What Are Patient Lifts?

 

Some take independent mobility for granted. But for individuals with limited mobility due to illness, injury, or disability, simple acts like getting out of bed or moving from a wheelchair to another surface can be challenging. For cases like these, patient lifts can be greatly beneficial to users.

Patient lifts are medical devices that assist caregivers in transferring patients with limited mobility between various positions, such as from a bed to a wheelchair, bathroom or vehicle. They also prevent injuries to patients and caregivers by minimizing the effort needed for manual lifting.

Benefits of Using Patient Lifts

These assistive devices provide numerous benefits that improve the safety and efficiency of patient care. If you're new to using one, you should know about the several benefits it offers:

• Injury Prevention for Caregivers. Patient lifts greatly reduce the physical strain on caregivers by minimizing the need for manual lifting. This prevents work-related injuries such as back strains, which are common in healthcare settings.

• Safety and Comfort for Patients. A patient lift ensures smoother and more controlled transfers, improving patient comfort and reducing the risk of injury or accidents during movement.

• Increased Mobility and Accessibility. Patient lifts help individuals with limited mobility to access different areas within their home or facility, promoting greater independence and participation in daily activities.

• Efficiency and Time-Saving. Using a patient lift streamlines the transfer process. This allows caregivers to perform safe transfers more quickly and with less assistance.

• Support for Rehabilitation. Certain lifts, such as sit-to-stand models, assist in rehabilitative processes by helping patients shift from sitting to standing positions more easily.

• Adaptability to Various Needs. With a wide range of types available, patient lifts can be tailored to fit a certain patient's needs, such as bariatric lifts for heavier individuals or pool lifts for aquatic therapy.

• Reduced Risk of Pressure Sores. Frequent and safe repositioning of bedridden patients can prevent the development of pressure sores, which usually happens when patients stay immobile on one side for hours.

Different Types of Patient Lifts

If you plan on purchasing patient lifts for home use, there are several types to choose from. Each one has certain beneficial features for a specific individual's case. So, it's important to learn about the various patient lifts available in the market. These include:

Manual Hydraulic Lifts

Also known as manual patient lifts, these are operated by pumping a lever to raise the patient, relying on hydraulic power to provide the lifting force. They are typically more affordable and do not require a power source, making them suitable for settings where electricity may not be readily available.

The caregiver manually operates the pump to raise and lower the patient, transferring patients effectively and safely. These lifts are often equipped with wheels, allowing them to be moved within a room or facility.

Electric Patient Lifts

Electric or powered lifts use a motorized system to lift and lower patients, reducing the physical strain on caregivers. They are powered by rechargeable batteries or plugged directly into an electrical outlet. The electric operation allows for smoother, more controlled transfers, as the caregiver can control the lifting and lowering speed with a remote control or panel.

This type of lift is suitable in environments where frequent transfers are necessary, as it minimizes caregiver effort and maximizes patient comfort.

Sit-to-Stand Patient Lifts

A sit-to-stand lift is designed for patients with some weight-bearing capacity and can support themselves to some degree during transfers. These lifts help patients stand from a seated position and are excellent for moving individuals from a bed to a chair, toilet, or other seated surfaces.

The patient places their feet on the lift's platform and pulls themselves up using attached handholds while the lift provides lower body support. This type of lift promotes patient mobility and can aid in rehabilitative efforts.

Ceiling Lifts

Ceiling or overhead lifts consist of a lift motor and track system mounted overhead. They enable safe patient transfers without needing floor-based equipment. They can be permanently installed or used as a portable track system. Ceiling lifts are particularly useful in environments with space constraints, as they save floor space and reduce clutter.

These types of lifts offer a smooth and efficient method for transferring patients between rooms, such as from a bed to a shower. These systems require an initial investment for installation but offer enhanced maneuverability and can be customized to move in multiple directions across different areas.

