Do-It-Yourself Tips From Steve Pesto
By Wechsler, Kathy; Quest, Vol. 11, No. 3Publication Date: May/June 2004
Article describes an in-home lift system designed by Steve Pesto, who has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. When researching Hoyer lifts, Pesto found that they were too expensive, bulky, hard to roll on carpet, and difficult to use. With his engineering expertise, Pesto set out to design a lift system that could be made from readily available materials. His father first built a wooden track and mounted it to the ceiling. He used in-line skate wheels to roll and lift along the track, and powered the carriage with a hoist motor. The harness, which is composed of a seat from a swing, is attached to the hoist. Pesto reports that the lift is extremely safe and easy to use. He can transfer from his wheelchair to bed with only some light assistance.
Published by: Muscular Dystrophy Association (Website:http://www.mdausa.org)
Link to text: http://www.mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q113diy.cfm
