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Hoists for Transferring People
Hoists provide a way to transfer somebody with limited mobility without putting unnecessary strain on the carer or the person being moved. This is a broad overview of the different types of hoist available.
Click the links to go straight to each topic:
Ceiling hoists
Portable overhead (gantry) hoists
Mobile hoists
It is always advisable to seek independent advice before buying any hoists or manual handling equipment to ensure you make an informed and sensible choice. It is strongly advised that you contact your local social services and seek advice from a professional such as an Occupational Therapist, as they should be able to undertake a full assessment, and provide and maintain the appropriate equipment, as well as providing the carer with all the training required.
One common complaint raised against hoists is that they take too long to use. Carers often say they instead prefer just to lift the person themselves. This can often be because the person using the hoist is unfamiliar with the equipment or because it is unsuitable for the task. This can normally be easily addressed by the provision of the right equipment and thorough training and support in its use. Ultimately the aim of using any manual handling equipment should be to reduce the risk of an injury to the lowest level possible. We have a helpful series of questions to ask before choosing handling equipment here
Ceiling track hoists
Traditional ceiling hoists 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.
Both the ceiling hoists shown here have been designed to be easily attached and detached from the track, so that they can be moved from room to room as required.
Portable overhead hoists (Gantry hoists)
A more portable alternative to a ceiling track hoist is also 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 lifting 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.
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Further reading and resources
Multicare Medical has completed a complex ceiling hoist installation at Castle School, Cambridge
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64 Replies to “Hoists for Transferring People”
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I currently work in community care for the elderly .We have a customer who has a ceiling track hoist he requests that the carers hoist him up over the bed to have a bowel movement , he has requested to be left alone in the room for a period of time is this allowed or should a person be with him at all times when up in the hoist.
Hello Karen
I can well understand that your client would prefer to be left alone under that circumstance. You need to make a risk assessment: if he is at risk of slipping or falling, then he mustn’t be left unattended.
Best wishes,
Frances
What is the maximum distance considered safe and reasonable to transfer someone from bed to armchair using a mobile hoist? Would 5 metres be ok?
Hello Barry
We can’t give a definitive answer without seeing the setup – you really need to make a risk assessment of the transfer concerned. If the floor surface is smooth, the client is cooperative and the carer is comfortably able to push the hoist with them in it, then that would probably be fine. But there are certainly conditions where it would not be ideal.
Best wishes,
Frances
Because I can’t stand, my husbaand helps me at the toilet by pulling my pknickers down and up. To, I have to hold on to the toilet frame and thiss has weaken my tendons making it painful. Is there anything which he could use to hold me up while he pulls the necessary down.
Please can you tell me do you hire mobile hoist and if not how much are they to buy.
Hi Nicki,
The best way to get the answer you’re inquiring about is to get in contact directly with the suppliers listed in the right-hand sidebar of this page. I am sure they will be able to provide an in-depth information on your question.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else you want to ask.
Best wishes,
Liane
I work in the community and when hoisting a large lady, it is very hard work on the carpet, we have been told to use our feet to push the hoist along, is this safe practise?
We are all putting strain on our backs doing this!
Hello Lynda
If you are straining your backs in this way, it doesn’t sound safe. Every transfer should be risk assessed, and the assessment should look at issues caused by the environment (which includes things like carpeted floors) as well as the needs of the individual. It should take into account the safety of carers as well as the person being transferred.
In this situation, a ceiling hoist might be a better solution. Or changing the floor covering to something easier to push a hoist along. There is more information about hoisting risk assessments here: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/cp-editorials/risk-assessment-hoist-faq/
Best wishes, Frances
my wife, a C3 quadriplegic, dreads the Hoyer lift transfer from bed to chair or back again. Regardless of which slings we use; adjusting them as low as possible, fastening the straps, she is deathly afraid, feels like she is falling, hurts the left forearm and hand by propping it up in between the straps and pushing with what little might she has, and every day is an argument and criticism, name calling and anger because it has never been right for 25 years. IS there a sling that has ties her in & completely encompasses her bottom and would still be easy to get out once she is in the chair or bed? We have 4 strap slings and 6 strap slings which neither one solves the problems. She has vertigo, chronic dizziness, ear problems and anxiety…
I cannot sew extra straps, perform extra steps along the way or add anything else to the getting up and down procedure… I suggested she get a therapist to answer her questions and she doesn’t want to do that. I have been caregiver 24/7/365/25 without a break and cannot keep up on all her demands… much less, add another procedure and extra steps along the way to make her secure. I lost all my muscle mass to cancer… I’ll end here before I get on a rabbit trail… what can make a quad secure, eliminating fear, in a portable Hoyer sling.
