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Buying guides for patient lifts for home use.
When it comes to moving and handling patients, it’s important to use the best equipment available. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best patients lifts on the market and why you might want to consider using them in your care setting.
We’ll also offer advice on how to choose the right lift for your needs. So if you’re looking for a safe and efficient way to move patients, read on!
Top 5 patient lifts for home use should buy in 2023
*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating)
What are patient lifts?
Patient lifts are a type of mechanical device used to assist in lifting, transferring, and repositioning individuals who have difficulty moving on their own. They are commonly used by medical professionals for safe patient handling and injury prevention when moving patients from one area to another or providing them with assistance during activities such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
Benefits of patient lifts
Patient lifts offer many benefits, including:
-Improved safety and comfort for patients. Patients who use patient lifts are able to remain in their own homes longer because they don’t have to move out of their beds into another location. If you have multiple patients in your facility, you can also reduce the risk of falls by moving them with a lift rather than carrying them from place to place. This helps ensure that your patients feel safe and comfortable at all times during their stay with you.
-Increased efficiency for caregivers. Because patient lifts allow for more efficient transfers between beds and other locations within a facility, it’s easier for caregivers to get their jobs done without having to worry about injuring themselves or their patients by carrying them around manually instead of using a lifting device instead!
-Reduced costs associated with moving patients between rooms or locations within a facility using manual methods such as lifting or dragging them instead of using an electric powered lift device which eliminates injuries due to manual lifting.
-Reduced risk of injury for both patients and caregivers. The use of patient lifts helps to reduce the risk of injuries for both the patient and caregiver due to lifting or dragging them manually instead of using an electric lift device which eliminates these risks completely.
-Improved quality of care. Because patient lifts allow for more efficient transfers between beds, it can help improve the quality of care that your facility provides by making it easier for caregivers to move patients quickly and safely without having to worry about injuring their patients or themselves in the process!
Pros and Cons of patient lifts.
Pros:
- The patient can be transferred safely without the need for a caregiver’s assistance, which saves time and money by reducing the number of caregivers needed.
- They can be used on patients who do not have enough strength or mobility to transfer themselves safely. This includes people with spinal cord injuries or other mobility issues that make it difficult for them to move around and onto a bed or chair.
- They can be used with patients who have Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, so long as they are able to understand what is happening around them (and are capable of communicating this understanding). When dealing with these types of diseases, patience is important patients may need some extra time before they are ready to use the lift properly.
Cons:
- Patients who cannot communicate their needs effectively may require some extra patience from caregivers before they are ready for transfers using a lift. If the patient does not understand what is happening around them, there could be an accident if too much force is applied by caregivers trying to get them into position quickly.
- Patient lifts require extra space in order to be used correctly and safely. This can be a problem in some smaller homes or medical facilities with limited room for maneuvering the lift around.
How to use patient lifts?
- Ensure the patient is securely harnessed and adequately supported with minimal risk of slipping or sliding out of the sling. If a transfer belt is available, it should be used in combination with the patient lift to provide additional stability.
- Check that all four locking mechanisms on the base are engaged to securely lock the lift into place before use.
- Adjust the arm heights for optimal placement and comfort for both patient and caregiver.
- Make sure that each joint on the mast has been properly secured to reduce swaying during transport.
- Activate the pump controls to raise or lower the patient as needed, keeping in mind not to extend them too far beyond their range of motion.
- After the patient has been safely transferred, always engage the brakes to prevent movement of the lift while not in use.
- Before returning the lift to its storage area, ensure that all components have been properly wiped down and sanitized for safety and hygiene purposes.
- Place a visual inspection tag on each piece of equipment to indicate it is safe for use during future transfers.
Common mistakes when using patient lifts
Patient lifts are a wonderful tool for helping patients move from one place to another, but they can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Here are some of the most common mistakes that people make when using patient lifts:
– Not following manufacturers’ instructions. Patient lifts come with detailed instructions about how to safely use them, and it’s important that you read and follow these instructions.
– Failing to inspect the lift before using it. This includes checking the equipment itself (to make sure all bolts are secure and there are no cracks or dents in the frame), as well as checking to ensure that all parts are working correctly (such as hydraulic pistons). The last thing you want is for your patient’s life to be put at risk because of faulty equipment!
– Not ensuring that someone else is present when using the patient lift—especially if they have limited mobility or cognitive issues since this could cause an accident if they fall out while being moved around by themselves.
– Not properly securing the patient while they’re in the lift. Make sure you use all the straps and safety features that come with the lift, such as seat belts, chest straps, leg straps, etc., to ensure their safety.
– Not using caution when transferring a patient from one place to another—it’s important that you move slowly and carefully so that you don’t injure them or cause any further damage.
– Not cleaning or sanitizing the equipment after each use. As with any medical device, it’s important to keep it clean and free of dirt, debris, and other contaminants that could potentially cause infection or injury to your patients.