Bariatric Lifts

Bariatric lifts are intended to accommodate heavier patients, typically supporting weights beyond standard lifts. They feature reinforced materials and components to handle increased weight capacities with ease. These lifts can also be manual or electric-operated and are equipped with larger body slings to provide comfort and security for bariatric patients.

Portable Patient Lifts

These lifts are specifically engineered to be lightweight, mobile, and easy to maneuver, allowing for safe and efficient patient handling. Portable patient lifts typically consist of a base with wheels, a mast, and a lifting mechanism (often powered by hydraulic or electric). They are also specially designed to transfer patients in and out of a vehicle, which other lifts cannot do.

Standing Transfer Aids

Standing transfer aids assist individuals with partial weight-bearing capabilities in moving from one seated position to another. These are similar to sit-to-stand lifts, except they often do not use a patient sling. Without this, patients must have ample lower body strength to use during the transfer.

Pool Lifts

Pool lifts are designed to transfer patients into and out of swimming pools. They help individuals with mobility challenges safely access aquatic environments for therapy or leisure. These have electric or manual lift variants, often featuring water-resistant materials and controls. They are generally installed at the edge of the pool and can be anchored for extra stability.

How to Choose the Best Patient Lifts for Home Use

Choosing the right patient lift for home use also means considering various factors to satisfy the needs of the patient and the home environment. Below are several tips for buying a patient lift for residential settings:

• Assess Patient Needs. Evaluate the patient's mobility level, physical condition and specific needs. Doing so helps you choose a lift that will accommodate their needs safely and effectively.

• Consider Home Space and Layout. Examine the available space in the home, including doorways and hallways, to determine the lift's appropriate size and maneuverability. Portable or compact models may be better suited for tight spaces.

• Determine Lift Type. Decide on the type of lift that suits the patient's needs, such as a manual, electric, or sit-to-stand lift. Each type has unique benefits that cater to different levels of mobility and assistance.

• Evaluate Safety Features. Look for lifts with essential safety features, including emergency stop buttons, secure locking mechanisms, and stable bases. It provides safety for both the patient and caregiver during transfers.

• Determine Weight Capacity. Choose a lift that can safely support the patient's weight, including any additional equipment like body slings to prevent accidents and equipment failure.

• Consider Future Needs. Anticipate possible changes in the patient's condition or mobility to select a lift that can adapt to evolving needs, such as those with adjustable height or different padded sling options.

• Ease of Use. Select a lift with an ergonomic design and simple operation to minimize the learning curve for caregivers and guarantee smooth, error-free handling.

• Review Maintenance Requirements. Consider the lift's maintenance needs, including cleaning and battery care, to verify it fits the practical capabilities of the home setting.

• Budget Considerations. Balance the features and quality of the lift within the budget constraints. Look for models that provide the best value for their cost without compromising on safety or functionality.

• Consider Additional Features. Find lifts that offer useful accessories, such as built-in digital scales for simultaneous weighing during transfers or adjustable height settings for enhanced flexibility. These additional features can give extra functionality and convenience in patient care.

How Do You Use a Patient Lift?

Using a patient lift requires utmost care and attentiveness to guarantee the safety and comfort of the individuals involved. Below are the most basic steps in using a patient lift:

1. Creating a Safer Environment

Before using the patient lift, clear the surrounding area of obstacles that may impede the lift's movement. Make sure there is also sufficient space to navigate the lift safely and smoothly. Check the lift's wheels so that they are working properly and can be locked once the lift is in position. Verify that the entire lift is in good working order by inspecting all parts for wear and tear, especially the patient's sling.

2. Positioning the Patient

Gently talk to the patient and explain the procedure to make sure they feel comfortable and secure. Position the patient to assist them safely in the transfer. If the patient is in bed, you may need to adjust their position so the sling can be properly placed. It's important to keep the patient cooperative and aware of the transfer process to prevent sudden movements that may lead to injuries.

