What Are the Different Types of Patient Lifts?

When someone experiences limited mobility, whether from injury, illness, surgery, or aging, daily activities like getting out of bed or moving to a wheelchair can become physically challenging and risky. Patient lift or mechanical lift devices are specifically designed to address this challenge. These tools support both the user and the caregiver by minimizing the strain of manual lifting and improving patient safety.

Understanding the many types of patient lifts is important for selecting the right equipment. This is especially true in healthcare settings, where patient mobility and safety are top priorities. If you plan to use a lift at home, this knowledge is just as important to ensure you choose the right one for your unique care needs.

What Is a Patient Lift?

A patient lift is medical equipment designed to safely transfer individuals with limited movement between seated or lying positions, such as from a wheelchair to a bed or from a chair to a toilet. These devices reduce physical strain on carers while lessening the risk of falls or injuries for patients.

Patient lifts are used across a wide range of care settings, from hospitals and nursing homes to private residences. Brands like Hoyer, Invacare, and Proactive Medical are well known for producing reliable, durable lifts suited for everything from occasional transfers to everyday use. Depending on the individual's needs, lifts may be manual (hydraulic), powered (electric), or designed specifically to assist with sit-to-stand movements.

Why Choosing the Right Patient Lift Matters

Selecting the right patient lift involves more than just considering weight capacity. Using a lift that doesn't align with the individual's needs can compromise patient safety and place unnecessary strain on those involved in the transfer process.

Important factors to consider:

• Can the person actively participate in being moved?
• How much room is available for equipment?
• Will the lift be used multiple times a day?
• Is portability or a permanent setup preferred?

Types of Patient Lifts

Here's a breakdown of the types of patient lifts, each suited to different levels of movement and care requirements.

1. Floor Lifts

Floor lifts are designed to safely raise a patient from the ground to a seated or standing position or transfer them between surfaces like beds, chairs, and wheelchairs. This is especially important after a fall or when someone cannot get up independently. Floor lifts are available in manual and electric models, each offering distinct advantages depending on your specific needs and budget.

Manual Floor Lifts

Manual floor lifts operate using a hydraulic system and rely entirely on the care provider. They're often chosen for their affordability and low maintenance needs.

Best for:

• Occasional transfers
• Environments without easy access to electricity
• Caregivers who are comfortable with manual lifting
• Budget-conscious situations where initial cost is a primary concern

Benefits:

• Lower cost
• No power required
• Simple to use with proper training
• Minimal maintenance requirements

An example is the Invacare 9805P Hydraulic Patient Lift, a manual lift with a 450 lb weight capacity, smooth-rolling casters, and a wide base for extra stability. It's ideal for safe, everyday transfers in both home care and healthcare environments.

Electric Floor Lifts

Electric floor lifts, also known as powered patient lifts, use a motor and often include a remote control for added convenience. They are ideal for frequent use and significantly reduce physical strain.

Best for:

• Daily lifting or repositioning needs
• Heavier patients
• Single care providers needing minimal physical effort during use
• Professional healthcare settings

Benefits:

• Reduces caregiver fatigue
• Smooth and consistent lifting motion
• Suitable for both clinical and home use
• Higher weight capacities available for bariatric care

While powered lifts provide effortless operation, many electric patient lifts include a built-in manual lowering capability as a safety feature in case of power failure. This integrated backup system ensures the caregiver can still safely lower the patient even if the motorized function temporarily stops working, without requiring a separate manual lift.

Overall Floor Lift Applications

• Assisting patients who have fallen
• Lifting from the floor to a bed, chair, or wheelchair
• Settings where safety and fall recovery are a priority
• Useful in both home care and clinical settings where fall recovery is necessary

Once you understand the available options, the next step is determining which lift best fits your home care needs.

2. Sit-to-Stand Lifts (Standing Lifts)

Also called stand-assist or standing lifts, these are for individuals who can bear some weight but need help standing from a seated position. Commonly used in rehab settings and home care, sit-to-stand lifts promote independence while keeping transfers safe.