Hi John,
I am sorry to hear about the struggles you face daily. I could imagine how difficult the situation is.
In regards to your question, we suggest getting in contact directly with the suppliers listed in the righthand sidebar. It’s the best way to get more information about the hoist perfect for your need. I am sure they will be pleased to help you out.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else you want to ask.
Best wishes,
Liane
My husband has Parkinson’s and is becoming unsteady on his feet resulting in numerous falls within the home. The only way I can get him up is with the help of neighbours (when available) or call for an ambulance then have a long wait until they can attend. Is there a mobile hoist that is not too expensive that I could buy/obtain that would be suitable for our needs?
Hello Lois
You can get mobile hoists that will lift someone from floor level. There is also the Raizer chair, which is perhaps more convenient, and certainly more comfortable! You assemble it around the fallen person, and then you can raise them up to sitting or standing. There is now a manual version, which is less expensive than the electric powered one, and designed for people to use at home. You can read more about it here, and get in touch with the supplier directly: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/product-focus/manual-raizer-m-felgains/
You might also get a hoist through community equipment, if your husband is assessed as needing one. You should ask your local council for an OT assessment, if he hasn’t already had one.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi if there is not enough room for the hoist to fit around the bed wat could happen
You wouldn’t be able to use it to transfer the person in and out of bed.
Hi I have a service user who requests that whilst he’s on the commode we raise him up and down (only by 4inchs) in order to try and have a Bowel Movement.
I’ve told him we can’t do this and he is adamant that we can
Can u advise and point me in the right direction to print off relevant documentation to prove this
Thank you in advance
Hello John
Apologies for the delay in replying to your question. I would have thought this could be achieved by using a vertical toilet lifter, but you would be well advised to discuss with an expert supplier. Closomat has a vertical lift which could be suitable, and I’m sure they would be happy to talk to you about this. You can contact them on Freephone: 0800 374076 or email info@closomat.co.uk
Best wishes,
Frances
Thanks for your reply. Please can you inform me:- can 1 carer operate a fixed floor standing gantry hoist?
Hello Liz
Most hoists are designed to be safely used by a single carer. You really need to confirm with the supplier of the hoist in question that this is the case.
Best wishes,
Frances
Please could you inform me:- can the same hoist sling double up to be used both on an overhead tracker ceiling hoist system and portable hoist, to give more flexibility as to where Mum can be hoisted to?
You have to make sure that the sling is compatible with both hoists, Liz, so that it fits securely to the spreader bar, and there isn’t any risk of your mother falling. I would ask the manufacturer of the hoists and the sling whether or not it is possible.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi I have one of your mobile hoists and wheelchair for my husband who is bedbound at the moment. He has dementure and want my carers to lift my husband into his wheelchair so that I can move him into the living room. Although they are trained to use the hoist the manager refuses to let them saying that the lifting has to be approved by an OT. I am told there is a long waiting list for assessment is this normal or should I look for carers who are allowed. Hope you can help. Thanks Val
Hello Val
We don’t actually provide any products, we are purely an information website. It sounds as though the issue here is not the carers, who as you say have been trained in using the hoist, but a risk assessment for the transfer. This would need to be carried out before any carers moved your husband using the hoist. It doesn’t have to be an OT who carries out the risk assessment, just a person who has been trained to do so. They will take into account your husband’s needs and ability to cooperate with the procedure, the equipment and abilities of the carers using it, and the environment – whether there are any hazards that need to be addressed.
I don’t know how long you should expect to wait for an assessment – I would ask the manager to try and arrange one as soon as possible, and explain the considerable benefits to your husband of being moved to a different environment, rather than spending all his time in bed, which is not great for anyone’s health and well being.
Best wishes,
Frances
Can I assist with hoisting my mum at home without training?
Hello Lainny
Family carers often struggle to get the training they need to use a hoist safely – but you really don’t want to do anything that might cause harm to your mother, or to yourself.
