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Mobile Hoists for the Elderly and Patients with Limited Mobility
NHC Group’s range of mobile hosts is designed with attention to detail and dedicated to a wide variety of needs. They can be used in care homes or at home, when you care for a loved one.
Not sure how to choose the right mobile hoist? We get it! These devices perform an important function. Moreover, mobile hoists aren’t always cheap, so deciding on the right type shouldn’t be taken lightly.
While the different types of hoists and their various feature may seem overwhelming, it’s not that hard to choose the right device. All you need is a little information to get you started.
Check out our mobile hoists guide to learn all that matters about these devices and how to make the right choice depending on the user’s needs and your budget.
What Is a Mobile Hoist?
A mobile hoist is a mechanical device designed to lift a person from a seated position and seamlessly transfer them somewhere else, in another location, like a seat, the bed, or even a bathtub. More advanced hoists can also move horizontally and can be used to transfer patients between rooms or between the different areas of a single room.
You will also find mobile hoists under the name of ceiling lifts. Ceiling lifts essentially perform the same functions described above, with the notable difference that they have a hoisted unit that needs to be mounted on a track in the ceiling. While ceiling lifts are a great aid for moving patients within the same room or from one room to another, you need to carefully consider if the design of your home permits the installation of a ceiling track.
When Should You Consider Investing in a Mobile Hoist?
Typically, mobile hoists or ceiling lifts are used when a person becomes too heavy to be safely moved from one location to another. With a mobile hoist, a care giver can assist with the moving, thus limiting the risk of accidents to the patient or to the care giver.
Are you running a care home?
Then you must know that a lot of care giver accidents happen when moving residents. It can be something simple, like a slip and fall, but also something more complicated, like dislocated vertebras or other back injuries. These risks are quite common and can be easily mitigated with the right mobile hoist.
Ceiling lifts and mobile hoists take very little effort to move a person from one position to another and can be easily used by virtually anyone with very little training.
A mobile hoist is the right choice for you if:
- You are a senior who wants to remain in their own home despite the changes in your mobility.
- You have a child with a disability that you can no longer lift on your own.
- You have to care for a spouse, partner, or family member with limited mobility.
- You run a care home with residents with different degrees of limited mobility. In this case, strength and mobility changes can happen suddenly, so it’s recommended you have more than one mobile hoist that’s ready to use.
What Types of Mobile Hoists Are There?
Mobile hoists can come with a wide range of features and extra options. Some of them can be customised, while others come with no extra accessories. But before you get to the accessories, you need to choose between three major types of hoists:
1. Stationary Hoists
As the name suggests, stationary hoists are semi-mobile. They are typically mounted on the floor or on a wall. Their base is fixed, but the support arm is mobile and can pivot to transfer the user sideways. A stationary hoist usually comes with a harness or a sling.
The sling is suspended from the post/arm and placed around the user while they are seated or lying down. Using the sling, the person can then be hoisted up easily, without causing back issues to the care giver.
A crucial factor to consider when buying a stationary hoist is the structural strength of the wall or the floor you plan to attach it to – we recommend you talk to a structural engineer about this. Moreover, consider the available space: will you have enough room for the wheelchair during the transfer to/from the stationary hoist?
2. Wheeled Hoists
Wheeled hoists work just like their stationary counterparts, with a significant difference: after the person is hoisted up using the sling, you can wheel the hoist to a new location to lower the patient. This offers more flexibility and helps you cover a larger area. For instance, you can move patients between rooms.
Before buying a wheeled hoist, make sure that you have enough maneuvering space so that the base of the device remains stable even when there is a person in the sling. Also, consider the fact that wheel hoists need an unobstructed path to be moved – typically over 1 metre, more if you need to take turns.
Last but not least, consider the space under the furniture and bathroom fixtures. To safely ensure the transfer of a patient, the frame of the hoist needs to be accommodated under the fixture or the piece of furniture. For example, if you want to use the wheeled hoist to transfer someone to the bathtub, make sure that the bathtub is raised from the floor or is endowed with legs, so that the frame of the hoist can fit underneath.
3. Ceiling Lifts
Ceiling lifts are a safe alternative to moving patients manually. They are mounted on a ceiling track and can be electrically powered (most common) or manually powered.
Electric hoists usually have a sling system attached to the ceiling track. Just like in the case of stationary or wheeled hoists, the person has to be placed in the sling first. Then they can be moved along the ceiling track.
Again, before buying a ceiling lift, ask for the advice of a structural engineer – you need to make sure that the ceiling can withstand the weight added to it. Another aspect you need to consider is the space: you need a clear path along the ceiling track. This is extremely important, especially if the track connects two or more rooms.
Why Choose NHC Group as Your Mobile Hoists Provider?
With more than 20 years in the field of medical and care home equipment, we can help you choose the mobile hoists that will provide the best ROI for your care home and meet the needs of their users. More importantly, we are always by your side: we don’t just sell you the mobile hoists, we also ensure their service and maintenance, so you can leverage your investment for as long as you need it.
At NHC Group, we stock a wide range of hoists and stand aids. We supply to care homes as well as individuals. If you have any questions or would like sound advice, feel free to contact us. Our friendly team would be happy to assist. Call 0191 416 9512 now.
Can one person use a mobile hoist?
Yes, one person can use a mobile hoist independently, provided it is a device designed for this purpose. There are no legal requirements or advice in this area, so we suggest you get the advice of a medical professional to learn if the person in question is able to use a hoist on their own and, if so, what type of hoist they need.
What is the cheapest mobile hoist?
Mobile hoists can be as affordable as a few hundred pounds, starting from £300 for non-mechanised hoists. If you are looking for an electric hoist, the prices are usually upwards of £500.
How much does a good mobile hoist cost?
A good, electrically-powered mobile hoist is typically upwards of £800. Depending on the brand you choose and its functions, you can pay more than £1000.
How much does a ceiling lift cost?
Ceiling lift prices start at around £900. But do keep in mind that this is just the hoist price. You also need to account for the ceiling track and other accessories. Depending on the length of the track, the prices can vary widely.
What can go wrong when hoisting people?
While hoisting devices are typically safe to use (and safer than the manual alternative), accidents can happen. For instance, choosing the wrong sling size can result in discomfort. Likewise, choosing the wrong equipment can result in the fall of the hoisted person or other accidents. Also, if the path isn’t clear, the hoisted person can hit objects in the room, which can also result in minor accidents.
Do I need a building permit?
We recommend you call your local council to find out if you need a building permit. Usually, you won’t need one for a stationary or a wheeled hoist. In the case of ceiling lifts, you may need a permit if you plan to make structural changes to your home.