It may be impossible for someone with limited mobility to get in and out of bed independently, and caretakers may quickly feel exhausted without assistance.
The Hoyer lift can be used to save your back and reduce stress. Everyone engaged in a senior’s daily care can transfer a person much more safely and easily.
Carers must gain the necessary training because improper usage might harm the person or the caregiver. Patients can fall from lifts and cause injuries like head trauma or even death.
I think buying a Hoyer lift might at first appear challenging because it is a sizable, pricey piece of equipment you might not be familiar with.
With the help of this article, you can identify the Hoyer lift that will work best for you and be a huge help when giving care.
How We Tested The Lifts
At ElderlyGuides, we understand the critical importance of reliable and safe lifts for the elderly. Our testing process is thorough and rigorous, ensuring that every product we recommend meets the highest standards of quality and safety.
Expert Evaluation: Each lift was evaluated by our team of experts, including healthcare professionals with years of experience in elderly care. They assessed the lifts for ease of use, comfort, and safety features, ensuring they meet the specific needs of seniors.
Real-World Testing: We didn’t just rely on technical specifications. Our testing involved real-world scenarios in controlled environments to simulate typical home settings. This approach allowed us to observe the lifts in action, focusing on stability, maneuverability, and the comfort they provide during transfers.
Feedback from Seniors and Caregivers: Understanding the user experience is crucial. We gathered feedback from seniors and caregivers who used these lifts in their daily routines. This input helped us gauge the lifts’ practicality, ease of operation, and overall satisfaction among the end-users.
Safety First: Safety is our top priority. We conducted extensive checks to ensure each lift complies with safety standards. This included testing weight limits, stability during operation, and the reliability of safety features like emergency stop buttons and locking mechanisms.
Durability Testing: To ensure long-term reliability, we assessed the durability of each lift. This involved examining the build quality, materials used, and resistance to wear and tear over time.
Our comprehensive testing process is designed to give you peace of mind, knowing that the lifts we recommend are not only effective but also safe and reliable for the elderly.
The 5 Best Hoyer Lifts to Assist the Elderly
Many caregivers use patient lifts, also known as Hoyer lifts, to relieve stress and lessen the risk of injury. There are a variety of other lift designs available.
Although many different sorts and brands are available to caregivers, the idea of shelling out hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a lift might be unsettling.
I wrote this article to assist caregivers in understanding the Hoyer lift market. Below are details on some top Hoyer lifts and additional Hoyer lift solutions.
You can also learn what to think about when purchasing a lift and the benefits of purchasing geriatric lift assistance devices.
1.) Hoyer Advance-E Portable Electric Patient Lift with LCD Display Screen
The Advance makes the lift easy to manage, from the floor or into a medical bed.
The lift can approach even the largest barriers thanks to the Advance’s distinctive tapering leg design. It is especially helpful when dealing with wheelchairs, big chairs, and commodes.
The tapering shape makes the patient feel safe and secure during the transfer.
The special Smart Monitor control box may be programmed to precisely record and show lift utilization and maintenance data.
At the push of a button, helpful information is available on an LCD that is simple to read.
Features:
- This Hoyer lift may be folded for storage or transportation without equipment.
- A patient can easily move from the floor to a bed, a chair, a commode, a shower seat, or a lift chair. It may also spread from automobiles and other vehicles (may require a different body sling, not included)
- Swan legs with a distinctive design let you move the lift closer to the patient for more comfort.
- The built-in battery and charger for this electric lift are included. It features a 69-pound weight with a 340-pound weight capacity and a light aluminum body. Designed to work with various slings (full-body, U slings, and slings with extra padding.)
- Able to conduct transfer from one room or area to another, including automobiles (may require a different type of sling)
- It possesses an adjuster pedal to regulate the lift’s leg width, making it simple to navigate past furniture and wheelchairs.
- Due to its foldability, it is portable.
- The lift can more easily be brought close to the patient thanks to its “Swan-leg” design.
- Moving about on the carpet with someone dangling from the sling is challenging.
- After a set period, batteries may need to be replaced, which requires additional maintenance.
2. ProBasics Personal Hydraulic Patient Body Lift with Sling
The ProBasics Personal Hydraulic Patient Body Lift with Sling is safe, sturdy, and reasonably priced.
The ProBasics Hydraulic lift is adaptable enough for most patient transfers thanks to its sleek design.
The lift has a push handle, padded swivel bar, two rear locking casters, robust steel construction with a hammerstone finish, and more.
The ProBasics Hydraulic lift rotates without side-to-side sway, is lightweight, and is simple to install and disassemble.
Features:
- Construction from heavy-duty circular tube steel with a chip-resistant brown hammertone finish
- All sling configurations and styles are easily adaptable with a six-point swivel bar connection (can be used with a four or 6-point sling)
- A screw-in pin provides maximum stability and mast removal at the base of the mast.
