Hoists

It is strongly advised that you contact your local social services and seek advice from a professional such as an Occupational Therapist, as they should be able to undertake a full assessment, provide the appropriate equipment, and maintain it, as well as provide the carer with all the training required.

One common complaint raised against hoists is that they take too long to use. Carers often say they prefer to lift the person themselves. This can often be because the person using the hoist is unfamiliar with the equipment or because it is unsuitable for the task. This can normally be easily addressed by the provision of the right equipment and thorough training and support in its use. Ultimately, the aim of using any manual handling equipment should be to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level possible.

Ceiling Track Hoists

Traditional ceiling hoists run along permanently fixed tracks, so they offer less flexibility in use than a mobile system. On the other hand, they do not occupy floor space as a mobile hoist does, and they may be operated by the user independently – which is not possible with any floor-standing system.

They are generally less arduous for a carer to operate than a mobile hoist and are more suitable for longer distance transfers.

In selecting a system, thought also needs to be given to structural considerations: ceiling joists may need to be reinforced, and doorways altered to accommodate the track.

Many ceiling track systems are powered by mains electricity for the transfer, with either a manual or powered raising and lowering mechanism. There will either be a battery back-up for emergencies or a manual wind-down facility to enable the client to be lowered to a flat surface. Alternatively, the system may be powered by rechargeable batteries, which is useful in that it is independent of the power supply and also removes the need for a cable running along the track to provide power to the hoist from the mains. The disadvantage is that the batteries need to be kept well charged by returning them to their charging point at the end of the track – and it is quite easy to forget to do this.

Mobile Hoists

Being self-contained units, mobile hoists don’t require any track installation, so offer more flexibility of use. They do, however, demand more of the carer and are not designed for moving people long distances: a wheelchair or shower chair is better for this, or a ceiling track hoist (above).

In selecting a mobile hoist, thought needs to be given to the environment where it will be used: whether there is enough room to manoeuvre it into the right position; if the legs of the hoist will fit under or around any furniture, such as a bed, bath, or chair; and whether the floor surface is smooth enough to allow it to operate easily. Thick carpet or threshold strips are difficult to move over.

It is also important to check that they have sufficient operating range to lift the person clear of any surface, and perhaps also to pick them up from floor level in an emergency.

They also need to be stored when not in use, preferably in an area where they are out of the way, and with a charging point for their battery.

There are smaller mobile hoists with narrower bases which are easier to move in more confined areas. These have a maximum load of perhaps 20 stone (100 kg) or a bit more and are useful in the domestic environment.