Making Home Care Safer and Easier
Providing safe and dignified care at home is essential for both carers and individuals with mobility challenges. Patient lifters ensure secure transfers, reducing strain on carers while improving the comfort and well-being of patients.
Choosing the right home care lifter means considering key factors like weight capacity, portability, and safety. Below, we’ll explore the five essential features that define the best patient lifters for home use and help you make an informed decision.
Weight Capacity: Ensuring Safe Transfers
A medical lifter for home use must be able to support the person’s weight safely. Standard floor lifters typically have weight limits ranging from 250 to 450 lbs (113 to 204 kg). For heavier individuals, bariatric patient lifters provide reinforced frames and increased capacity.
|
Weight Capacity Range |
Best Use Case |
|
Up to 250 lbs (113 kg) |
Standard home care |
|
250 - 450 lbs (113 - 204 kg) |
Most patients, safer lifting |
|
450+ lbs (204+ kg) |
Bariatric support, higher stability |
Always check the manufacturer’s weight specifications before purchasing.
Choosing the Right Lift: Electric vs. Manual Leg-Spread Mechanism
While all of our patient lifters come with an electric lifting mechanism, clients have the option of choosing from either a manual or electric leg-spread mechanism. For carer ease of use and comfort at home, we recommend choosing the electric leg spread option, which is fully adjustable and reduces strain on carers who perform frequent lifts or are mobility impaired.
Our manual leg spread options come at a lower point and work well in busy facilities where heavy use is called for. Manual options have fewer moving parts so there’s less risk of failure and they provide predictable, stable leg positions for fast, repeated use.
For those who need a floor lifter that is both efficient and reliable, explore our selection of floor hoists. .
Portability and Storage: Maximising Space in Home Care
A portable home care lifter is essential in smaller spaces. If storage is a concern, consider models with foldable frames or adjustable bases.
|
Feature |
Benefit |
|
Lightweight frame |
Easier to move between rooms |
|
Foldable design |
Saves space when not in use |
|
Adjustable base width |
Fits through narrow doorways |
|
Caster brakes |
Off/unlocked during client transfer for safety. Only apply for storage |
|
Quick-fold mechanism |
Easy to store and transport |
Example: Some floor lifters are designed for small living spaces, ensuring easy movement without occupying too much room.
Versatility and Sling Compatibility: Customising Comfort and Support
A versatile patient lifter adapts to different transfer needs, whether for bed-to-wheelchair movements, bathroom transfers, or daily mobility support. The right lifter sling compatibility enhances safety and comfort.
Common Sling Types and Their Uses
|
Sling Type |
Best Use Case |
|
Full-Body Sling |
Maximum support for limited mobility |
|
Toileting Sling |
Provides easy access for hygiene care |
|
Standing Sling |
Assists users with partial weight-bearing ability |
Safety Features: Peace of Mind for Caregivers and Patients
Safety should be a top priority when choosing the best patient lifter for home use. Look for built-in safety mechanisms that prevent accidents and ensure a smooth lifting process.
|
Safety Feature |
Purpose |
|
Emergency stop & lowering |
Ensures safe descent if lift malfunctions |
|
Locking casters |
Prevents unintended movement |
|
Anti-sway sling attachments |
Reduces side-to-side motion |
|
Overload protection |
Prevents lifting beyond capacity |
|
Safety stop mechanism |
Lifter stops moving when it encounters an obstruction even if the handset buttons are still pushed. |
Advanced home care lifters come with smart safety technology to enhance carer confidence. Our lifters feature an important safety stop mechanism that ensures the lifter stops moving when it encounters an obstruction even if the handset buttons are still pushed. Additionally, the boom on our lifters remains in place even when an obstruction is removed. This negates any risk of the client dropping dangerously or the sling or spreader bar impacting on the person as it drops down.
Choosing a Lifter You Can Trust
Investing in the right patient lifter for home care makes daily transfers safer and more manageable for both patients and carers. Key features to focus on include:
- Weight Capacity— Ensures safe lifting for various needs
- Electric vs. Manual Options— the best fit for your care routine
- Portability & Storage— Compact and easy to maneuver in home settings
- Versatility & Sling Compatibility— Adapts to different transfer requirements
- Safety Features— for accident prevention and caregiver peace of mind
Before purchasing, consult a healthcare professional to determine the best option. If you’re looking for a reliable home care lifter, explore our trusted range of medical lifters designed for safety, comfort, and durability.