– Failing to train staff on how to use the lift correctly. Proper training is essential for ensuring that your staff knows how to safely and effectively operate the patient lift. Make sure all employees are trained on proper usage, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures before allowing them to use it.
– Failing to check the weight capacity of the lift before using it. Every lift has a specific weight capacity, so make sure you check this before attempting to move someone in it—overloading it can cause serious injury.
Factors to consider before buying patient lifts.
The patient’s weight: This is the most important factor to consider when buying a patient lift. Different lifts have different weight capacities, so it is important to determine the patient’s exact weight before deciding on a particular model or type of lift for them.
Space: Measure your available space before selecting a lift as some models require more space than others in order to operate properly and safely. Consider whether there are any obstacles that might obstruct the movement of the lift in order to ensure safe operation.
Mobility needs: Determine what kind of mobility needs the user has in order to select an appropriate lift with features suitable for their specific requirements. For example, if they need maximum support while moving, a standing lift may be most suitable.
Special features: Different lifts come with a variety of options and features ranging from power operated, to the manual, and even those that can be used on the stairs. Determine if any special features are necessary for meeting the user’s needs before deciding on a particular model or type of lift.
Lifting capacity: Make sure to select a lifting device that can handle the weight of the patient safely and securely without compromising their comfort or safety. Generally speaking, motorized lifts are better for heavier individuals.
Warranty: Most lifts come with a warranty that covers any repairs or parts replacements in case of malfunction. Make sure to check the terms and conditions of the warranty before purchasing one in order to ensure your investment is protected.
Professional advice: It is always recommended to consult with an experienced professional who can provide guidance on selecting an appropriate lift as well as instructing you on the proper operation and maintenance of the device.
Safety features: Make sure to select a patient lift that comes equipped with all the necessary safety features such as alarms, sensors, belts, etc., in order to prevent any accidents or injuries while operating the lift.
Price: Price should also be taken into consideration before selecting a lift. Although most lifts are quite expensive, there are some models that offer great value for money and can help you save on costs in the long run.
Tips to use patient lifts.
- Assess the patient’s needs and risks before using a patient lift. Make sure to use proper body mechanics during the transfer and always keep the patient in view while lifting.
- Use appropriate sling sizes and styles for the type of lift being performed (e.g., standing lift, sit-to-stand lift).
- Be sure to adjust the sling straps according to the patient’s height and size so that it is comfortable for them during transfers.
- Secure all safety locks and brakes on lifts before transferring patients from one place to another or positioning them in bed or a chair.
- Always ensure that there is sufficient slack in the sling straps at all times.
- Avoid jerking or pulling on the patient during a lift, which can cause injury to them or the caregiver.
- If the lift does not seem to be functioning correctly, do not use it and contact maintenance for assistance.
- Always have an additional qualified person available to help spot a patient during transfers as needed.
- Know where your emergency call button is located in case of an accident or falls during transfer; never move the patient without assistance until you are certain they are safe and stable at their destination point.
- After each use, always stow away the patient’s lift securely so that it is ready for use next time, and store any slings properly. Ensure that all of the safety locks, brakes, and straps are securely in place before stowing away the lift. Always remember to follow these tips for patient lifts to ensure a safe transfer with every use!
FAQs.
What are the safety considerations for using a lift with a patient?
Safety considerations when using a lift with a patient should involve assessing the patient’s current condition and individual needs. Some important points to consider include:
– Evaluating the patient’s physical capabilities for determining if they can bear some or all of their own weight during transfers
– Ensuring that the transfer device is secure and stable and that it will not harm or injure the patient during use
– Making sure that both the patient and caregivers understand how to properly operate and maneuver the lift before beginning a transfer
– Utilizing proper body mechanics for caregivers as well as making sure that two people are available to assist in transferring patients whenever possible
– Having an appropriate release system readily accessible in case of emergency, and making sure that all caregivers are familiar with how to use it
– Ensuring that the patient is safely secured in the lift before beginning a transfer. This may include position supports, straps, or other devices to secure the patient in place during the move.
– Confirming that the lift has an appropriate weight capacity for the individual being transferred and following best safety practices for lifting heavy loads.
– Following specific instructions provided by equipment manufacturers regarding the proper use and maintenance of lifts and hoists.
What are some possible uses for a patient lift?
Patient lifts make life easier for patients of all ages. They allow them to be transferred between many surfaces, including beds or wheelchairs; they also come in handy when you need your loved one’s assistance with something around the house!
Conclusion.
If you are looking for the best patient lifts, we have a comprehensive guide that can help. Our team has tested and reviewed all of the top models to bring you our list of the best patient lifts money can buy.
We’ve also included some tips on how to choose the right lift for your needs, so be sure to read through our guide before making your purchase. Have questions about any of the lifts we recommend? Let us know, we would be happy to help!
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