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Hoisting
Suppliers of hoists and slings:
Ascendit Lifts
Assisticare
Horcher Lifting Systems
Huntleigh Healthcare
Inclusion - OT consultancy
Joerns Healthcare (Oxford
Hoists)
Lisclare
OpeMed
Nordic Care Services
Sidhil
Westholme
Choosing a hoisting system is always a matter of making a careful, professional assessment of the needs of the client(s) and carers, whether professional or family members, and ensuring that whichever equipment is selected will reduce the risk of hurt to either party to an absolute minimum.
This section provides a broad overview of the different types available.
Click the links to go straight to each topic:
Ceiling hoists
New developments
Portable ceiling hoists
Mobile hoists
Slings
Ceiling
track hoists
Traditional ceiling hoists (left) run along permanently fixed tracks, so they offer less flexibility in use than a mobile system. On the other hand, they do not occupy floor space as a mobile hoist does, and they may be operated by the user independently - which is not possible with any floor standing system.
They are generally less arduous for a carer to operate than a mobile hoist, and are the more suitable for longer distance transfers.
In selecting a system, thought also needs to be given to structural considerations: ceiling joists may need to be reinforced, and doorways altered, to accommodate the track.
Ceiling track systems may either have a permanently fixed hoist or a portable one, that can be detached and carried by the operator to be used on another track elsewhere in the building: particularly useful in nursing home environments. The hoist unit may be quite heavy to move around though - portability is a relative concept!
Many ceiling track systems are powered by mains electricity for the transfer, with either a manual or powered raising and lowering mechanism.There will either be a battery back-up for emergencies, or a manual wind-down facility, to enable the client to be lowered to a flat surface. Alternatively, the system may be powered by rechargeable batteries - which is useful in that it is independent of the power supply, and also removes the need for a cable running along the track to provide power to the hoist from the mains. The disadvantage is that the batteries need to be kept well charged up, by returning them to their charging point at the end of the track - and it is quite easy to forget to do this.
Some new developments
This
hoist (right) has been developed with an innovative design that revolutionizes
the fundamental look and ergonomics of portable ceiling track hoists.
Improved features and benefits of the Transportable II include a max SWL
of 215Kg (33.5 stones);its light weight (weighing approximately 12 pounds
without batteries); a built-in carry handle; on board up/down controls
and emergency lowering button; removable batteries that can be exchanged,
eliminating the need to take the hoist out of use to recharge the batteries;
an elegant wall-mounted or table-top cradle for safe storage of the hoist
when not in use; an integrated Transpoint option, which enables transfers
through doorways from one room to another without the need to detach the
sling.
Portable overhead hoists
Recently,
a more portable alternative to a ceiling track hoist has become available,
in the form of a portable hoist and gantry arrangement, such as the one
shown on the left.
This is particularly suitable for situations where a hoist is required in a particular place for a short amount of time: when a disabled person is travelling, for example, or perhaps for use by health professionals working in the community.
The whole system folds into its own wheeled carrying case, which can be stowed in the boot of a car.
Mobile hoists
Being
self-contained units, mobile hoists don't require any track installation,
so offer more flexibility of use. They do, however, demand more of the
carer, and are really not designed for moving people long distances: a
wheelchair or showerchair is better for this, or a ceiling track hoist
(above).
In selecting a mobile hoist, thought needs to be given to the environment where it will be used: whether there is enough room to manoeuvre it into the right position; if the legs of the hoist will fit under or around any furniture, such as bed, bath or chair; whether the floor surface is smooth enough to allow it to operate easily: thick carpet or threshold strips are difficult to move over.
It is also important to check that they have sufficient operating range to lift the person clear of any surface, and perhaps also to pick them up from floor level in an emergency.
They also need to be stored when not in use, preferably in an area where they are out of the way, and with a charging point for their battery.
There are smaller mobile hoists with narrower bases which are easier to move in more confined areas. These have a maximum load of perhaps 20 stone (100 kg) or a bit more, and are useful in the domestic environment. Larger hoists which are capable of liting up to 40 stone (250 kg) give more flexible hoisting in hospital and nursing home situations with a range of patients and more space to work with.
Slings
Selecting
the right sling is as important as choosing the right hoist, and equally
requires careful, professional assessment to ensure that the person is
properly supported and comfortable, and that the sling is suitable for
the task being undertaken.
Most hoist suppliers will provide a standard range of slings in different sizes, generally including hammock-style, divided leg, toileting/access, dressing, and amputee slings. It is also possible to have special designs made to order to suit an individual's needs.
There are specialist sling manufacturers who can provide slings for use with different manufacturers' hoists: it is important to check compatibility, as well as all the factors. Slings that can be easily laundered, and ones with a protective ant-bacterial coating are useful in multi-user facilities.
Many suppliers colour-code their slings to make selection of the right type/size easier. Unfortunately, there is no generally accepted system to this, so it may be more confusing than helpful!
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