- It weighs only 70 lbs. and a maximum of 400 lbs.
- Limited lifetime warranty on the frame; one year on all parts
- 450-pound weight limit
- For ease of movement, use the large front and rear casters.
- Flexible base
- Cushioned swivel bar
- Strong and enduring
- Costly locking casters
3. Medline Manual Hydraulic Patient Lift with 6-Point Cradle
The Medline Hydraulic Patient Lift changes the simplistic design of many common hydraulic lifts.
While the format’s straightforward layout and light weight have not changed, various adjustments have been made to improve patient stability and safety.
The Medline Hydraulic Personal Lifting Device uses a six-point cradle to keep the patient stable and comfortable while being lifted.
It should be noted that the maximum weight capacity of this lift is only 400 pounds, which poses a serious problem for those caring for bariatric patients.
Features:
- The lift comes with a full-body sling wrapped within, and the base opens with a simple hand lever.
- 6-Point cradle type, although also compatible with 4-Point cradles
- U-base that may be adjusted; base opens with a simple hand lever.
- Capacity for 400 pounds
- Boom lift range: 28″ to 73″; Base width: 23″–28.5″; Length of base: 42″
- The Medline Hydraulic Personal Lifting Device has a full-length patient sling as standard equipment.
- People are safely and easily raised using the hydraulic lever with little to no difficulty.
- The lift is quite sturdy and well-built.
- Due to its high quality at a fair price, the lift is especially cost-effective.
- For a few customers, the assembly instructions were confusing.
- The lift weighs more than other products on the market at about 100 pounds.
4. Bestcare Lightweight Mobile Manual Hydraulic Patient Lift
Bestcare’s response to the demand for home care is PL400H.
The PL400H has a 400 lb. maximum weight capacity and offers vital healthcare choices while being simple to manage and maintain.
The hydraulic pump makes patient transfers simple while offering a low-cost lifting option.
The PL400HE is an upgraded model that uses Bestcare’s electronics for battery-powered lifting.
The PL400H is a low-cost yet extremely effective option in a home care context, given the demand for Hoyer lifts in various settings.
Features:
- Locking brakes and four-inch rear casters
- 3-inch front casters
- Quick and easy disassembly for transportation
- Optional digital scale for weight
- Stainless steel tube construction with powder coating
- One-person easy operation
- Excellent components and construction
- Disassembles for transportation
- Accommodates furniture
- Descends nearly to the floor
- Pulsing slowly
- Difficult to control
5. Invacare Personal Hydraulic Patient Body Lift
The sleek design of the Invacare, available with full-body slings, helps caregivers avoid back injuries while making handling transfer situations safer and more inexpensive.
This practical lift kit contains the R111 Full Body Mesh Sling to help with floor lifts or transfer patients from a bed to a wheelchair, toilet, or shower chair.
Fast transport and set-up are made possible by the lightweight design and simple disassembly.
For the convenience of caregivers, the pump handle can pivot. Casters with little friction greatly enhance rollability and increase caregiver safety.
Features:
- All sling configurations and styles are easily adaptable with a six-point swivel bar connection.
- Lifting from a floor-lying position within the 20″ to 64″ height range.
- The pump handle has a side-to-side rotation for the use of the attendant.
- An offset mast and boom type provide a better lift route, leveraging the complete travel range.
- Weight Limit: 450 lbs.
- Swivel bar with six points
- Can lift persons who are lying on the ground.
- Easily assembled and disassembled and lightweight
- For the convenience of the caregiver, the pump handle can pivot.
- Accommodates a wide range of patient weights and lift height
- It lacks brakes on the casters, which could make it less stable
Factors to Consider When Buying a Lift for the Elderly
Modern patient lifts are a continuously changing industry, and new advancements make them safer and more pleasant than ever before.
Quality designs promote user-friendliness for the patient and the caregiver, with various key features to meet particular needs.
I believe there should be an important consideration of the patient’s needs in selecting the best lift.
You may choose the Hoyer lift that best suits your needs by being aware of the various types.
Powered or Manual?
One of the most crucial factors is whether you require an electrically powered or manually operated Hoyer lift. Patient lifts can be run by an electric motor or a hydraulic pump.
Manual Hoyer lifts
These are less expensive and often run on gas or hydraulic power. The Hoyer lift is a popular manual, hydraulic Hoyer lift used in hospitals and home health care.
Since manual Hoyer lifts don’t need an electric power source, they have the extra advantage of always being functional.
For most patients, these patient lifts are a wise choice because they offer the versatility to carry out a variety of transfers, even from the floor.
Electric patient lifts
They are often called powered patient lifts. A power lift is easier to use and run on electricity or rechargeable batteries.
