covered by insurance. Also, there are many variables that need to be considered with Hoyer lift alternatives. More more information contact us to discuss your particular needs.