Technology continues to improve the lives of patients and caretakers alike, and there is perhaps a no better example than the electric patient lift. The electric patient lift has a long history in hospitals and home settings.
Each year they design new lifts with improved features to help mobility. Here is everything you need to know about this revolutionary invention that continues to amaze.
How They Work
Electric patient lifts use an electric motor and hydraulic arms to help lift a patient from their bed to a chair or bath; they are perfectly safe and require nothing more than batteries or an AC power plug to function.
Center the weight of your patient and with the use of a remote control the caretaker can raise or lower the patient comfortably. If you are the caretaker, you must be sure to test the machine with the help of an assistant to ensure safety before lifting a patient.
The Essential Sling
All electric patient lifts should come equipped with a U-Sling for transferring the patient from bed to another location.
It is essential that the caretaker know how to fold the sling before using it on the patient correctly, the instruction manual will provide this information. Securely place the sling underneath the patient. The patient must always be facing the caregiver with feet off the bed before lifting.
Structure
Knowing the structure and parts of the electric patient lift can help you ensure safety. There is always a locking wheel that allows for stability, an emergency release button, a battery pack, and a push handle as well.
Each aspect of the electric power lift is meant to ensure a smooth and safe transition each time, the more familiar you are with the features, the better the operator you will be.
Pricing and Availability
Electric patient lifts are sophisticated machines, but they are widely made available by several companies who put out fantastic products each year.
The pricing can range anywhere from $1200 to $12,000, and they are typically used in hospital settings where other premier equipment is used. Some products offer everything you need at a reasonable price.
You Are in Control
By having an electric patient lift available both the caregiver and the patient can avoid injury and make the process of movement far smoother.
If you are the caregiver the power is in your hands to ensure a smooth transition via the remote control. You will also want to maintain the machine and ensure that batteries are always readily available in case of a power outage. The care and maintenance of this sophisticated machine is crucial.
Technology Is on Our Side
Innovation continues to provide healthcare facilities with the necessary tools to perform, and there is no telling what the future holds. The electric patient lift is a miracle of an invention, and it may be precisely what you need at home or in your facility today. Give your patients and caretakers the comfort and peace of mind that they deserve.
Here are a few patient lifts we recommend:
1) Advance-E™ Electric Patient Lift
The Hoyer Advance-E is compact, yet able to perform an outstanding range of transfers. Whether from the floor or onto a healthcare bed, the Advance-E Electric Lift copes with ease.
Advance E's unique tapered leg design allows the lift to get even closer to the widest of obstacles. This is especially useful when encountering large chairs, bulky commodes, and wheelchairs.
The tapered design also ensures that the resident feels safe and secure during the transfer. The Advance-E Patient Lift is compact, yet able to perform an outstanding range of transfers.
2) Hoyer Deluxe Electric Power Patient Lift
Designed to meet the needs of the caregiver as well as the patient, the HPL402 features ergonomic handle grips to reduce back strain and a mechanical down-release lever for non-powered lowering. The single-speed actuator is reverse-mounted to give the patient increased leg clearance, and the unit also features leg guards and caster bumpers to prevent damage to walls and furniture.
3) Bestlift Electric Patient Lift
This homecare power patient lift is built for years of trouble-free service with "no tools required" assembly. Quick snap connections require no tools. Powered Lifter uses rechargeable batteries with onboard charging system. Battery Charger is built into the Lift's control box. Battery and charging system includes low charge and load capacity warning.
4) Medlift 45olb Powered Base Electric Patient Lift
Power-operated base allows the legs to be positioned where you need them. Floor pick-up capability helps prevent caregiver strain. Emergency stop, power, manual lowering, and audible, low-battery warning provide safety. 4-point, cradle design minimizes patient sway.
5) Drive Bariatric Heavy Duty Electric Patient Lift
The Drive Medical Bariatric Electric Patient Lift 13244 has a load capacity of 650 lbs and comes with a free padded U-sling. The on-board charger can be charged from any AC outlet. This electric lift is heavy duty while being economical. This lift is ideal for home use!