Tips for Choosing the Right Hoist for Your Needs
When purchasing a hoist to help the carer lift a patient, some crucial things such as space, cost and features need to be considered. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a hoist to lift people.
When considering buying a hoist, it is advisable to access your individual needs or that of the facility. For instance, take into consideration the type of positions that the patient will need assistance with. If they need assistance moving from a sitting position to a standing position, then a sit-to-stand lift would be appropriate and if they require assistance moving from a lying to sitting position, then the ceiling lift is suitable.
In order to help you select the right equipment for your needs, it is important to determine if there is enough space here you are planning to use it. This is especially important if you are purchasing household equipment as you want to ensure that it will fit in the available space. Similarly, you should take measurements of the corridors, room entrances and corners to help you know which equipment to get. Most ceiling hoists are linear and curved allowing them to access almost all the areas of the house. Additionally, some mobile hoists are designed to be used outdoors depending on the nature of the surface.
Know which features to look for when purchasing a hoist. One of the most important features is the availability of a control switch which you can use to stop the hoist during an emergency. You should also look out for a manual override switch which can be used when there is power loss. Healthcare providers may want a hoist that comes with a scale so they can easily weigh the patients during the transferring process. Also, look out for several specialized slings such as stretcher sling, full body sling, padded sling, and mesh bathing sling to suit your unique needs.
Things such as your weight, body and core strength, height ad stability should be considered before choosing the right equipment for your needs. For instance, strap sling are a good choice if you have great body stability and core strength. Measure your weight beforehand in order to find a hoist and sling that will cope well. See to it that the slings and the hoist are designed for your height and has enough space to accommodate your knees and legs.
Find out how much the hoist will cost and see if it will meet your budgetary needs. Similarly, check before you buy to ensure that the store offers after sales support and free delivery of the equipment. Good stores will allow you to test the equipment before purchase so you can make an informed decision. If you are unsure of the best equipment for your needs, consider asking for guidance from a healthcare professional beforehand.