Every day, carers face the challenge of safely transferring clients with limited mobility. Without the right equipment, manual lifting can lead to discomfort, increased fall risks, and potential injuries for both the client and carer.
One way to achieve this is through medical lifters—devices that help carers safely transfer clients with limited mobility. Medical lifters offer a safe and efficient solution, ensuring smooth transfers while reducing physical strain on carers.
In this article, we’ll explore types of lifters in aged care, best practices for safe client handling, and key considerations for lifter safety in aged care settings.
What Kind of Lifter Do I Need?
Choosing the right lifter is crucial to improving client mobility, safety, and independence. The best option depends on your client’s weight-bearing ability and mobility level.
- Sit-to-Stand Lifters are perfect for clients who can partially bear weight and assist with standing.
- Full-Body Floor Hoists are designed for clients who need full support and cannot safely stand or bear weight.
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right lifter from our range.
Sit-to-Stand Lifters (For Partial Weight-Bearing Clients)
Oxford Journey Stand Hoist - $6,839.27
Compact and foldable for easy use in tight spaces. Supports standing, toileting, transfers, walking, and rehab. Includes a transport sling for seated transfers when full standing isn’t possible.
Oxford Ascend Stand-Aid Lift - $7,174.05
Provides strong support for clients who can partially bear weight but need help standing safely. Reduces carer strain and promotes client comfort during lifts.
Full-Body Floor Hoists (For Clients Needing Full Support)
Oxford Presence with Integrated Powered Cradle - $9,449.34
Premium-powered hoist with an integrated cradle for smooth, controlled lifting and positioning. Ideal for complex mobility needs, reducing carer strain and enhancing client dignity.
Oxford Presence Floor Hoist - $6,161.55
Manoeuvres easily around furniture. Offers reliable full-body lifting for safe, smooth transfers.
Oxford Midi Floor Hoist - $4,380.64
Mid-range, versatile hoist balancing affordability with dependable full-body lifting.
Oxford Advance Floor Hoist - $5,476.79
Fully mobile and durable, designed for everyday clinical and home use. Supports safe transfers for clients needing full lifting assistance.
Which Lifter Is Right for Your Client?
- Choose Sit-to-Stand Lifters like the Journey or Ascend if your client can partially bear weight and assist with standing.
- Opt for Full-Body Floor Hoists like the Presence, Midi, or Advance if your client cannot safely stand or bear weight.
Selecting the right type of medical lifter ensures that both clients and carers can enjoy greater safety and comfort during transfers. Proper equipment helps minimise the risk of injury and ensures better support for clients in aged care.
Safe client Handling Techniques
Safe client handling involves not only proper lifting techniques but also ensuring that clients are positioned comfortably before and after transfers. Pairing medical lifters with aged care beds designed for easy height adjustments can further enhance safety and convenience. These beds help carers adjust positions smoothly, reducing strain and preventing unnecessary movements that could cause discomfort or injury. Some important guidelines include:
Use Proper Lifting Technique:
Ensure the lifter is securely positioned before transferring the client. This minimises the chance of accidents and ensures the lift operates as intended.
Ensure Comfort and Safety:
Always check that the client is positioned correctly in the sling. A poorly positioned client can cause discomfort or even injury during transfer.
Regular Training:
Carers should receive regular training on how to use lifting equipment correctly. Refresher courses ensure carers maintain a high standard of safety and efficiency when using medical lifters.
Following these safe client handling practices significantly reduces the risk of injury. By ensuring proper use of medical lifters, client transfers can be made smoother and more comfortable for both the client and carer.
Lifter Safety in Aged Care: Why It’s Crucial
Lifter safety is a serious concern in aged care. Improper use of medical lifters can lead to accidents such as falls and injuries. To improve lifter safety in aged care, carers should consider the following:
Routine Maintenance:
Medical lifters should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working order. Faulty equipment can malfunction during use, putting both the client and carer at risk.
Adhere to Weight Limits:
Always ensure that the medical lifter is suitable for the client’s weight. Exceeding weight limits can cause equipment failure, leading to injury.
Ongoing Training:
Carers should receive continuous training on using lifting equipment safely. Ensuring they are well-versed in proper techniques minimises accidents and ensures safe transfers.
Why Choose Medical Lifters for Aged Care?
Medical lifters offer more than just practical benefits—they are an investment in the safety, dignity, and well-being of elderly clients. The use of medical lifters in daily caregiving routines can lead to several benefits, including:
Enhanced comfort for the client:
The client experiences less discomfort as transfers are smoother and free of jarring or painful movements.
Lower risk of injury for the carer:
The physical strain on caregivers is reduced, lowering the chance of injuries to the back, shoulders, and other areas.
Improved quality of care:
carers can focus on providing the best possible care instead of worrying about the risks of manual transfers.
Investing in medical lifters allows aged care facilities to prioritise both client and carer safety, improving the quality of care and ensuring that the caregiving process is efficient and sustainable.
Ready to Improve Client Safety? Explore Our Range of Medical Lifters
Looking for the right medical lifters for your aged care facility? Browse our wide selection of aged care equipment, designed to ensure safe, comfortable client handling.
