Hoists are mechanical devices designed to hold up patients who cannot support themselves due to injury or during the recovery period. They help caregivers provide adequate support to the patient while they get in and out of bed, helping them in the bath or being propped up during feeding.
Hoists are a safe way to support the patient when there is no one else around as there is no need to exert excess pressure while lifting the patient.
You may also check out sites like Safety and Mobility to know more about this device. Without the hoist, there could be much heaving and lifting that might aggravate the patient’s injury or illness. Here are some points to remember when picking one.
Need of the Patient
The need of the patient is of paramount importance while purchasing a hoist. Does the patient only need partial support, or is the patient completely immobile? In the latter case, the hoist will have to bear the entire weight of the patient. The physical size of the hoist and the weight should support the patient in girth and weight as well. The hoists can usually support weight up to 700 lbs.
The cognitive needs of the patient come next. Is the patient able to communicate with the caregiver? Will he or she be able to say how they want to be seated or held up? If not, you need a hoist that should have a few settings to allow the patient to sit or recline to be at their most comfortable.
Movable or Stationary
Do you need a hoist so that the patient can be moved around, like while getting into a car? Or do you need it for minimal movements like supporting the patient while they get in and out of their baths? Or do you need a stationary hoist, which only holds up the patient for a while in a single location? Such hoists can be attached to the ceiling. Portable hoists often come with wheels so that they can be pushed while the patient is being moved.
Space of Installation
Consider the area where you are going to place the hoist. The hoist should support the patient and be a comfort source and not become a hazard on which the patient might trip and fall if they try to get out of bed. Measure the available space where you can place the hoist and make sure it does not raise any safety issues in the patient’s room.
Electronic or Manual
Depending on how severe the condition of the patient is, you can opt for electrically operated hoists. These hoists have a wide range of lift heights, often helping lift patients who might have fallen on the ground. They also have a manual override switch if you have to turn off the motor due to an emergency.
Manual hoists are good when the patient needs partial support, and they can be used without worrying about a power loss.
A patient hoist can make a caregiver’s work a lot easier and minimise falls when helping a patient. You can visit sites like Safety and Mobility to find out more about these hoists as perfect accompaniments to patient care.