Hoist Selection

Before choosing a hoist you should complete a full risk assessment and consider various possible options to ensure you reach the correct solution.

There are numerous issues to take into account when assessing for a hoist:

The Tasks

• Activities - is the hoist needed for one particular task / transfer or several e.g. in and out of bed, on and off a chair?
Is it for one transfer in a specific area or is flexibility important so that transfers can take place anywhere in a room?

• Frequency - is the hoist for emergency use only, e.g. lifting from the floor after a fall, or is it for daily use?

The Home Environment

• Space - is there enough space to manoeuvre the hoist and user safely and easily?

• Furniture - will a mobile hoist base go around or under furniture?

• Floor surfaces - are these suitable to move a mobile hoist across?

If these factors cause repeated difficulties, consider an overhead hoist that runs on a straight or curved ceiling-fixed track.

The Hoist User

• Type of disability - what is the person's diagnosis and prognosis? Is their condition stable or likely to fluctuate or deteriorate?

• Size - check that the hoist and sling is suitable for the user's size and weight.

• Confidence - is the carer confident in the use of specialist equipment such as hoists?

• Physical strength - consider the size and strength of the carer. It requires quite a lot of effort to turn and move a mobile hoist

If the person needs to be carried over a distance, it is advisable to use an overhead track hoist or specifically designed wheeled equipment (e.g. wheelchairs or sanitary chairs).

General hoist assessment information kindly provided by Matthew Box of Inclusion.