Types of Mechanical Lifts for Patients: Understanding the Choices

Transfer is a major concern in caring for aged- individuals and those having mobility issues. Mechanical lifts for patients are useful for transferring candidates for everyday routine activities like baths, toilet, dressing, etc. Patient lifts can serve the purpose of providing ease for caregivers and comfort and safety for patients. 

However, there are numerous mechanical patient lifting devices offered by suppliers nowadays. Importantly, choosing the right one for your facility can significantly enhance the operations with ease and comfort. Read further to understand the different types of patient mechanical lifts. 

Types of Patient Mechanical Lifts Canada

Different types of patient mechanical lifts are available these days, making it easier to meet a variety of needs.

Few are mounted on the ceiling, while few operate on the floor. Some are manually operated, while some are electrically powered. Each lift has its own set of serving purposes. The facility owners need to understand the needs of their patients to make a wiser investment.  

Here are the different types of mechanical lifts you can consider for long-term care facilities in Canada.

Hydraulic Patient Lifts

Hydraulic patient lifts are user-friendly and cost-effective choices. Patients will be held in a sling bag and raised or lowered using a hand pump. If you consider the Drive Medical Hydraulic Deluxe Chrome Plated Patient Lift, it can raise and lower the individual in a stationary position. Its chrome-plated steel offers maximum strength. The high-performance hydraulics and easy-to-use brakes ensure a gradual movement devoid of jerks. It has a 6-point swivel bar to accommodate 2 or 4 sling straps and 2 chain connections. It has 5” casters, weighs 72 lb, and can bear a patient's weight up to 420 lbs. 

If you consider the Drive Medical Hydraulic Deluxe Silver Vein patient lift, it shares the same features except for the silver vein steel construction and an adjustable width base. You can choose either 3” or 5” casters depending on your needs. 

Compare both the products with the help of a table.

Electric Patient Lifts

Electric patient lifts are battery-powered and have switches for operation.  The Drive Medical Bariatric battery-powered lifts are easy to charge. You do not have to plug off the battery while charging, As a safety feature, the lift will not operate while it is plugged in for a charge. The base legs have easy adjustability and a security lock with a shifter handle. It has an emergency button containing the jumbo actuator pump to switch to manual mode. Its weight is 132 lb and can support patient weight up to 600 lb. However, the packed carton would weigh around 148 lb.

Medsupply also offers Drive Medical drive chargers for battery-powered patient lifts. You may consider them if an existing lift at your facility requires a replacement. 

Ceiling Lifts

Ceiling lifts are mounted on the ceiling on an exclusive track and rail system. They require a specific infrastructure in the long-term care facility.

Floor Lifts

Floor lifts stand on the floor and have wheels to move around in the long-term care home. They do not need a special infrastructure as the ceiling lifts need. However, they occupy designated space on the floor. 

Drive Medical Gravis floor lift, manual base 600 lb has an LCD and low battery alert fuel indicator on the handle. It can bear up to 600 lb weight and raises an audible alert upon over-weight detection. Further, it also has audible alerts for maintenance due dates. So you don’t have to keep worrying about checking maintenance or fuel quantity dues and charge timings. The rear casters are sealed and oversized with secure and easy locks. Its smart technology enables it to stop if a resident or caregiver comes in the midway boom. The ensured safety makes it a favorite choice for caregivers in long-term care homes. 

The Drive Medical Gravis floor lift, power base 600 lb comes with the same features as that of the manual one except for the power base.  

Furthermore, you have the same features but the only difference is the weight capacity of other products supplied by Medsupply. The Drive Medical Levantar floor lift manual base, 500 lb, and Drive Medical Levantar floor lift power base, 500 lb have a weight capacity of 500 lb. 

Sit-Stand Lifts

Sit-stand lifts are for patients with limited mobility. These help patients transfer from the sitting position to the standing position and back to the sitting position again. 

With Medsupply, there are plenty of replacement options for your already purchased mechanical lifts. 

You get the polyester fabric made, Drive Medical sit-to-stand slings for sit-to-stand electric lifts.  While for the sit-stand electric lifts, there are Drive Medical Deluxe sit-to-stand slings. These have color-coded padded straps, lumbar padded support, lateral side pad, and padded plush belt help to maintain patient balance with added comfort and support. 

Further, you get the Dynarex replacement straps for standard slings and Drive Medical full-body slings which are easy and convenient replacement options.    

Summarizing It For You!

Mechanical lifts are designated to provide efficient patient transfer, especially for those with mobility issues. Nowadays, there are varied types of mechanical lifts for the comfort and safety of patients. It is essential to understand the features of the mechanical lifts you plan to purchase. Prioritize comfort, safety, and ease of use with the diverse range of mechanical lifts with Medsupply.