Mobile Hoists, Bariatric Hoists & Standing Hoists

A full-body lift with a mobile hoist is used for people who are non-weight bearing, with physical limitations (i.e. quadriplegic or amputee) and/or bariatric residents.

A full-body lift supports the resident’s entire weight with a sling attached to a swivel bar on the lift’s boom.

The risks of manual lifting compared to using a patient hoist

Manual lifting of a person can pose a real threat to caregivers and residents therefore we highly recommend using either a portable/mobile hoist or a fitted patient hoist for this task!

Full body lifts using a portable hoist minimize caregiver back and shoulder injuries. In addition, full-body lifts are much safer for the resident than manual transfers, where there is a greater risk of dropping, slipping or mishandling, this includes standing hoists/patient lifters.  

Our mobile hoists & patient lifters/standers are very stable and do require some minimal force to push or pull into position, this effort is increased the heavier the patient. Some may have problems moving the mobile hoist around – especially on carpeted or uneven surfaces. In these cases, to reduce the effort required to move the patient into position, we would recommend a portable gantry hoist or fitted ceiling track hoist in place of a mobile hoist.

A portable hoist is a term that is often used to mean a mobile hoist, however we tend to classify a portable hoist as a mobile hoist that is designed to be more easily transported from location to location.

To make transportation of these hoists easier the manufacturers have designed them to either break down into smaller parts or they fold down, to enable them to fit into most cars. 

For those who spend time away from home, who still require use of the hoist, then a portable hoist would be a wise choice.

Patient standers are not designed for a full body lift. They are designed to only lift the patient to a semi or in some cases a full standing position from seated. They of course can also be used to lower the user down from standing to seated position again.

Patient standers or standing hoists are normally smaller and easier to use than a mobile or portable hoist and they are a very efficient and quick way for transfer patients. Standing hoists can be manual or can have actuators to assist in the standing process.

Standing hoists are ideal for those with good body control and core strength, who just need some assistance to stand or sit. However if the patient has limited strength, balance problems or has lower leg issues (such as arthritis or limited knee movement), then a mobile or portable hoist should be considered instead.

A bariatric hoist or bariatric portable hoist is capable of lifting heavier (bariatric) patients. 

The hoists have upgraded components, stronger motors and lifting arm to handle a heavier load. They are designed to fit a larger person so a bariatric hoist will normally have a wider “footprint” for added stability and some will also have multiple wheels to spread the weight over a wider area.

A bariatric user will also need an upgraded/stronger sling that is correctly matched to the users’ weight.

Having a mobile hoist available to use at home assists with transferring those with limited mobility to transfer easily from or to a bed, chair or toilet. A mobile hoist can be used as a hoist for the elderly as well as those with generally poor mobility or movement.