Many people with spinal cord injuries use lifts to move safely, comfortably, and often independently within their homes. SCI BC sponsor Macdonald’s Home Health Care supplies lifts for every individual situation and need. (And they’ve put together this handy guide to choosing a lift or sling that’s right for you!)
Imagine one assistive device that could help maintain your independence, enhance your safety and comfort in your own home… Patient lifts and slings are a key part of home independence for many SCI peers who need assistance transferring between bed, wheelchair or bathroom. And SCI BC sponsor Macdonald’s Home Health Care has one to fit every need.
THE SPACE SAVER: FLOOR LIFTS
Floor-based patient lifts are a sturdy, often foldable frame on wheels that can be moved from room to room. They save space over installed versions and are ideal for spaces where permanent adaptations aren’t possible. There are several models available to suit several price ranges and body sizes, such as the Hoyer Deluxe Power Patient Lifter, which features handle grips to reduce back strain and a mechanical lever for non-powered lowering. This lift also has more leg-clearance and comes equipped with castor bumpers to protect your walls and furniture from scuffs. Plus it can support up to 400 pounds, folds for compact storage, and can easily be moved from room to room.
SMOOTH MOVER: PERMANENT CEILING LIFTS
Lifts like the BHM Voyager Duo are built right into the wooden structure of the ceiling offering a smooth, reliable lift that’s customized to your space and can help make routine lifting tasks more convenient. For example, a track could be installed along the ceiling between the bed and the bathroom, making transitions back and forth safer and easier. These lifts are ideal for long-term users and permanent installation means your space isn’t cluttered by posts or large equipment. Its lifting capacity of 220-440 pounds can help protect your in-home helpers from injury. This model has a quick and reliable motor that moves you smoothly and with little effort, and an easy-to-reach pull cord puts the emergency stop right in your hands, making it one of the safest lifts available.
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: TENSION-MOUNTED OVERHEAD LIFTS
You like the reliability and power of an overhead lift but don’t want the commitment of a permanent installation? A tension-mounted frame like the Easytrack Lift System relies on a 2, 3 or 4-post frame that mounts quickly and easily between the floor and ceiling of your space. This frame works with a powered overhead lift like the Voyager Portable Overhead Lifter which is easy to carry and store, weighing only 14 pounds. This lift can support up to 440 pounds and has easily accessible controls on both sides of the unit as well as a universal carry bar compatible with all types of slings.
THE NO-COMMITMENT OPTION: THE FREE-STANDING GANTRY PATIENT LIFT
When you want the support and safety of a lift for point-to-point transfers without any permanent adaptation to your home, a free-standing gantry patient lift like the Easytrack FS Lift System (designed for use with the Voyager lift, above) is a great option, enabling you to have a lift where you need it, using adjustable levers and an expandable rail that can allow the track to adapt to different spaces as your needs or spaces change. This lift is also portable and can be set up and taken down in minutes.
THE SLING’S THE THING!
There are a variety of slings available for rent or purchase depending on patient needs and the type of lift you decide on. Both the BHM Hammock Sling and the BHM Hammock 6 Sling, designed for use with BHM Medical ceiling and floor patient lifts, provide full head and neck support, double padding for comfort, and positioning handles and strong nylon/ polyester straps that help prevent falls. Both slings are made of quick-drying mesh fabric, making them ideal for bathing. Plus, they’re machine washable.
Many slings are specially designed to enable you to get into them from your chair without transfer. The QuickFit Sling, designed for Hoyer lifts, is made with extra fabric in the seat for added support and comfort in a less-restrictive design that requires minimal assistance to use.
Patient lifts and slings are available from Macdonald’s Home Health Care for rental and purchase, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. For expert information while choosing or installing your lift system, contact the dedicated Macdonald’s team or visit the Macdonald’s website.
