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Hoyer Lift For Elderly And People With Dementia (Complete Guide!)

hoyer lift

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Providing in-home care for an aging loved one can be difficult, particularly if the person  begins to have trouble moving around and requires more assistance getting around the house.

There are a variety of factors that play a role in one’s independence with performing everyday mobility tasks and bed mobility tasks. Physical factors (strength, range of motion, pain, etc) and cognitive factors (safety, ability to follow directions, initiate, problem solve, etc) all play a role in independence with mobility. In addition, it may be impossible for people who already struggle with mobility to get on and off the bed without support. When a healthcare professional or caregiver is no longer able to safely transfer an individual safely on their own, it would be beneficial to notify the doctor and have an occupational or physical therapist come assess the situation. They may recommend something called a hoyer lift.

The primary purpose of the Hoyer lift is to move patients from one location to another, such as from their beds to the bathroom or to chairs. Hoyer lifts are also beneficial for the healthcare professionals or caregivers because this can help prevent back injuries. Because of these gadgets’ availability, many individuals can now continue living in their own homes if they have the assistance of someone trained in using these devices. In other cases, they might have to relocate to an assisted-living facility if the caregiver or family is no longer able to provide this type of support.

Those with mobility challenges who cannot go from one part of a home to another without help can benefit greatly from the lifts, which can make their life substantially easier.

There are various Hoyer lifts available, and the price range for each model varies significantly. It is essential that the caregivers who operate these lifts obtain suitable training, as the improper use of lifts can result in injuries to either the patient or the caregiver.

Mechanical lifts have the potential to confer a greater degree of independence when used appropriately. In the following paragraphs, I will go into depth regarding Hoyer lifts, including the several varieties available. I have also provided a list of six lifts that could be useful for seniors or those living with dementia.

Hoyer Lift

Individuals who are unable to safely get from one place to another with just the assistance of 1 person, may benefit from a Hoyer lift to carry them from one location to another securely and safely with the assistance of their caretakers.

It’s also known as a patient lift or a portable entire body lift, but the name Hoyer lift comes from the firm that invented it. Depending on the user’s requirements and the space’s configuration, these devices can either be free-standing, mounted on wheels, or attached to the ceiling or a wall.

People who are confined to their beds may require the use of lifts. This could be the result of a chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, or it could even be an advanced stage of dementia. Lifts like these are helpful for people who are unable to support their own weight for any significant amount of time.

Different Types of Hoyer Lifts

Different Types of Hoyer Lifts

There are a wide variety of options available for portable total body lifts, some of which are designed to be moved easily from one room to another, whereas others are designed to be fixed to the ceiling. It is possible to combine these functionalities with certain lift systems that may be installed throughout the house.

This allows a person to go from one room to the next easily and without the need to use a wheelchair. There are multiple distinct variations of the device, including the following:

1. Power Hoyer Lifts

This type of lift utilizes an electric motor in place of the human muscle power that is customarily required to transport a person from one location to another. In response to the activation of a hydraulic pump, the sling-bearing arm will be moved upward and into the required position.

These lifts tend to be the most expensive, but they are also the safest option for carers concerned about protecting their backs when transferring their loved ones. In addition, because these lifts are always equipped with a manual handle, even when the power goes out, no one will ever be trapped inside a lift.

2. Manual Hoyer Lifts

Hydraulic lifts are a type of lift that helps you move a person by utilizing a hydraulic pump system. The power lift and the manual lift both have a similar structure, with the manual lift having a hydraulic level that, when pulled, lifts the sling.

These are wonderful solutions for the in-home caregiver who is concerned about cost, as this will be less costly than a power lift. Manual lifts, unless otherwise noted, do not come with slings; hence, you will typically need to purchase a sling in addition to the lift.

3. Sit-to-Stand Hoyer Lifts

A person must be able to bear some weight to utilize a sit-to-stand style lift. The sit to stand lifts are designed to help those that have some mobility, but may just need some extra support to get themselves to a standing position due to decreased muscle strength. Most lifts can support a person up to 300 pounds.

These lifts offer a variety of features, from constricted edges to open bottoms, depending on your demands. So if you’re looking to save money on a hospital-grade sit-to-stand lift but don’t want to compromise on quality or safety, you can now buy a lower-cost model.

4. Ceiling Hoyer Lifts

Using a ceiling lift instead of a wheelchair is an excellent long-term solution when you want to move from room to room without having to get in and out of a chair many times. Rails can be used to attach these systems to the ceiling, or they can be installed as a stand-alone device.

It is possible to find ceiling lifts for bathrooms and bedrooms as well as ones that can be used to get around the house. If you don’t already have a track system in your home, check to see if the ceiling lift motor you’re considering comes with a body sling that can be installed.

The Best Hoyer Lifts

1. Invacare Reliant Battery-Powered Patient Lift

Invacare Reliant Battery-Powered Patient Lift
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A motorized patient lift like the Invacare Reliant can save caregivers both time and energy when they need to relocate a loved one from one location to another. As one of the most powerful lifts available, this lift can move persons up to 450 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments.

As a result, this lift has cushioned arms, pinch-protection on moving components, manual lowering in the event of a loss of power and an anti-entrapment function if the boom ever strikes an object that would cause it to get trapped.

