Patient lifts are medical devices used to comfortably move paralyzed or mostly dependent patients from place to place with minimal strain placed on the caregiver. Also known as handicap lifts, people lifts, mechanical lifts, and hospital lifts, patient lifts are available in a wide variety of models to accommodate patients and caregivers with a range of needs.
Check out our full selection of patient transfer tools below!
Each lift design is the right solution for a specific patient or caregiver problem, but with the wide variety of options available it may seem daunting to try and choose one on your own. Luckily Rehabmart offers a wide variety of options and hosts our very own Caregiver University blog to help support and inform you through the decision-making and buying process. Check out our Caregiver’s Guide to Choosing the Right Patient Lift and read some of our great articles to help you choose a ceiling lift or a hoyer lift.
When is it time to use a patient lift?
Traditional sling patient lifts are typically reserved for patients who have no other assistive transfer options available. If the patient is mostly or totally dependent, then sling lifts are the safest and most effective way to lift and transfer them between locations, while more mobile patients might find sit-to-stand lifts a viable solution for safe and comfortable sitting and standing.
How do I size a patient for a lift or sling?
Patients should be measured in height, weight, and hip width and you should choose the appropriate sling size based on the manufacturer’s recommendations for your patient’s size and weight. If your patient is between sizes, then a smaller size might keep them more secure, but always ensure that you choose a weight capacity higher than your patient’s weight.
Does Medicare cover the cost of patient lifts?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers patient lifts as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Visit Medicare for more information.
I’m a caregiver. How can I find out more about patient lifts and safety?
The FDA offers a lot of helpful information and safety tips on how to safely transfer patients from place to place. This document is a great resource to learn about proper caregiver safety tips. You can also visit our Caregiver's Guide to Choosing the Right Patient Lift for more tips and information.