Hoists are essential equipment used in care facilities to assist the elderly with mobility and transfers. They provide a safe and comfortable way to lift and move patients who have limited mobility, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
Being lifted by other people is not comfortable and can be quite intrusive. Residents can be placed in awkward positions; it can be highly embarrassing with a loss of dignity and self-esteem.
Using a mobile hoist is safer than relying on a caregiver to help make transitions. A hoist will enable residents to be moved into a lounge and dining room by lifting from their bed into a wheelchair or day chair, and this can be life-changing for more self-isolated people.
Here are some common uses of hoists in a care home:
- Transfers: Hoists are used to lift individuals out of beds, wheelchairs, or other seating surfaces and transfer them to other locations such as a chair, toilet, or bath. This helps prevent injuries to both the caregiver and the resident.
- Bathing and toileting: Hoists are often used to assist with bathing and toileting tasks. They can safely lower a person into a bath or onto a toilet, ensuring hygiene and comfort.
- Repositioning: For individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility, hoists can be used to reposition them in bed to prevent pressure sores and improve comfort.
- Standing and walking support: Some hoists are designed to provide support for individuals who are partially mobile, allowing them to stand up and take steps with the help of a harness or sling.
- Transfer to and from a wheelchair: Hoists can help individuals in wheelchairs transfer in and out of their chairs without putting excessive strain on caregivers.
- Fall prevention: By using hoists to assist with transfers and movement, the risk of falls and injuries is reduced, enhancing the safety of residents.
- Lifting individuals with bariatric needs: For individuals who are larger or heavier, specialised bariatric hoists are available to safely lift and transfer them.
It’s important to note that hoists come in various types, including ceiling-mounted hoists, mobile floor hoists, and sit-to-stand hoists, among others. The choice of hoist depends on the specific needs of the residents and the layout of the care home. Additionally, using hoists requires proper training to ensure the safety and well-being of both caregivers and residents.
What are the different types of hoist?
Before you can decide which is the best option, you need to understand the different types of hoists that are available:
- These are permanent fixtures, installed on an overhead track system.
- They help increase floor space and the track is installed to suit the size and shape of the room.
- Ceiling hoists can help reduce the amount of support required from carers.
- These are primarily used in short moving tasks and help with standing and lifting.
- They are lightweight and easily transportable.
These are used to transfer into baths.
- They are created to withstand bath environment and rusting.
- Various models are available to suit users’ needs and promote independence.
- These are used for swimming pools, hydrotherapy pools, hot tubs, and Jacuzzis.
- They can be used for hoisting above and below water.
- They can come as a permanent fixture or mobile and are designed to withstand water.
When choosing a hoist, consider the needs of the patient, the weight capacity, and the available space in the facility. With the right hoist, you can provide safe and comfortable transfers for your patients, improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of injuries.
Always check product information and perform a risk assessment before attempting to lift a patient on your own. The odds of falling are greatly minimised when staff are adequately and regularly trained in moving and handling. Targeted training for the use of hoists in care homes can drastically reduce incidents of injuries and make hoisting safe, beneficial, and integral to care in our nursing homes.
We can help you find your perfect hoisting solution. Give us a call today on 01634 813388 to talk to our product experts.
Further Reading
We understand that choosing your care equipment can be confusing, especially if you are responsible for purchasing for the first time. Here are a few more articles that can help you make your choice. Alternatively, you can contact us for more advice from a friendly member of staff.
