What Is a Hoyer Patient Lift?
Transferring a patient or loved one from his bed to a wheelchair can be a painful task for any caregiver. This is especially true if the patient is unable to assist in the transfer process due to some form of paralysis. A Hoyer lift can help a caregiver avoid back injury during the transfer process.
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The Sling
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The Hoyer lift is able to raise a person from his bed with the help of a sling. The sling is usually made of a heavy-duty soft foam that is encased in a fabric cover. In the book "Pocket Guide for the Home Care Aide," authors Barbara Stover Gingerich and Deborah Anne Ondeck explain that the sling is placed under the patient by rolling him onto his side and sliding it underneath his body. The sling is then attached to the arm of the lift with a series of chains and hooks.
Manual and Power Lifts
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Hoyer lift machines come as either manual or electric-powered. Manual Hoyer versions raise the patient using a hand pump that sets the hydraulic cylinders into motion. Power Hoyer models operate on a high-torque motor that can transfer up to 1,000 pounds at a time with a simple press of a button.
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Standing Lifts
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A standing assist lift is often used when a patient is in need of rehabilitation but cannot manage upright movements unassisted. This lift allows the caregiver to aid the patient with weight-bearing exercises without needing to provide full support. The machine provides the added capability of assisting in the transfer of a patient to a bed, toilet or chair.
Hoyer Pool Lift
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The Hoyer pool lift is designed for patient transfer from wheelchair to pool, but may also be used by patients who are unable to use steps to enter a pool. The pool lift is operated hydraulically and designed to be mounted to the deck of the pool. It is primarily found in rehabilitation facilities, but is also available for home applications.
Hoyer Bath Lifts
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Hoyer bath lifts are usually water powered or battery powered, and often require little or no installation. LiftChairGuide.net explains that bath lifts are normally positioned at the same height as the bathtub sides, so that the patient can easily slide onto the lift. The chair can then be lowered into the bath water by pressing a button.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jim Fischer
