A Brief On Patient Lifting Needs

By Author: Andrew Durham
Total Articles: 2
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Do you need patient lifting equipment?

Patient lifting equipment is important for a patient and their caregiver. There are many different types of lifting equipment available for the choice of patients. But before purchasing a lift, you need to record some information.

1. Time length for which the lift will be used for.
2. What are the physical illnesses or limitations of the patient?
3. How much space you have in your house for the lift?
4. Do you want a manual lift or an automatic one?
5. What is your budget for buying the lift?

You can research these questions and get a measurement of the patient. If you have queries, you can ask professionals to clear your doubts.

Types of patient lifting equipment

Generally, there are two different types of lifts available to people.
Manual lift- Manual patient lifts are operated completely by the caregiver. These kinds of lifts can help transfer patients who cannot move to a bed or bath and vice versa. Manual patient lifts are very ...
... helpful for individuals who come with a budget conscience.

Automatic electrical lift- Automatic lifts are operated with the help of batteries. So, you should always make sure to have an extra pack in case of emergencies. They are usually portable and easy to carry around in rooms. You can disassemble them when you do not need them to save some space in the room.

There is also a third type of lift prescribed for people with disabilities to help them do recreational activities.

Pool lifts- pool lifts are for letting people with disabilities inside pools to help them swim and do other pool activities. Patients can easily use these lifts to climb up the pool without getting injured or falling.

Uses of patient lifting equipment

Hospitals can take benefits from these lifts to get patients to safety whenever required. When the patient has suffered serious injuries to a bone or the head, these lifts can help pick them up without moving them much. Too much movement can harm a wound, muscle, bone, and head. Bone fragments sometimes break and injure other parts of the body. Patient lifts can remove that problem by slowly lifting the patient and placing them on a safe bed.

How to use patient lifting equipment?

Every patient lift comes with an instructions manual that should be read thoroughly by the user. Trained professionals should primarily operate these lifts to keep the chances of damage as low as possible. FDA has also advised operators to not use the lift if the slings are damaged.
Sling damage and wear is something that cannot be avoided. If the lift is used regularly, the slings will get loose and tear apart. Regular maintenance is usually advised to keep the lifts at peak performance. There are clips, handles, and latches provided to secure the slings around the patients. This can help the patient stay in a stable position and make movements that do not damage their muscles or wounds. When the patient is secured to the other stable position, the latches can be opened to take the slings off. But the safety of the patient should be the main priority.