Start Home Care the Safe Way: Hoyer Lifts and Lift Chairs That Work
Starting home healthcare for a loved one is momentous. Families seek safety, dignity, and comfort—but often have little guidance about what equipment can be truly helpful. Hoyer lifts and lift chairs are just two of the essential tools that truly make a difference. When appropriate, they ease the burden on caregivers and help maintain dignity for those being cared for.
Why Home Care Is All About Safety
“It’s not like the hospital environment,” is how Adam Sabes, the project manager for home care at TGH, puts it. Lack of the right equipment can result in a simple daily movement becoming a fall, an injury, or even caregiver burnout. The right mobility support is essential for:
- Decreased risk of falls and transfer accidents
- Caregivers’ back and joint protection
- More freedom for the care recipient
- Whole family peace of mind
What Is a Hoyer Lift, and When Do You Need One?
According to ProMed Equipment Oakville, The Hoyer lift is a type of mechanical/electric patient lift that assists caregivers with the task of moving someone who has limited mobility.
It is frequently used when a person is unable to tolerate weight bearing or walking safely.
- The patient is unable to tolerate weight bearing or walking safely.
- The patient requires assistance with transfers from bed to wheelchair or toilet.
- The patient is either rehabilitating after surgery or experiencing mobility issues.
- You need some or total assistance in transferring.
Some advantages of using a Hoyer lift include
- Smooth, controlled transfers
- Reduced physical effort for caregivers
- Less risk than manhandling lifting
- Solutions for short- and long-term care.
Lift chairs promote independence throughout the day.
A lift chair is much like a recliner, but it features a built-in powered lifting mechanism that lifts the entire chair up from its base, pushing the user into an upright position.
Lift chairs are ideal for people who:
- Are able to walk but have difficulty standing
- Suffer joint pain, weakness, or trouble with balance
- Want to stay at home, but need residence services?
Advantages of lift chairs include:
- Easier to stand up and sit down without help
- Reduced fall risk during transitions
- Improved comfort for extended sitting.
- It provides support for daily activities like meals and rest periods.
Selecting the Best Home Equipment
Which Hoyer lift or lift chair is the right one for your needs and home? Important factors to consider include:
- User weight capacity and size
- Space in bedrooms and living rooms
- Caregiver involvement and strength
- Frequency of use and level of mobility
Professional assistance can ensure the right equipment is bought for your particular situation and help prevent expensive mistakes.
The way you begin determines whether you set yourself up for success or failure. A SAFER START: Say it when you start.
Doing home care the safe way isn’t about going more high-tech—it’s about using tools that work. Hoyer lifts and lift chairs are designed to offer support in lifting, stress reduction, and relief; their use provides families with the kind of security that will keep them focused on caregiving.