Best for:

• Users with partial weight-bearing ability 
• Transfers from sitting to standing position
• Short-distance moves (chair to bed or chair to toilet)

Benefits:

• Encourages mobility and participation
• Compact and easy to maneuver
• Supports patient safety without full-body lifting

One example is the Protekt® 500 Sit-to-Stand Power Lift, which features a 500-lb. weight capacity, multiple sling hooks, and fast-acting electronics to simplify lifting and repositioning. Its ergonomic design, including a foot pedal and rechargeable 24V battery, balances safety, comfort, and control for patients and carers.

Important Note: Sit-to-stand lifts are not suitable for individuals who have very limited or no weight-bearing ability. They require the patient to be able to support at least some weight on their legs. If the individual is unable to bear weight, a full-body lift or ceiling lift may be more appropriate for safe transfers.

3. Overhead or Ceiling Lifts

Installed via ceiling tracks, these lifts enable smooth movement across rooms or spaces without taking up floor space.

Best for:

• Long-term care
• Homes or facilities with multiple lifting points
• Patients who need full support during every move

Benefits:

• Reduces carers' strain
• No need to reposition the lift base
• Permanent or semi-permanent setup

4. Bariatric Lifts

These heavy-duty lifts are designed to accommodate individuals with higher weight needs while maintaining stability and safety when moving from one position or surface to another.

Best for:

• Bariatric patients
• Clinical or home settings with wide doorways and enough space

Benefits:

• Reinforced structure
• Higher weight capacity
• Improves safe transfers and patient comfort

An example of a reliable bariatric patient lift is the Invacare Reliant 600 Heavy-Duty Power Lift, designed to provide robust support and comfort. This lift has a weight capacity of up to 600 lbs, with a heavy-duty steel frame and 4.5" low-profile base that enhances transfer stability and fits around or under furniture. Its electric lift mechanism operates smoothly with a lifting range from 24" to 68", and the secure sling hook system helps keep the patient safely positioned during transfers. This lift is ideal for frequent use in bariatric care environments, featuring dual 24-volt removable batteries and manual emergency lowering capability, minimizing strain on caregivers while ensuring continuous operation.

While the Invacare Reliant 600 Heavy-Duty Power Lift is a great example, it's important to note that bariatric lifts can vary significantly regarding features and weight capacity.

5. Bath Lifts

Bath lifts are waterproof and corrosion-resistant, designed to safely lift patients in and out of bathtubs. They help maintain hygiene routines while prioritizing patient safety.

Best for:

• Independent bathing assistance
• Home or therapy bathtub settings
• Users who require assistance with bathing

Benefits:

• Promotes dignity and independence during bathing
• Reduces fall risk in slippery, wet environments
• Ensures safe, efficient transfers with minimal caregiver effort

6. Pool Lifts

Pool lifts are specifically built for lifting patients safely in and out of pools, often used in hydrotherapy settings. Like bath lifts, they are waterproof and corrosion-resistant, but their design accommodates the unique requirements of water environments.

Best for:

• Hydrotherapy sessions
• Independent support for pool access
• Home or therapy pool settings

Benefits:

• Promotes physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Reduces fall risk around pool areas
• Ensures patient safety during aquatic activities

7. Floor Lifts

Floor lifts are designed to help safely raise a patient from the ground to a seated or standing position. This is especially important after a fall or when someone cannot get up independently. Available in manual and electric models, these lifts play a critical role in both home care and healthcare environments.

Best for:

• Assisting patients who have fallen
• Lifting from the floor to a bed, chair, or wheelchair
• Settings where safety and fall recovery are a priority

Benefits:

• Provides a safe way to lift patients without risking caregiver injury
• Available in manual or electric models to suit different needs and budgets
• Useful in both home care and clinical settings where fall recovery is necessary

Once you understand the available options, the next step is determining which lift best fits your home care needs.

Patient Lifts for Home Use

Selecting the right patient lift is crucial when caring for someone at home. Factors such as comfort, space constraints, and ease of operation should all be considered to ensure safety and efficiency. Many caregivers opt for portable or foldable models as they are easier to store, maneuver, and adapt to smaller living spaces.

