As we get older, so, too, does the mobility problem. Many seniors find it hard to even shift from one sitting position to another, hence making life a tad less easy for most of those old folks. Being independent is the key to keeping a sense of dignity and a decent quality of life, but if there is insufficient support, accidental falls and injuries become much more commonplace. With a hoist for elderly people, though, this kind of problem can be significantly relieved in one stroke through a very welcome increase in comfort, safety, and mobility.
Hoists are designed to make movement easier for the caregiver and the senior. But with so many variations available in a hoist, choosing the right one could become a daunting task. So, with this article, we are going to make it easier for you to decide. Let us walk you through different types of patient hoists and their benefits so that making the right choice can help enhance comfort and safety for the aged.
Why a Hoist for the Elderly?
Improved Mobility
With the help of a patient hoist, the elderly can, to some extent, regain independence and can move around freely without taking anyone’s help, or getting anyone’s help. This fundamentally means that they would now find it much easier to perform their everyday chores like taking a bath, going to bed, sitting up more easily, et cetera.
Less Chance of Inflicting Damage
Falls and bruises are also some of the leading causes of hospitalisation in the elderly. The hoist for elderly people considerably reduces this risk due to its safe lift and transfer. Additionally, the care providers are also saved from any physical strain or possible injury.
More Comfort
The design of the patient hoists ensures that they treat the elderly citizens gently when transferring them. Additionally, most of these current hoists have comfortable slings and attributes that are bound to ensure the best user experience.
Caregivers Support
Transferring an elderly person is hard on your body without a hoist. A hoist minimises this strain on the body and allows carers to carry out the work much more efficiently, ensuring the comfort and safety of the patient and carer as well.
Types of Hoists for Elderly People
There are various types of this equipment, all of them suitable for different patient’s conditions and situations. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Mobile Hoists
Of all hoists, mobile hoists are the best to buy for the elderly. With their wheels, they tend to help in several moves. I can easily move them from one room to another, helping with several transfers. A good thing about mobile hoists is that they can be used at home and give the user a high degree of flexibility in several situations.
Benefits of Mobile Hoists:
- Easy to manoeuvre between different rooms.
- Suitable for multiple types of transfers (e.g., bed to chair, chair to toilet).
- Cost-effective option for home care.
2. Ceiling Hoists
We mount the track system permanently in the ceiling for a ceiling hoist. The hoist moves along the track to transfer the user between two points, from bed to wheelchair for example. A ceiling hoist can be very convenient for removing the need for a caregiver to push around a mobile device, as it is the one that needs to be installed.
Ceiling Hoists Offer:
- Seamless transfers over greater distances.
- Less physically demanding on the carer
- Occupies less floor area whilst in use than mobile hoists
3. Stand Assist Hoists
Stand assist hoists help old-age patients transition from sitting to an upright standing position. Old-age patients who can partially stand but need support are designed for by the stand assist hoist, a specialized device. The user’s standing position encourages activity, causes muscle engagement, and supports circulation.
Stand-assist hoist advantages
- Encourages mobility and independence within the user.
- Ideal for transfers from chair to toilet or standing for dressing.
- Smaller and more compact compared to other hoists.
4. Bath Hoists
For senior citizens who love taking a nice warm bath but, at the same time, find it really tough to get into and out of the bathtub, then all they need is a bath hoist. As the very name suggests, a bath hoist is specially designed to be lowered and lifted in and out of the bathtub for the patient, making them feel safe and comfortable.
Benefits of Bath Hoists:
- Provides safe and easy access to baths
- It enables the user to bathe more independently.
- Comfortable and dignified lift.
5. Portable Hoists
Those in need of assistance while travelling and transferring around places can use portable hoists for support. A user who needs support in mobility while travelling can carry these light, foldable, and portable hoists.
Advantages of Portable Hoists :
- Easy and flexible to carry around
- Ideal for travelling or short-term use.
- Can be utilised in multiple Settings.
Top Pick Best Hoists Expert
After considerable research, and reviews from experts, below are some of the best hoists for the elderly:
1. Invacare Birdie Evo Compact Hoist
The Invacare Birdie Evo Compact Hoist is a versatile mobile hoist that provides flawless service at home. In spaces of a minimum size, this compactly designed device enables easy positioning and provides smooth and comfortable transfers. It’s perfect for lifting patients out of beds, chairs, or even the floor—to provide, therefore, reassurance and safety.
2. Guldmann Ceiling Hoist
The Guldmann ceiling hoist has a strong design and runs smoothly. It’s great for long-term use at home or in care facilities because its track system makes it easy to move patients between rooms. This hoist is perfect for users who need help more often while reducing physical strain on caregivers.
3. Molift Quick Raiser Stand Assist Hoist
This stand-assist hoist is designed for those patients who require some support to stand but are partially mobile. It is small, lightweight, and user-friendly, making it an appropriate choice for an efficient and comfortable transfer from sitting to standing. The Molift Quick Raiser is especially valuable for transfers to and from the toilet or standing for dressing
4. Oxford Presence Portable Hoist
Whether the need for this portable hoist is in travel or during shifts in rooms in a patient’s house, the Oxford Presence is the best choice. It may be a bit expensive, but the excellent balance it provides to users in their lifting activities is great.
Conclusion
The right hoist for elderly patients truly makes a world of difference in both comfort and safety. A suitable patient hoist makes everyday tasks easier for the carer, reduces their workload, and allows the elderly to regain some independence. Whether it’s a mobile hoist, a ceiling hoist, or a stand assist hoist, each option offers unique benefits to perfectly suit your needs.
