Patient Hoists

Patient Hoist Buying Guide

There are a number of different hoist options available on the market today and the one you choose should be based on your individual needs as well as the care environment in which you intend to use it.

What is a patient hoist used for?

A hoist is a piece of medical equipment used to lift and move patients. They are often used in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities for manual lifting and safe patient handling with maximum comfort.

There are a variety of different types of hoists available, including ceiling track hoists, bath hoists, manual hoists, patient hoists, electric patient hoists, and patient lifts. Manual patient hoists require someone to physically lift and move the person, while electric  hoists use a motor to do the lifting for you. Mobile patient hoists are typically used to transfer patients from one location to another, or to help them get out of bed, even the floor. They can be very helpful for caregivers who need to move and lift patients around safely and easily.

They can be used for both moving people between rooms and transferring them onto or off of beds. Some patient mobile hoists also have the ability to tilt or rotate patients, which can be helpful for manoeuvring them into or out of positions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible without a larger team of nurses or carers.

How is a mobile hoist used and powered?

Patient hoists work by using either a hydraulic or electrical system. These moving elements enable the lifting and lowering of patients, preventing serious injury and reducing strain on carers. The hydraulic system uses a pump to move oil from one chamber to another, which lifts the patient, while the electrical system uses a motor to rotate gears. Both options feature a safety stop that holds the patient securely in place if there is a power failure or loss of hydraulics making them both safe options for care settings.

In electrically powered mobile hoists, when the mobility hoist battery starts to run low, it will often alert the carer by sounding an acoustic ‘low battery’ alarm. When this happens, the hoist can be easily recharged from a power supply meaning you are never left without assistance.

How to pick the right mobile hoist?

There are a few key factors you need to consider when choosing the right patient hoist for your needs.

Capacity

How much weight the hoist can lift safely for example the safe working load. Bariatric patients may require larger mobile hoists due to greater weight capacity. 

Reach

The distance the hoist can reach from the base unit. This will determine its suitability for helping a patient in and out of their chair or bed. Remember to take the height and mobility capability of the patient into account too.

Base Unit

The size of the base unit will determine lifting range as well as improve patient handling while taking up minimal space in the care environment.

Controls

The type of controls (joystick, buttons, etc.) and their location on the unit. These need to be easily accessible.

Weight of Unit

The weight of the unit itself so you can be sure it can be easily moved around and stored as needed.

Advantages of using a patient hoist?

There are many advantages to using a patient hoist, including:

Ease of use

 The patient hoist is easy to operate, which makes it ideal for use in a hospital or home setting.

Portability 

The patient hoist is lightweight and easily portable, making it perfect for transporting patients between settings.

Safety

The patient hoist is designed with safety in mind, ensuring that patients are transported securely and with minimal risk of injury.

Reduced Pressure on Carers

Eliminates the need for multiple people to assist with lifting and moving a patient.

Manoeuvrability 

Can be used to move patients safely and easily in any direction, including sideways and up or downstairs.

Adaptability

Can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and even private residences.

So if you're looking for an easy, safe way to move patients around, a patient hoist is definitely the way to go.

Our Patient Hoist Recommendations

Hoist recommendations for medical purposes can be challenging to make, but our team of experts have put together the following suggestions to help you get started in choosing the right hoist for you.

We offer folding hoists that are small and light enough to fit in any size room or patient's home and larger models which will provide more stability when lifting patients with higher weight requirements - all while remaining flexible with your budget!

To find out which hoist may be most suitable for you, please see below:

• Limited mobility hoist: Invacare ISA Stand Assist Hoist
• No mobility hoist: Oxford Midi 180 Hoist
• Space-saving hoist: Invacare Birdie Evo Compact Hoist
• Budget hoist: Invacare Birdie Evo Hoist
• Bariatric hoist: Oxford Stature Hoist

To purchase our excellent value products and claim vat relief, add to your basket now. Alternatively, if you have any questions - please get in touch with our expert team.