You could contact the hoist manufacturer and ask for guidance on safe use. Or perhaps the paid carers who come in to care for her could show you how to use it.
Best wishes,
Frances
My husband has Parkinson’s and we are going to order a gantry lift to get him out of bed and into a chair. Do I have to have specialist training? We have a carer coming 4 times at the moment.
Hello Anne
Although professional carers are required to have training, the same is unfortunately not true for family carers. Though I am sure that you will want to be trained, to make sure that you are not risking injury to yourself or your husband. I would ask the supplier of the gantry lift to arrange for you to be trained in using it safely.
Best wishes,
Frances
Could a ceiling hoist be put along a landing in someone’s home to lift someone out of a stair lift at the top of the stairs and taken to their bedroom just straight along the landing? My mum has lost the ability to stand (has MS), so she can’t stand to get on her stair lift anymore so has been living downstairs in her home for the last year. She owns the house with her 3 brothers but she lives in it, so can’t have any lasting modifications done to the house. We may need one to get her on to it at the bottom of the stairs if her mobile hoist is unsuitable.
Hello Danielle
In principle, this should be possible – but it would depend on various factors, including having enough space on the landing at the top of the stairs for your mother to be safely transferred from the stairlift. I recommend that you get an assessment of the situation from an occupational therapist or an expert supplier. There are a number of helpful companies listed on this page – just click the link and get in touch with them directly for more information.
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi I have a father weighing 150 kgs 5ft 6!inch no mobility at all looking to purchase a mobile hoist but would prefer one with a seat so more dignified than dangling in a sling on its own. Anyone heard of hill rom do you know what is the best most reliable mobile hoist preferably with a seat please.
Kind regards
A.shahid
Hello Amran
I recommend that you get advice from an OT about an appropriate hoist to transfer your father, taking into account his individual needs and the home environment.
I am not aware of one with a seat, but if you are wanting to move him longer distances, a wheeled shower/commode chair would be a more comfortable solution.
Best wishes,
Frances
Could I buy a hoist please what goes on the Ceiling.
Hello Sophie
If you contact any of the helpful suppliers listed on the right hand side of the page, under “ceiling hoists”, they will be able to give you information about suitable systems.
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes,
Frances
My mother is 5.5 stone and very close to the end of her life.I want her to have a pain free and stress free end-of-life experience in her own home if possible. Upto a few days ago I was able to help her get out of bed using a zimmer to enable her to get to bedside commode but she can’t move her feet now so it’s too dangerous and my back is now very painful. She finds it hard to pee in bed in her Tena pants and is confused due to meds so is constantly trying to get out of bed to go to commode. Catheterisation was too painful for her. I have no idea if there’s a hoist i can use on my own to help her transfer to commode. We were loaned a Sarah stand but within past week she has lost all strength to be able to use it. Have you any suggestions?
Hello Julia
Most mobile hoists are designed to be used safely by one person, with appropriate training. Your mother will be securely supported in a sling, enabling you to transfer her from bed to commode more easily. You may be able to get a hoist from equipment stores in place of the Sarah Stedy, otherwise, rental is an option – Mobility Hire are helpful https://www.independentliving.co.uk/product/mobility-hire-hoist-rental/
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi I have a hospital bed I seem to slide down the bed I seen some beds with asortofslind for one hand to beableto pulyour selfup can you buy theses where would I buy one and what price please can you help me?
Hello Marie
A bed ladder is designed to help with pulling yourself up to a sitting position from lying down. You can buy one from Manage at Home – the price is £15 plus delivery https://www.manageathome.co.uk/pd/webbing-bed-ladder_13667 (external link will open in a new browser window)
But as you have a hospital bed, you should also be able to adjust it so that your knees are raised a bit, which would stop you sliding down.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi I work in a care home and have one hoist between 2 floors a emi and emi nursing and a down stairs general residential….is it ok to use one unit for both floors and is it safe to use with it going in a lift as their are gaps and ridges it goes over ?
Hello Darren
If you are asking whether it is alright to transport a person by lift between floors while in a hoist, I would say that it is generally considered good practice to use a wheeled chair, rather than a mobile hoist for long-distance transfers, as it is more comfortable and reassuring.
A careful risk assessment should be carried out, both of the care home environment and also of each individual person who is being transferred in this way, considering all aspects of any transfers required. There is more information about this here: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/cp-editorials/risk-assessment-hoist-faq/
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes, Frances
Hi, Can the Oxford Mini & Midi 180 manual /hydraulic hoists be jerky when lifting a person?
