Safety Tips for Using a Patient Lift

If your senior parent is in a wheelchair or bed-bound, family caregivers and senior care providers probably spend a great deal of time and effort on transfers from chair to bed to car to toilet, etc. If your senior parent is small and you’re strong, you may be manually lifting your parent. However, if you’re a small person caring for a person who is much larger and heavier, lifting them on your own may be impossible. Fortunately, there are patient lifts that can help you to safely lift and transfer your senior parent without straining your back.

Senior Care Lexington NC – Safety Tips for Using a Patient Lift

Patient Lift Basics

A patient lift is a mechanical device that helps family caregivers and senior care providers to lift a patient and transfer them to another location. They are often a necessary part of care when a person is completely incapable of bearing weight, such is in the advanced stages of a degenerative disease like ALS. Patient lifts are available in manual models that are operated with hydraulics or in power models that run off of a battery that is rechargeable.

Patient lifts are comprised of a boom, mast, spreader handle, sling, sling bar,and clips, hooks, and latches that hold the sling. Lifts vary slightly by manufacturer, but generally operate in the same manner. The sling is placed under the patient and attached to the sling bar. The hydraulics or motor then lift the patient. The operator can then move the lift, which is on wheels, to wherever they are transferring the patient.

While lifts can help prevent injuries and strain to family caregivers and senior care providers, if they are not used properly, they can result in injury to the patient, the caregiver, or both.

Safety Tips for Using a Patient Lifts

Before you begin using a patient lift for your parent, it’s important that you receive training on proper usage of the device from a qualified person. To ensure you are safely using the lift, here are some tips:

• Keep your parent’s weight centered over the legs of the lift at all times.
• Your parent should be facing the person using the lift.
• Make sure that the sling you are using is right for your parent’s needs and has been approved for the power lift you are using.
• Check the sling and straps frequently to look for tears and fraying. Replace the sling promptly if there are signs of wear.
• Be sure to lock the wheels of the wheelchair or bed that your parent is being transferred into.
• Keep your parent’s arms inside the sling during operation.
• Check that all hooks, latches, and clips are fastened securely before lifting your parent.

A patient lift is a great option for both your senior parent and for you and their senior care providers as long as everyone knows how to properly use the lift to avoid accidents. Lifts can be purchased or rented from companies that sell mobility devices. If you’re considering getting a patient lift, talk to your parent’s doctor or physical therapist about choosing the right lift. They may also be able to suggest companies that sell lifts.

Sources:  https://www.phc-online.com/How_to_use_Hoyer-Lift_a/146.htm
https://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/HomeUseDevices/UCM386178.pdf
https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/GeneralHospitalDevicesandSupplies/ucm308622.htm
http://www.homecaremedical.com/services/training/hoyer-lift-use-maintenance-troubleshooting-and-safety/

If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Lexington NC, please contact the caring staff at Tender Hearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.