Spinlife's Guide to Patient Lifts

A patient lift is among the best investments that one can make to improve user and caregiver safety and convenience. Patient lifts allow an occupant to be all but effortlessly lifted from a bed and transferred into a wheelchair, onto a commode, or bath, all without any strain by the caregiver or risk by the occupant.

Patient lifts come in two versions, sling and stand-up, in manual and power configurations, all of which affect how the lift operates for the caregiver and occupant. By answering the questions below, and then applying those answers to the information provided in this guide, you can best assess the type that will best suit your needs.

Invacare Reliant Plus 450 Power Patient Lift

Patient Lift Selection Checklist

• Does the patient need to be lifted from a seated or a prone position?
• Does the patient have a lack of extremity use or spasticity?
• Can the patient utilize hand grips?

Patient Lift Varieties

• Sling Patient Lifts
• Stand-Up Patient Lifts

Other Patient Lift Resources

• Slings
• Manual Versus Power Lift Operation

By Mark E. Smith