Features

  • Capacity: 450 lbs.
  • All moving parts are protected from pinching, and padding is provided throughout the lift.
  • Legs can be locked into place using a padded handle for safety.
  • The Swivels 360 degrees is good for the widest possible range of motion when lifting.
  • Plenty of safeguards against power failure, snags, and trapping are included.
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2. Hi-Fortunes Electric Hydraulic Lift

Hi-Fortunes Electric Hydraulic Lift
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The Hi-Fortunes Electric Hydraulic Lift is an excellent option for those who would value the swan-shaped neck, making it simple to maneuver around large pieces of furniture. This lift is equipped with a foot brake and a rearfoot pedal that allows for adjustments, and it is controlled with a basic hand-held remote control.

These features were included so that caretakers could perform their everyday responsibilities without using their hands. Moreover, this system includes a full-body swing.

Features

  • Capacity: 400 lbs
  • With a lift height of 33″ to 68″, foot brakes and a leg-adjustment pedal
  • Provides hands-free operation.
  • It’s simple to put together and disassemble for storage.
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3. Pro Heal Universal Full Body Mesh Lift Sling

Pro Heal Universal Full Body Mesh Lift Sling
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Because the ProHeal Universal Full Body Mesh Lift Sling comes in sizes medium, large, extra-large, and XX-large, you can pick the size most appropriate for your patient among these options.

This body sling can be reused and is simple to clean. It can be washed in a machine and dried at low temperatures using the air-drying method. In addition, each size has the ability to support a weight capacity of up to 600 pounds, making them ideal for bariatric as well as everyday use.

Features

  • Capacity: 600 lbs
  • Various sizes
  • Universal compatibility
  • It can be used in wet or dry environments
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4. Hoyer Journey Sit-To-Stand Lift

Hoyer Journey Sit-To-Stand Lift
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The Hoyer Journey sit-to-stand lift can be used by practically any patient, regardless of height or weight. The cow-horn mechanism is the first of its kind on the market for a sit-to-stand lift. The cow-horn mechanism allows this lift to be adapted to many patients.

The design of the Hoyer Journey lift is centered on usability and practicality. It’s easy to fit under furniture with a 4.3″ clearance. In addition, this lift’s lifting capacity ranges from 28.4 to 60.2 inches, making it a useful and adaptable buy. In order to recharge the battery, the lift uses a 24V DC rechargeable cell.

Features

  • The bump guard protects paint and baseplates
  • Adjustable kneepad
  • Folding design allows Journey to stand alone
  • An Offboard Charger, Two Batteries
  • Base opening
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People who fall in their own homes usually need to ask for help from relatives or emergency services. However, making such calls can be embarrassing, and the wait for assistance might be long. As a result, the two gadgets listed below are ideal for those who have had a fall:

1. IndeeLift Human Floor Lift Standing Aid

IndeeLift Human Floor Lift Standing Aid
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The Human Floor Lift allows individuals who have experienced a fall to get back up on their own. If the person has cognitive deficit’s, a caregiver can assist with managing this device. Lifting a person back to their feet after a fall minimizes the impact of the fall and ensures that the individual isn’t stuck on the floor until aid comes.

A human Floor Lift can be installed in the center of the house. After a fall, a person living alone can go to the lift and be raised back to their feet without the assistance of anybody else. The lift weighs only 50 pounds, making it easy to move around.

Because of the rounded seat and connected control, getting in and out of the lift is a breeze. People up to 300 or 400 pounds can use this lift and be lifted to a height of 21 inches above the floor, where they can comfortably transition into a wheelchair.

Features
  • Seats with a beveled front for simple slide-on access.
  • Lightweight – 50 lbs.
  • Space-saving design for compact areas
  • Autonomous or assisted operation
  • Powder-coated for easy maintenance
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2. MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift

MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift
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The chair has a total weight of 29 lbs. Steel rods used to support the chair lift’s 300lb weight capability are lightweight and durable. It is safer and more secure to use the bathroom lift since it has a more sturdy support frame made of high-strength steel rods, as well as seat cushions that are easier to clean. It needs no power supply. Rechargeable batteries are used to power the chair lift. A total of six suction cups let the electric chair lift remain stable even when used in the bathtub.

Features
  • No Power required
  • Lightweight
  • Cushioned seats
  • Waterproof
  • Non-Slip Suction Cups
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Summary

Caregivers are in danger of serious injury, whether they are professionals like home health aides and nurses or loved ones like spouses and children. Injuries to the neck and back that result from lifting patients without a Hoyer lift are the most common reasons for workers in healthcare to be absent from their jobs for long periods.

Overexertion injuries are twice as common among healthcare workers as they are among workers in other industries. Using the proper lifting equipment is critical to avoiding injury.

Hoyer lifts should only be purchased after consulting with the patient and their doctor and see if they can write an order for physical therapy. Take the time to explain your physical limitations and why you need a lift for caregiving to your family members.

If the doctor believes that a Hoyer lift is needed, they may recommend a physical or occupational therapist to further assess.

When expressing your own needs and worries to the patient, keep the patient’s viewpoint in mind. For example, being lifted by a machine may appear dangerous to the patient, but it is really safer than lifting them by hand. It’s crucial to make sure the person knows they are safe, and also to explain every step of the process before performing each component of the task and also as each part of the task is being performed.

References

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