Stand Aid Hoists

What is a stand aid hoist?

Mobile hoists facilitate transfers with stand aid hoists specifically designed for the transition from seated position to standing. It is often used by carers to help people who require assistance standing or walking on their own due to restricted range of movement.

The standing aid hoist typically consists of a frame with a sling or harness that wraps around the person's body. The person is then attached to the frame, which helps them move from sit to stand and move around with ease. Some models also have a motorised lift that can assist in the raising and lowering of the person as needed. This is especially useful for travelling between rooms or getting into and out of vehicles.

This device ultimately provides maximum support to nurses and carers, and makes it easier for patients to move around with minimal assistance. Mobile hoists are typically used in care environments and healthcare settings such as hospitals or nursing homes to provide additional support. However, at-home care is becoming increasingly popular and stand assist hoists can allow the user to stand without carer assistance, which can be helpful for everyday tasks including, bathing, dressing, and other activities. This means more mobility aids like this are being purchased for personal use. Remember, it is important to always consult with a healthcare professional before using one of these devices.

Who are Stand Aids For?

The standing aid hoist is useful for people who have difficulty standing independently, as it can help them improve their limited mobility and sense of independence. It can also be helpful for people who are recovering from surgery or an illness, as it allows them to gradually build up their strength and varying levels of movement whilst reducing the risk of re-injury.

Stand aids not only have the aforementioned benefits for patients but can also be a useful transfer aid for carers. Using such mobility equipment means that a huge amount of pressure is taken off when moving patients, as moving the user manually can be strenuous and often comes with a range of associated risks. By using the stand aid hoist, the majority of patient weight bearing ability and movement is taken on by the hoist leaving the carers to simply operate and provide support if required.

How is a stand aid hoist operated?

A stand aid hoist is a device that is used to lift and transfer a person from a seated to a standing position. It typically consists of a metal frame that can be mounted to a stable surface or act as freestanding mobility equipment. The hoists have either a hydraulic or electric lifting system that raises and lowers the person's weight making it perfect for transferring into and out of seated positions. 

The stand aid can be operated manually by a carer or using power assisted controls. Manual operation requires that someone be available to help lift the person, while power assisted controls allow the person to be lifted with minimal help. That being said, we always recommend that someone is available to supervise use at all times to ensure safety and provide assistance if needed.

The electric motor range of the stand aids is the much more common variety, as it is easier to use and requires less effort from the person operating it. It is also a preferable option as the smooth running of the motor reduces any sudden, sharp movement that may make the user uncomfortable or aggravate existing injuries.

Can just one person use a hoist?

Due to its simple design and ease of use, one person can use a stand assist hoist. However, it is typically recommended that at least two people operate the device at any given time  in order to ensure they stay safe and provide necessary support. The stand aid hoist is a device that helps users with mobility issues to stand and/or walk. Its benefits are massive but it can be dangerous if not used correctly. 

Do standing support aids have brakes?

There are a few different types of patient hoists on the market, and some have brakes and some don't. The general idea is that you would use the brake to secure the patient in place while you're transferring them from one surface to another. The two most commonly used types of patient hoist are electric and manual. Electric patient hoists are operated by a motor and automatic brake, whereas manual patient hoists are operated by a person's strength with a brake that needs to be applied by the operator. 

If your patient hoist does not come with a brake, you can use a variety of methods to keep them in place while in use. For example, you can use friction between the sling and the object they're resting on, or you can tie off or clamp the sling to an object that won't move. It is important to use whatever method is safest for both you and the patient and the hoist you invest in will likely depend on the level of care your patient requires.

For more tips and advice on which stand aids are right for you, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Care Outlet. Alternatively speak to your local occupational therapist to discuss your mobility and care needs.