Compared to manual lifts, a power lift often has a higher weight capacity and provides smoother movements for the patient.
Power lifts are more expensive than manual equivalents, but long-term caretakers who frequently provide daily tasks prefer them.
Electric models can frequently be operated by the person who has fallen and support full and simpler fall rehabilitation, increasing security and safety for people who live alone.
These lifts are always outfitted with a manual handle if the power goes out, ensuring that nobody ever gets caught in a lift due to a power loss.
TIP: The proper patient lift must also be chosen, as must the right sling. When employing a patient lift, a sling is essential. Slings with extra padding, full-body slings that support the head and upper body, and particular slings for toilet and bathing use are all available.
Standing or Sit-to-Stand Lifts
Standing patient lifts, also known as sit-to-stand lifts, allow patients to transition from a sitting position to a standing position and occasionally provide mobility support.
The sit-to-stand lift comes in normal and more compact forms, but they demand that the person be able to support some weight while standing.
Sit-to-stand lifts are frequently employed to assist someone to stand up from a seated position on a bed, stool, sofa, or wheelchair.
Overhead Ceiling Mount
Overhead Lift-Free Standing Rail System lifts move effortlessly along track systems to provide smooth, simple lifting and transfers.
They can be positioned everywhere in the house to safely transfer patients wherever needed with no floor space taken up.
One of the most adaptable Hoyer lift systems is the ceiling lift, which has a variety of design possibilities to fit into tight spaces or the layout of most homes.
Most patients and caregivers find them to be cozy and simple to use. It helps save floor space and storage space.
NOTE: Patient lifts are classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), which may be reimbursed by Medicaid or Medicare assistance with a prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I have listed some factual answers to often-asked questions about Hoyer lifts for older people and other relevant topics.
When Moving a Patient, What Should You Always Avoid Doing?
It’s important to be mindful to avoid prolonged bending, stooping, or twist.
Try to maintain a level position to prevent additional stress on your back if the person depends on you for assistance with eating, dressing, and bathing.
Can the Elderly Regain Leg Strength?
Older persons can most surely restore good leg strength if they perform regular strengthening exercises and gradually and safely increase the intensity of their workouts.
When Is the Best Time of the Day for Seniors to Exercise?
In the afternoon, the body reacts more quickly, and heart rate and blood pressure are at their peak. All of these increase performance while lowering injury risk.
Can a Single Person Use Patient Lifts?
Hoyer lifts can be operated by one person with the proper training and tools, even though most require two or more people for safe operation.
Inadequate transfer and repositioning methods can lead to fatal fall-related injuries, including head trauma, chronic pain, and even death.
Does Medicare Cover Stand Assist Lifts?
If your doctor prescribes the equipment and you rent or buys it from a vendor who accepts Medicare assignment, Medicare Part B covers it.
Medicare Part B will give partial coverage for manual full-body or stand-assist lifts as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Medicare benefits do not cover electric lifts.
Summary
I went over the top options from the list above. The best budget, value for money, and overall are listed below.
Best Budget – Invacare Personal Hydraulic Patient Body Lift
I believe it to be one of the most reasonably priced, but never at the expense of benefits or quality.
This sturdy steel patient lift has a 450-pound capacity, an appealing chrome plating, or a painted beige finish for added protection.
This lift is versatile enough to handle almost any patient transfer.
It is also simple to assemble and disassemble for quick transit, set-up, and storage, weighing only 68 pounds, making it the lightest on our list.
Best Value – Medline Manual Hydraulic Patient Lift with 6-Point Cradle
Medline is the best in terms of quality assurance and value for money.
Despite being a major company with operations in 17 countries, Medline has maintained its quality and customer service foundations.
It is one of the few organizations that take the time to clearly explain its community values, responsible business practices, and quality assurance techniques to customers.
Best Overall – Hoyer Advance-E Portable Electric Patient Lift with LCD Display Screen
Hoyer is the most trusted name in patient lifts, making it a safe bet. This electrically driven lift includes a built-in battery and is designed to work with various sling types.
Because of how frequently the lift is used during the day, some individuals believe it is far superior to the manual version of the identical lift.
Furthermore, the lift may be carried in a van without difficulty due to its portability.
Conclusion
Patient lifts are an excellent tool for helping caregivers with a significant portion of their caregiving.
Long-term back problems and other health difficulties have been linked to lifting seniors without lifts.
A home purchase can seem intimidating, especially with all the various lifts, full-body slings, and available parts.
To gain the equipment you require and get past your initial concerns, reading and research can be helpful.
Even though it is a sizable piece of equipment that costs a lot to buy and maintain, it is beneficial in the long run and can lower your chance of harming yourself or a loved one.
