Mobility Info - UK
Portable Hoists
A hoist is a piece of apparatus that can be used in the home to help handle and move a person. For long term use, overhead track ceiling hoists are a common solution. These consist of tracks fitted to the ceiling, potentially linking one room to another depending on the user’s requirements. Many such hoists can be used independently and by their very nature need occupy little space.
However, there are disadvantages to this type of hoist. Those who require transferring from one room to another, especially in larger houses, might not be keen on the disfigurement of their environment that the installation of the requisite ceiling tracks would entail. For instance, tops of doorframes might have to be removed to accommodate the tracks or weak ceilings reinforced.
The alternative to this is a portable hoist, commonly also called a mobile or freestanding hoist. Although these types of hoist demand the assistance of a carer to operate, they are arguably more versatile as they can be transported from one room to another around the house. Many models can be folded up and stored in a cupboard when not in use and some are small enough to be taken away and used on holiday or business. They are also suited to people who need a hoist for a more temporary time span than would necessitate the installation of an overhead track model.
Portable hoists are either battery powered or are operated mechanically by a winding handle or hydraulic pump. They comprise four basic elements: a base or chassis, a mast, a boom and a spreader bar where the sling attaches. Some models have detachable parts for ease of storage, whereas some have special booms that allow lifting from certain positions or let the user turn when suspended. Seat hoists are ideal for help with bathing and standing hoists ideal to assist with going to the toilet.
Generally, hoists come in two sizes. Smaller models can lift up to around 150kg and are more suited to the home environment where space might be an issue. Larger hoists can lift up to 250kg and their size makes them more suited to hospital or nursing home environments. Others are designed specifically for use with children. The slings that go with a hoist come in many shapes and sizes; although hoist manufacturers offer a range of slings, other manufacturers specialise in slings alone and can even make them to order.
It is worth remembering that a portable hoist will take up more floor space than an overhead variety when in use. Also consider whether the rooms in which the hoist is to be used – such as a bathroom or toilet – can accommodate it, and whether doorframes are big enough to let the hoist and occupant through. Remember also that the portable hoist will need space around it for the assistant or carer to manoeuvre, which might entail removing or rearranging furniture.
