How do you use a hoyer lift?

Answer 1

A note: Hoyer lifts are just one brand of 'patient' lift, and all manufacturers publish guidelines on how to use their lifts. As you're reading this online, you should probably look for a manufacturer's label and then go and look at their site, too.

First, you need a sling for the lift which is suitable for the needs of the person to be lifted - these needs are of course as variable as are any set of individual needs, but might most commonly relate to the need (or not) for head support, a sling designed specifically for lower-limb amputees, one which allows a lift in a very reclined position, a very upright one, or from lying flat. Whether or not the lift user will need to stay sat on their sling when in their wheelchair (particularly common for people who are very obese, who have severe or profound physical impairments, or who require a wheelchair which is moulded or carved to fit the specific shape of their body), whether or not the sling is to be used for toileting or in the shower, and whether or not the user's skin is particularly fragile may all also need considering.

An occupational or physical therapist can help to identify which sling will be the most appropriate, and assist in obtaining one.

Someone who always requires the use of a lift for their transfers (moves from one form of seating or bed to another) will ordinarily have their own sling/s, and should whenever possible simply be asked which sling they need or would prefer to use.

If your lift is electric, make sure that its battery is charged and connected now, and check that the emergency stop has not been engaged.

To get ready to lift, the liftee needs to be sitting or lying on their sling. If they're sitting upright, it may be possible to tuck it down behind them and then bring each leg support down and around. If lying down, turning them onto one side, tucking a carefully folded sling under them and then rolling them back onto it may work. Again, it's individual. If they can, let the liftee tell you how best to help them.

Make sure the sling is fully unrolled and unfolded under the liftee, and that the leg supports (if present) are flat and smooth under each thigh. Bring the lift in. If lifting from the floor, bring the lift behind the liftee if possible. From a chair or wheelchair, approach from directly in front. From bed, choose whichever side has the most space to maneuver. Once the lift is in the right place, use the lever (older lifts) or button on the handset (newer) to open its 'legs', providing a wider and more stable base. Put its brakes on.

Identify which loops to use on the straps of the lift sling - most slings have a series of loops stitched along each strap, to allow adjustments in which position the liftee is to be lifted in. Ask the liftee or check their care plan if possible.

Lower the lifting bar, using the handset (electric lift) or hand pump (hydraulic lift), until it is approximately level with the liftee's shoulders, if sitting. Attach the leg straps first so that the lifting bar on the lift is then prevented from swinging forward, avoiding the risk of the liftee being smacked on the head by it. Go on to attach the hip straps, if present, and the shoulder straps. Unless you've been told otherwise, make sure the sling is attached symmetrically, with the same colour-coded loops on each side. Re-check that the sling is smooth and well fitted, and that the liftee is comfortable and happy for you to proceed.

Do a final check for obstacles - seatbelts or posture support in a wheelchair, is the liftee on a tube feed that needs pausing and disconnecting before they are moved? Are there cables or debris on the floor? Is the place the liftee is being transferred *to* clear and ready for them (in particular, if possible, can you tilt back or recline the chair they're being lifted to)?

ASK THE LIFTEE IF THEY ARE READY TO MOVE. If needed, use appropriate UP sign, symbol or object of reference to make sure that they understand that they are going to be lifted - it's very frightening if you do not know what is going on. Never lift somebody against their consent - in most countries this would typically constitute assault.

If you have an electric lift, offer the handset to the liftee if they are able to safely use it and press the buttons appropriately. Watching carefully for anything catching - both the lift sling, parts of the liftee's body, and clothing should be checked as you go - lift smoothly straight upwards until the liftee is clear of whatever they were sitting or lying on. Once the liftee is airborne, pull the lift straight back from the bed, or pull the chair or wheelchair they were sitting on away. Move the chair, not the lift, whenever possible. Don't forget to take the brakes off if you need to!

Get yourselves in a position to put your liftee wherever s/he is going next - bring the lift over to a bed, put a commode or wheelchair in position - and, if appropriate, give the DOWN sign, symbol or object of reference. Gently and smoothly lower the liftee, taking particular care to make sure that they are positioned right at the back of any seating (tilting it will help here, as will lifting in a tilted-back position).

Once the liftee is safely and comfortably positioned (let them be the judge of this if appropriate), unhook the sling from the lift and carefully pull the lift away. Lift done.

Remove the sling, if appropriate - toiletting slings are normally left in place during use (as the liftee will be being lifted again soon to get off the toilet), and many slings made of towelling or very fine, soft material are designed to be left in place in a chair or wheelchair.

Congratulations, you've used a lift.