Patient lifts are used by medical professionals in both hospitals and at the home to move someone from one place to another. These lifts are most often used to move someone from their bed to a wheelchair, or the wheelchair into the bath, and can both be electrically powered or manual. There are many lifts on the market today; let’s find the one that’s best for you!
Power Lifts
As the name entails, power lifts use electricity to help move patients from their beds. These lifts can either be plugged into the wall or charged nightly. They work best for heavier patients, or people who just need extra assistance. Power lifts work in the same manner as manual lifts, and need a sling to carry the patient. You can find power lifts at hospitals or assistive care facilities.
Manual Lifts
Unlike power lifts, manual lifts do not need electricity to run, but they do function the same. Manual lifts work best for lighter patients, and are often aided by hydraulic devices to raise and lower the patient. These kinds of lifts can often be found at the home or in assisted living facilities.
Both power and manual lifts require a caregiver’s assistance to operate and require a sling to hold the patient. Slings are often sold separately, so looking into your preferred lift’s packaging and user manual can help determine what kind of sling you may need if you need to buy one at all.
Bath Lifts
Bath lifts are often installed in the bathtub or shower at home (or any living facility) to help move patients into and out of the bath. These lifts are waterproof and do come in powered variations alongside manual ones. Since these lifts are for the bath, most can be operated by just the user, and do not require a sling. Bath lifts tend to be used if the patient requires a lift to get out of bed. These lifts can also be installed alongside custom bathtubs to help users stay clean without risk of harm.
Trapeze Lifts
The final lift we’ll cover today is the trapeze lift. These lifts are quite simple since they don’t require electricity or slings to operate and only have a trapeze bar. With these lifts, patients physically lift themselves out of bed using their own upper body strength. These lifts work well for people who are strong enough to lift themselves, and they can provide a sense of independence to users who need them. These lifts are the least expensive due to their sturdy but simple design.
If you would like to learn more about patient lifts and think it would benefit you or a loved one, please talk to your doctor. Patient lifts are covered under certain insurance plans as well, so be sure to speak with your provider to help find the best one for you. To browse lift products, visit Medical Supply Depot.