For patients with some weight-bearing ability, sit-to-stand lifts offer a safer and more supportive alternative to manual lifting, reducing strain on both the caregiver and the patient. However, these lifts are not suitable for individuals with very limited or no weight-bearing ability. For more frequent or complex transfers, an electric floor lift can dramatically reduce the physical effort required, though these models may take up more space and are less portable than other options.

If space is an issue, smaller, compact electric lifts can also balance functionality and convenience for home use, especially when mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers are regularly used.

How to Choose the Right Lift

Use the following criteria when evaluating which lift is best:

• Physical Ability Level: Assess the level of physical assistance needed to transfer patients. Can the individual bear any weight or stand with minimal help, or are they completely non-weight-bearing? A stand-assist lift may work well for someone with partial movement. In contrast, a full-body or ceiling lift is better suited for individuals who require total assistance. Understanding this will help you narrow down the appropriate lift for their needs.
• Caregiver Ability: Consider who will operate the lift and how much help is available. Is only one person typically present, or will two individuals handle the transfer? For those working alone, an electric lift can reduce strain and injury risk. It's also essential to factor in the physical strength and training of those assisting, especially when manual lifts are being considered.
• Home Layout: Evaluate the available space in your home for safe operation and storage. Some lifts require more room to maneuver, especially in tight hallways, bathrooms, or bedrooms. You'll need to check doorway widths, furniture placement, and whether you have enough storage space when the lift is not used. Compact or portable models are ideal for smaller homes or apartments.
• Usage Frequency: Consider how often the patient lift device will be used each day. If it will be used multiple times daily, investing in a durable, easy-to-use model is essential. Frequent use may also justify a powered lift for convenience and efficiency. On the other hand, occasional use might allow for a simpler, more budget-friendly option.
• Weight Requirements: Check the lift's weight capacity to ensure safety and comfort. Some lifts have weight limits that may not accommodate all users. If the person being cared for is bariatric, a heavy-duty or bariatric lift designed for higher weight capacities is necessary. Always choose a lift that comfortably supports the individual's weight without strain on the equipment.
• Cost: Balance the initial cost with long-term value and care needs. Lifts vary significantly in price depending on features, power options, and size. Consider your budget while still meeting safety and functionality requirements. Also, look into financing options, insurance coverage, or rental programs that might help offset costs.

Each of these factors contributes to selecting the safest, most efficient option for both patient and caregiver.

Does Insurance Cover Patient Lifts?

Yes, patient lifts may be covered by insurance if they're medically necessary and properly prescribed. Coverage depends on your insurance type:

• Medicare Part B: It covers manual or electric patient lifts with a doctor's prescription. It typically pays 80% of the approved amount.
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage varies by state but often includes lifts deemed medically necessary for home use. Depending on the specific state and the patient's medical needs, Medicaid may cover either manual or electric lifts.
• Private Insurance: Private insurance may also cover patient lifts, but policies often have specific requirements or restrictions regarding durable medical equipment (DME). For instance, insurers may require prior authorization or proof that the equipment is essential for the patient's care.
• VA Benefits: These can cover patient lifts for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
• Workers' Compensation: This may apply if the lift is needed due to a work-related injury.

To improve your chances of approval:

• Get a doctor's prescription.
• Submit medical necessity documentation.
• Confirm details with your insurance provider before purchase.

It's important to check with the individual insurer for any specific guidelines or processes, as well as to provide adequate documentation from a healthcare provider to ensure coverage.

Safe Transfers Start With the Right Lift at Aracent

Whether you're assisting someone with partial mobility or providing full-time care, using the right patient lift helps improve safety, comfort, and quality of life. From standing lifts like sit-to-stand models to ceiling systems and electric floor lifts, the right choice depends on the level of support needed and your caregiving environment.

While selecting a lift can feel overwhelming, focusing on the individual's mobility and your caregiving routine will help guide the decision. With the right equipment, you can support independence while maintaining safe and effective care at home.

You may check this page to see different sorts of patient lifts that meet your needs.