Manual Hydraulic Patient Lifts

A Hoyer Lift Hydraulic is a mechanical lifting device designed to assist caregivers in moving patients safely from one place to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair, or vice versa. It features a hydraulic pump that helps lift the individuals, making it easier for caregivers to cope with their weight.

Patient lifts come up in different designs, materials, and weight capacities. Hoyer lifts have various weight capacities; choose a lift that caters to your patient’s weight to ensure safety and comfort. The frame is often made from steel, aluminium, or a combination of both. Lightweight materials like aluminium make the lift easier to move around, while steel is an excellent choice for sturdiness and durability.

The leg design of the lift determines the space it can accommodate. Basic lifts have a fixed-width base, while others feature adjustable legs for more flexibility. Two primary pump types are available – manual and electric. Manual pumps are more affordable but require more physical effort, while electric patient lift pumps are easier to use but more expensive.

Before each use, the lift should be inspected for any signs of wear or damage. If there’s any issue, it is advised not to use it until repaired. Sling is designed for use with a Hoyer lift for patients and appropriate for the patient’s weight and size. Ensure it is well-padded and clean.

While seating, position the base legs of the lift under the patient’s bed, chair, or other furniture and lock the wheels in place. The patient should be gently lowered onto the sling, ensuring their arms are outside the sling. Attach the sling to the lift hooks, ensuring it is balanced correctly. Slowly pump the hydraulic handle to lift the patient. Once the patient is securely lifted, unlock the wheels and carefully move the lift to the designated location. Lower the patient gently onto their new surface, remove the sling, and return the lift to a safe location.

Benefits of Hydraulic Lifts in Patient Care Facilities

A hydraulic lift for patients is a specialized piece of equipment designed to provide assistance in moving and transferring patients with limited mobility. These lifts operate using a hydraulic system, which uses fluid pressure to generate the lifting force necessary to move patients from one location to another safely and comfortably. The benefits of using these lifts in patient care facilities, emphasizing their role in reducing caregiver strain and improving patient mobility and comfort are as follows:

Reduced Strain on Caregivers

One of the most significant benefits is the reduced physical strain experienced by healthcare professionals during patient transfers. Lifting and moving patients can be an arduous task, and repeated lifting can lead to back injuries, muscle strain, and fatigue among caregivers; the amount of effort required to manually lift the patient is significantly reduced, allowing healthcare professionals to safely move patients with less risk of injury.

Improved Patient Safety and Comfort

A probasics hydraulic patient lift provides a safer and more comfortable method of patient transfer than manual lifting. While being moved, patients are better supported due to the design of the lift and the supportive straps, reducing the chance of injury from slips or falls. In addition, the hydraulic system allows for smooth, gradual movement, ensuring a comfortable transfer experience for patients.

Enhanced Mobility for Limited Mobility Patients

For patients with limited mobility, such as those with spinal cord injuries, the elderly, or those recovering from surgery, the lifts provide an invaluable tool for maintaining and improving mobility. By easing the process of transfers between beds, wheelchairs, and other seating surfaces, patients can maintain a higher quality of life and continue to participate in vital activities, such as therapy or socialization.

Widespread Use and Recent Innovations

Patient lifts have become increasingly popular in healthcare settings, particularly in long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centres. Factors contributing to their widespread use include the ageing population, an increasing number of individuals with disabilities, and a greater understanding of the risks associated with manual patient lift transfers.

Recent innovations and technologies have led to improvements in efficiency, ease of use, and patient comfort. Some of these advancements include electrically powered hydraulic systems, which offer smoother and more precise lifting than traditional manually operated systems. Additionally, improvements in the design and materials of the supportive straps and slings used with medical lifts have further enhanced patient comfort and reduced the risk of pressure injuries.

To keep your Hoyer lift accessories in optimal shape, perform regular check-ups and maintenance, such as inspecting and tightening any loose bolts and checking for fluid leaks. Clean the lift with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals that may damage the device. The sling should be laundered according to the manufacturer’s instructions.