How to Properly Operate a Hoyer Lift

A Hoyer Lift is a device that is designed to easily transfer or lift a person with minimal physical effort. There are many safety tips and precautions one needs to follow while operating a Hoyer lift. One of the most important tips to remember is to always practice a lift with a person that is not your patient before using the lift on your patient. You need to know and understand how the lift feels and operates with an actual person in it. There are many other tips you should follow to ensure your patient is completely safe while you are using the lift. Here are just a few tips you should know:

• When using the lift you should always ensure that the base is open to ensure that the equipment remains stable during the lift. It should always be wide enough to easily and completely fit the lift chair, wheelchair, or toilet.
  
  

• Always make sure that your base widening apparatus is easy to operate by either the hand lever or the foot pedal depending on your model. You should inspect and test these before lifting your patient. You would never want this piece of equipment to malfunction during the lift because you could easily drop or injure your patient.
  
  

• You always want to check to see if your patient lift is capable of lifting your patient from the floor. You do not want anything to happen and be unable to easily and safely get your patient up from the floor. This would defeat the whole purpose of the machine: to easily move your patient from one place to another.
  
  

• You will want to look for a hydraulic pump that features an easy to use ergonomic handle. Usually, a patient lift will need approximately fifty pumps to completely transfer your patient. You do not want to be cranking away on something and wear yourself out in the middle of a lift. So, please do your research and choose the best model for you.
  
  

• Select a lift that has a sling cradle that best fits the needs of your patients. There are multiple types of sling cradles to choose from. Some are wider than others, and this may help your patient feel a little more comfortable during the lift. However, if your patient prefers a more narrow sling, then you should opt for that one. It depends on whatever will make your patient feel safe and at ease during the transport process.
  
  

• You always want to select the proper sling type to use. There are multiple types of slings that can be used to do different types of transfers. A full body sling can cradle a patient kind of like a hammock would. These slings may make some patients feel safer. Another type of sling is commode opening slings, which is pretty self-explanatory. U-slings are mainly used for wheelchair positioning and bathroom transfers. The best sling for you will depend on what your patient prefers and the type of transfer you are performing.
  
  

• Your lift will come with locking wheels, and during a lift, you need to ensure that these wheels are locked. You do not want the lift moving or rolling while a patient is in it. You always want the lift to remain stable to prevent any unnecessary injuries.
  
  

• The pressure release lowering components are used to control the descent of the patient during the lift. These pieces need to be made for one person to easily operate. You should always opt for models that offer large and easy to operate pressure release lowering components to ensure your patient’s safety.
  
  

• Another feature to look for in your lift is one that offers padding on the lift’s metal base. This padding could not only help protect your patient during an accidental fall, but it can also prevent any scrapes or scuffs to any of your or your employer’s furniture.
  
  

Before you decide on the Hoyer Lift for you or your patient, you must do the proper research. There are numerous factors you will need to consider in order to get the best lift out there to fit your needs. Most slings offer the same basic type of operation no matter the model or manufacturer. However, there are still many differences out there that will ultimately have a huge influence on your decision. These small differences should help make your decision a little easier; however, you will still want to put in all the leg work and research these models thoroughly.