Amongst all the patient handling devices for people with disabilities, a patient lifter offers the most versatile & practical solution. If you are looking for one, you should first have a handy buying guide.
Because a patient lifter supplier occupies different types of lifts, each varying in size, weight, sling capacity, complex installation, and costs. And to prevent buying the wrong lift, measuring these factors is the key.
In this blog, you will learn each of these variables in detail, keeping in mind your patient’s specific concerns and needs. So, keep reading the blog till the end to make one confident decision.
Considerations Before Buying a Patient Lifter
Before buying a patient lifter, it is beneficial to have professional guidance from a physical therapist. Also, you must also consider user training from medical suppliers to use the lifter in the right way. Here are some things to confirm.
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Assess the Patient’s Mobility:
Before choosing the ideal patient lift, you must confirm if the person can move, stand, or sit on their own or requires caregiver’s assistance. A physical therapist understands the weight-bearing ability of the patient.
A person who struggles to stand independently requires caregiver’s support and will need a sit-to-stand lift. But if he cannot stand or move at all, you must get a full-body hoist. Electric or manual hoist lifts are suitable for elderly citizens or people recovering after injuries.
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Know the Patient’s Arm Strength, Posture, and Body Movements:
A person with a disability has limited strength to reach and grip the bars & handles on the patient lifter. Also, some patients might also struggle to sit upright on their own and unconsciously shatter excessively during transfers. In such cases, a full-body lift is necessary. You must confirm these issues beforehand to choose the right supportive sling as well.
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Confirm the Person’s Medical Condition:
You must carefully choose lifts if you need to move a person with a disability like stroke, paralysis, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, or hip surgery. That is because these people have fragile skin or pain issues which require special care.
When handling patients with any of these disabilities, you must choose a full-body sling, with extra padding, and delicate surface. Even when you accommodate these needs, it is always best to handle these patients gently.
How to Choose the Right Patient Lifter?
Here is a complete list of factors to consider when choosing a patient lifting equipment.
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Consider the Caregiver’s Experience and Energy:
If the caregiver in a hospital facility is operating the patient lift for the first time, it is important to be prepared ahead. Prior training, troubleshooting guides, and videos are essential resources to operate the equipment safely and efficiently. You must confirm if your chosen medical supplier provides the same.
Also, some types of these devices require physical fitness. You must see if the caregiver can pump or push manual lifters. If not, choosing electric hoists is a favourable decision.
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Available Space in a Facility:
Always measure every area where you need to move a patient lifter across the hospital. This includes hallways, doors, and space available around the bed & wheelchair. If possible, it is better to go with models which are easy to store and function within the available space.
You must consider floor hoists if your hospital has wider spaces. Or, you may even consider modifications for narrow spaces. As a matter of fact, hospitals must go with ceiling-mounted devices to prevent using any floor space.
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Lifter’s Weighing Capacity:
Users who need hoists have different weights and heights. You must confirm the average weight and height of patients in your healthcare department before choosing any type of lifter.
Many standard patient lifter devices are designed with the intention to carry people with disabilities of an average weight and height. However, people who are obese with 600+ lbs weight require bariatric lifts with reinforced slings.
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Sling Compatibility:
Almost every type of a standing, ceiling, or flooring hoist features a compatible sling. Still, it is better to confirm if the supplier is providing one when exploring an online website. And if not, it is best to customize the order.
A sling must be of appropriate size, material, and style. This should suit the patient’s weight, mobility level, skin issues, or bathing/toileting needs.
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Choose the Right Type of Patient Lifter:
You must choose the right device depending on the above special considerations. In general, suppliers offer manual, battery-powered, ceiling-mountable, sit-to-transfer aid, or vehicle lifts.
You can choose manual standing lifts if your patient has partial mobility, electric ceiling lifts for frequent and easier operation, and vehicle lifting devices for getting in and out of cars.
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Pick an Easy to Use and Maintain Model:
Easy to use lifting devices does not always mean simple design. It means having a patient lift model which is lightweight, carries foldable design, and is a low-key investment, even though it has complex controls.
In addition, you must also see if the lift requires consistent charging. Readily available components must also be an essential factor for future replacements. Professional maintenance is necessary for a hospital-grade patient lifter, and so you must consider the supplier’s maintenance plan as well.
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Cost and Insurance Coverage:
Last but definitely not the least factor to remember when buying a patient handling device is the cost and insurance coverage available. A good quality lifter costs anywhere between AUD $500 to AUD $5000.
However, you must consider renting one for rehabilitating patients and buy a high-quality model for long-term needs. The cost of the device must also cover warranty and necessary repairs. If your patient is a member of Medicaid or Medicare, then it is wise to confirm the insurance claim.
Final Words
We hope you found this blog useful. As you see, there are many factors that contribute to choosing the ideal and safe patient lifter for a specific patient. It is better to create a checklist and tick each factor in as you head on to purchase a model.
CHS Healthcare is a one-stop shop for all medical healthcare equipment and parts for assisting people with disabilities, injuries, or elderly citizens.
