What is a person lift called? A Comprehensive Guide to Patient Transfer Devices

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), back injuries from manually lifting patients are a leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers and caregivers. For this reason, utilizing mechanical assistance is crucial for safety. This comprehensive guide answers, "What is a person lift called?" and details the various types of equipment used for safe patient transfers.

Quick Summary

A person lift is medically and most commonly referred to as a patient lift or patient hoist, with many variations including mobile floor lifts, sit-to-stand lifts, and ceiling-mounted track lifts. These devices use a sling or harness to safely transfer individuals with limited mobility, minimizing strain on both the patient and the caregiver during the process.

Key Points

• Patient Lift Terminology: A "person lift" is most commonly called a patient lift or patient hoist in a medical context, with "Hoyer lift" being a frequently used brand name for a mobile floor lift.

• Types of Lifts: Main types include mobile floor lifts (hydraulic and electric), sit-to-stand lifts for partial weight-bearing patients, and ceiling/overhead lifts for maximum safety and space-saving.

• Choosing the Right Lift: The best lift depends on the patient's mobility, caregiver's strength, home layout, and weight capacity needs, with options ranging from portable models to fixed systems.

• Ensuring Safety: Proper use involves training, inspecting the equipment and sling for damage, ensuring compatibility, and following manufacturer instructions to prevent accidents.

• Benefits: Utilizing a patient lift reduces the risk of injury for both the patient and the caregiver, promotes patient comfort and dignity, and can facilitate easier rehabilitation.

• Accessibility: Incorporating the right lift enables individuals with limited mobility to continue receiving in-home care, maintaining independence and quality of life.

Patient Lift Terminology: From General to Specific

A "person lift" is most accurately referred to as a patient lift or patient hoist in a medical context. These devices are essential for safely transferring individuals with limited mobility. While "patient lift" is the general term, you may encounter other names. For instance, Hoyer lift is a well-known brand of mobile floor lift that is often used generically, similar to how "Kleenex" is used for tissues. Understanding the specific terminology helps caregivers and healthcare providers choose the appropriate equipment.

Types of Patient Lifts and Their Function

The choice of patient lift depends on the user's mobility level and the transfer required. Key categories include:

Mobile Floor Lifts

Mobile lifts are portable units. These include hydraulic and electric options.

Sit-to-Stand Lifts

These lifts aid individuals who can bear some weight but need assistance moving between sitting and standing, often used for transfers to a toilet or wheelchair.

Ceiling Lifts

Ceiling lifts, also called overhead lifts, use a motor on a track mounted to the ceiling. They save floor space and are suitable for transfers over greater distances, including for bariatric patients.

Choosing the Right Patient Lift

Selecting a lift involves considering the patient's condition, caregiver's ability, and the environment. Factors include patient mobility, home layout, caregiver support needs, and ensuring the lift and sling can support the patient's weight.

Comparison of Common Patient Lift Types

Feature	Mobile Floor Lift (Hoyer)	Sit-to-Stand Lift	Ceiling/Overhead Lift
Portability	High (Wheeled)	High (Wheeled)	Low (Fixed track system)
Patient Ability	Non-weight bearing	Partial weight bearing	Non-weight bearing
Space Required	Significant floor space	Less floor space than mobile lift	Minimal floor space
Installation	None	None	Professional installation
Caregiver Effort	Medium (Hydraulic) to Low (Electric)	Low	Low
Cost	Varies by power type	Varies	High (Installation + unit)
Best for...	Versatile use in one location	Promoting independence	Maximum safety, long-term use

Ensuring Safety with Patient Lifts

Safe patient handling with lifts requires proper training and adhering to safety protocols. This includes following manufacturer instructions, inspecting equipment for damage, using compatible slings, engaging wheel locks, and supervising the patient.

Conclusion

A "person lift" is typically known as a patient lift or hoist. Different types, such as mobile, sit-to-stand, and ceiling lifts, address various needs and mobility levels. Proper selection, training, and following safety guidelines are essential for safe transfers. Resources like {Link: CDC's website https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-117/pdfs/2010-117.pdf} can provide further information on safe practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a patient lift and a Hoyer lift?

A patient lift is the general medical term for a device that transfers patients. A Hoyer lift is a specific brand name of a mobile floor-based patient lift, and the term is often used interchangeably with the generic name.

How do I know what kind of patient lift to use?

The type of lift depends on the patient's ability to bear weight and the environment. Use a full-body mobile or ceiling lift for non-weight-bearing patients and a sit-to-stand lift for those who can bear some weight. Consult a healthcare professional for a proper assessment.

Are ceiling lifts better than floor lifts?

Both have advantages. Ceiling lifts offer smooth, space-saving transfers and reduce caregiver effort, but require professional installation. Floor lifts are portable, more affordable, and require no installation, but take up floor space during use.

Can one person operate a patient lift alone?

While some lifts are designed for single-person use, many transfers, especially complex ones, still require two caregivers for safety, particularly when handling a combative or unpredictable patient. Always consider the manufacturer's guidelines and the patient's specific needs.

How do you lift a person from the floor with a lift?

Using a mobile floor lift and a full-body sling, position the lift over the person lying on the floor. Carefully and properly position the sling underneath them, following manufacturer's instructions for leg straps. Connect the sling to the lift, raise the person, and move to the desired surface.

What is the key to patient lift safety?

Key safety measures include ensuring all users are properly trained, checking the equipment and sling for damage before each use, matching the sling correctly to the lift and patient, and always locking the wheels during transfers.

Where can I find more information on safe patient handling?

Reliable sources for safe patient handling include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You can also consult with physical therapists and other healthcare providers for personalized advice.