Patient Lifts: Balancing Safety With Recovery
By Studer, Mike; Rehab Management, Volume 25, Number 2, pages 26-29Publication Date: March 2012
Article provides an overview of patient lifts. The most common conditions indicating patient lift use listed include quadriplegia, stroke and brain injury, amputation, and functional dependence due to morbid obesity. Lifts can also provide support during recovery of lower extremity fractures or pressure ulcers. Four main lift categories are discussed: mobile floor, ceiling, wall, and stand-assist. With the exception of stand-assist models, most lifts operate using a sling, which safely surrounds the patient while providing access for toileting and hygiene. (1) Mobile floor lifts can be quickly wheeled to fit most transfer situations, including car transfers and patient retrieval from the floor. However, mobile lifts can be difficult to maneuver over some surfaces and with bariatric patients, and require a greater workload on staff than powered options. (2) Ceiling lifts require no physical lift or manual crank for operation; however, they are limited by track application, restricting transfer to any part of a facility that does not have a track installed. (3) While wall lifts require less space and provide a reliable mechanical option for difficult transfers, they have limited range or access. (4) Stand-assist lifts can be more rehabilitative in nature and complement a patient’s return to upright mobility. They commonly require patients to sit up without assistance prior to coming fully upright, are not suspended in a fashion that helps with toileting, and can be challenging to move. The article includes a link to a 6 minute video demonstrating the use of a Hoyer mobile lift.
Assistive Products Discussed: HOYER LIFTER (MODEL C-HLA-112-C)
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=Y1o60d4AR31e&PBID=8b346d66-b56d-497e-be4d-211fc17cf3b4&skip=
Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jequ72bduY&feature=player_detailpage