3. Applying the Sling

Choose the appropriate sling size and type according to the patient's needs and the type of transfer being performed. Carefully roll the patient to one side and place the sling under them, then roll them back and pull the sling through on the other side, ensuring it is flat and secure. Ensure the sling adequately supports the patient's head, neck, and back without any folds or creases that could cause discomfort.

4. Attaching the Sling to the Lift

Once the sling is properly positioned under the patient, attach the sling straps to the hooks or clips on the lift. Secure each attachment point and double-check the connections. Depending on the lift, strap length may be adjusted. The straps should be configured so the patient will be seated upright once lifted, distributing weight evenly.

5. Lifting the Patient

With the sling securely attached to the lift, slowly raise the patient using the lift controls. Maintain eye contact and communicate with the patient throughout the process to reassure them. Guarantee that the patient stays secured and comfortable as they are gently lifted off the surface. Pause periodically during the lift to check the straps, latches, hanger bars, and the patient's position to correct any slippage or discomfort.

6. Transferring the Patient

Once the patient is safely lifted, maneuver the lift to the desired location. Move slowly and carefully to prevent sudden movements or tipping. Position the patient directly over the new surface and gently lower them using the lift's controls. Make sure the receiving surface is stable and that the brakes are engaged.

7. Securing the Patient in the New Location

With the patient lowered onto the surface, detach the lift sling once the patient is securely seated or lying down. See if the patient is comfortable and properly positioned, then remove the lift sling from underneath them. Finally, return the lift to a safe, non-obtrusive position and verify that all equipment components are clean and ready for the next use.

How to Clean and Maintain Patient Lifts

Proper cleaning and maintenance of patient lifts are necessary to maintain their safety, longevity, and functionality. This will also help you avoid costly repairs or replacements. Here are several methods to clean and maintain patient lifts:

• Regular Cleaning. You must clean your patient lifts routinely to prevent dirt and pathogen buildup. Use a mild detergent and warm water to wipe down the lift, paying close attention to frequently touched areas, such as the handles and control surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals that may corrode the lift's components.

• Disinfecting the Sling. Patient lift slings come into skin contact and should be washed according to the manufacturer's instructions, often in a washing machine with a suitable disinfectant detergent. Fully dry the sling before reuse to maintain its maximum strength and integrity.

• Inspecting Mechanical Parts. Regularly inspect mechanical components such as bolts, screws, and nuts for signs of wear or loosening. Tighten loose components and replace parts showing signs of corrosion or significant wear to prevent mechanical failure.

• Lubricating Moving Parts. Apply lubricant to moving parts such as wheels, hinges, and joints for smooth operation. Consistent lubrication reduces friction, which causes wear over time and prevents rust.

• Battery Maintenance (Electric Lifts). For electric lifts, check the battery pack regularly by following the patient lift manufacturer's guidelines. Keep the battery fully charged and see if it holds a charge well. Replace the battery when it shows signs of diminished capacity or damage.

• Checking Safety Features. Test the lift's safety features, such as emergency stop buttons, brakes, and locking mechanisms, to ensure they function correctly. Quickly address any malfunctions to maintain safety standards.

• Routine Professional Servicing. Schedule regular maintenance checks to have a qualified technician conduct a comprehensive inspection and service. Professional servicing can help find possible issues that may not be visible during routine inspections.

• Proper Storage. Store the lift in a clean, dry environment when not in use to prevent moisture-induced damage and inspect that the components are in good condition. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures that may affect the lift's materials.

Acquire Quality Patient Lifts From Aracent Healthcare Today!

Provide safe and comfortable transfers for your loved ones by acquiring Aracent Healthcare's high-quality patient lifts. We offer a wide variety of patient lifts to meet the mobility needs of our clients. Each product uses sturdy materials to prevent it from getting damaged easily.

Contact us for more details about our patient lifts. You can trust our product experts to give the vital answers you require.