A Guide to Hoists: Portable Hoists
Mobile Hoists
Mobile hoists are very versatile, they can handle virtually all lifting scenarios providing there is room to maneuver. They can lift from beds, baths, toilets and floors. As a general rule larger (and more expensive) hoists, lift more weight higher. The Oxford "Major" for example, will lift 190kg 1.2m off the floor, high enough to clear special mattresses.
There is a downside however. A hoist that lifts a lot of weight needs to be longer and wider for stability, this can make it unwieldy. Older buildings with narrow hallways, tight corners and small rooms, lend themselves to smaller hoists with weight and height limitations.
Wheel size is an issue, particularly when the hoist needs to be wheeled under a piece of furniture. A large wheel, for example, makes the hoist easier to push, particularly on carpet, but might not fit beneath a bed.
The legs of mobile hoists can be opened to fit around arm and wheel chairs.
There are two principal ways mobile hoists lift, manually via a hydraulic pump operated by the carer and battery operated. The benefits of each are summarized below:
Manual / Hydrulic Pump
Low cost. Easily maintained.No batteries to charge, so they are always ready to lift. Ideal for occasional and emergency use Prices range from £525 for a small hoist to about £800 for a heavy duty model.
Battery Operated
Easy operation at the touch of a button. Ideal where frequent lifting is necessary. Can be used in awkward corners where it would be difficult to operate a pump. Some clients are able to assist the carer by pressing the buttons themselves. This has the added benefit of giving the client a degree of control. The carer is free to position her self to move the client during the hoisting process. Prices are around three hundred pounds more than the mechanical equivalent.
Standaids
A variation of mobile hoist which lifts the client from a chair to a standing position. As the client needs a degree of leg strength, the knees rest against a pad, individual assessment is needed. It can greatly simplify transfers and toileting as the slings, unique to these machines, are straightforward to use.
Main Showroom:
Mobility House
2A Cavendish Avenue
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN22 8EN
Shop :
67 Bourne Street
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 3SB
Email Details :
Telephone Details :
tel: 01323 645067
fax: 01323 649988