Hello Geoff
I would say that all lifts should be smooth in operation. They need to be regularly maintained, to ensure continued good service, and LOLER tested at the required intervals. If you contact Joerns Healthcare directly, they should be able to give you more specific advice. You can contact them by phone 0844 811 1156 or email info@joerns.co.uk
Best wishes,
Frances
Hello, I hope you can advise me. My elderly mother, (will be 85 in January) has osteoporosis, and her bones are very fragile now. She has had a hip replacement operation after breaking her femur bone in Dec 2014 and was basically unable to walk since then. She was initially more mobile than now with walking frame, etc, but now she is totally depending on carers to be moved from the bed to wheelchair/ shower chair etc.. However, on Friday when lifting her from the bed to move her to the wheelchair, when she tried to make an effort during the lifting process, (when she did not need to, but she tend to do this as she gets scared of falling down), she managed to fracture her right arm below the elbow due to her bad ostheoporosis. We are all devastated for her and she cannot be moved now as she is in plaster and sling and basically she is bed bound, sitting down and just laying down, but unable to leave her room or her bed as she cannot be manually lifted anymore as before.
Therefore, I am trying to find desperately something to help her with her mobility again and the people looking after her. Unfortunately, she is not in the UK she is abroad in Paraguay, South America. I have bought brilliant little help tools for her from here the UK and sent some. (small ones) or took them with me for her when I was going. All these little tools including the brilliant shower wheelchair has made her quality of life and of her carers and family looking after her much better.
Unfortunately, there is not much choices in equipment for disable patience and their care in Paraguay or at least definitely not much like here in the UK.
Therefore, I need your advise on the best equipment hoist, (portable preferably), and the cost, and can you send it abroad or if not, how big is it and how easy is it to assemble it if I need to take it myself by airplane??
I am desperate to find something for my poor mum who is so much under the weather with what is happening to her, and I want to avoid the depression route as much as possible by keeping her at least mobile an able to leave her room, have her shower in the bathroom, etc. Especially now that the spring /summer is starting and she can enjoy again the garden an have proper showers again in no time. I wish, I wish so much for a better quality of life for her, but I cannot do everything as I a not rich, but definitely anything you can advise me with on this and my options, etc. will be so very much appreciated!
I look forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenient.
With very may thanks,
Elvira
what is the legal number of carers to use a hoist on a thirteen stone lady.
1or2
Hello Rosemary
Neither. There is no law specifying a number of people. The law says that a risk assessment must be carried out by a suitably qualified person, considering all aspects of the transfer, in order to decide the safest way to achieve it. You can read more details here: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/cp-editorials/risk-assessment-hoist-faq/
I hope this helps. Please don’t hesitate to come back to me if there is anything else you would like to ask.
Best wishes,
Frances
Can a person be transferred from 1 room to another in a hoist.
A client of ours, has this in his care plan, that he is hoisted and, transferred in the hoist, to other rooms.
Is this legal.
Hello Jane
There is nothing illegal about using a hoist to transfer someone from one room to another. However, mobile hoists may be quite hard work for the carer to move long distances, so ceiling track hoists are a better option in this situation, or a shower/wheelchair. The most important thing is that a careful risk assessment is carried out beforehand, considering all aspects of any transfers required. There is more information about this here: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/cp-editorials/risk-assessment-hoist-faq/
I hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Frances
The gantry system may be the best option for my room. I would like to know if the system has an option for tracking along the rail as well as vertical movement.
Hello Phil
The lifting unit can be moved along the horizontal bar of the gantry, as well as raising and lowering you when you are in the required locations. Obviously, the distance it can move is quite limited.
If you want to get some more details, Joerns has an EasyTrack gantry system as part of their Oxford range. You can contact them directly by phone 0844 811 1156 or email info@joerns.co.uk
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi. My Dad just had hip surgery inserting a metal rod and is 95 years old. The Rehab place was not so responsive to him so I brought him home. I would like to get a lift so that I can change his bed and possibly put him in his wheel chair – even put him in the shower. I can not lift him myself and he is not able to get up as of yet. The aid only comes twice a week and if it lands on a holiday it is only once a week. I need to have more help or to get a life would be nice. We have brand new low pile carpet in his room at this time. Told we could not have a lift. Is that true? Need hope especially on Thanksgiving!
Where can we view a good range of mobile hoists in the SE (my postcode is RH7)
Hello Pam
I don’t think there is anywhere you could view a good range of mobile hoists. Various of the mobility retailers have one or two – but that is all. If you do some research online, and narrow it down to a couple or so, then you could contact the supplier, and ask about local provision.
Sometimes, the representative can bring a hoist to your home to try out.
Another alternative is to hire a hoist in the first instance, and make sure it meets your needs in practice.
Best wishes, Frances
Good evening! Can you tel me, please, how many carers need to hoist a 170 kg person. Please, I need the answer acording to the law (using mobile hoist)
Hello Lya
There is no law specifying a number of people. The law says that a risk assessment must be carried out by a suitably qualified person, considering all aspects of the transfer, in order to decide the safest way to achieve it. You can read more details here: https://www.independentliving.co.uk/cp-editorials/risk-assessment-hoist-faq/
Can an electrical mobile hoist be used by one carer if the need of the service user is great at that time
Hello Kim
There is no absolute rule that there should be two carers for every lift. In fact most transfer equipment now is designed for safe use by one person – though that will depend also on assessment of the individual situation. Factors such as the degree to which the client is able to cooperate; whether they are agitated; if there are particular environmental obstacles, all need to be considered.
There is more information on this page – https://www.independentliving.co.uk/moving-handling-it-takes-two/
I am 77 and weight 252 lbs. I can’t not stand for more then 2 seconds and my knees give out. My Doctor said my knees are “shot”….. because of other ailments I can’t have knee replacement surgery. I need a hoist to get me from my bed to my bedside commode. I do well myself during the day, I can pull my power chair right up to the toilet and just slide over. I have no control at night sand pee the bed, floor, chair, and my legs. Mostly because I can’ get to the potty in time. I don’t know what kind of hoist to get. I would really appreciate some advise ;o)
Hello Buzz
Sorry about the delay in replying to your comment here. You can get a bed head hoist, which is designed especially to transfer someone from their bed to a commode, armchair, et cetera. But that assumes that you have someone there to help you during the night.
Otherwise, would it help you to have an over bed pole with a handle which you can use to pull yourself up and out of bed?
If you have good enough strength in your arms, that could help.
I will also reply by email, so you can come back to me with any more questions.
Best wishes, Frances
My mother, aged 95, is in a hospital and my daughter cried today as she heard my mother screaming as she was being weighed using a hoist. She is virtually bedridden and has lost a lot of weight and muscle (been in hospital, then to rehab. centre …. and then back in hospital for 6 months following a fall beginning of Jan.) She isn’t eating – or drinking – but sleeping all the time. Considering her frailty, will using a hoist hurt my mother?
Hello Elaine
I can’t really guess how your mother might be feeling, but screaming suggests either pain or fear to me. Either is very distressing. It is very difficult to move people who are frail and have lost a lot of weight without hurting them. My husband was in a similar situation before he died, and being manually lifted when he fell caused him a lot of pain. There isn’t an easy solution, but properly used, hoists should be more comfortable and dignified than manual transfers, and the people using them should be well trained to make it as easy as possible for the person being transferred. Such transfers should also be kept to a minimum. I would talk to the people caring for your mother, explain your concerns, and ask what they are doing to make sure your mother isn’t suffering unnecessary distress.
Best wishes, Frances
Is it possible to use a mobile hoist to use in a bedroom with a fitted carpet?
It might be quite difficult, especially if the carpet is thick. You also need to consider the weight of the hoist together with the person being transferred, and the strength of the carer(s). If you think it might be possible, I would arrange a trial first, to make sure.
I would suggest not. I replaced our carpets with vinyl flooring for that very reason and am so glad I did, it would have been nearly impossible to move his chair or hoist over the caroet
How far should a patient be transported in a hoist ? What are the specific rules and regulations around this?
As far as I am aware, there isn’t a specific limit prescribed anywhere. It would vary according to various factors, including the environment where the transfer is taking place and the condition and confidence of the patient being transferred. The guidance for safe patient transfers is that a mobile hoist should not be used over a long distance. It is safer and more comfortable either to use a ceiling track hoist, or wheeled transport, such as a wheelchair or shower chair, depending on circumstances.