Patient lifts are essential tools in healthcare, facilitating safe transfers and reducing injury risks for both patients and caregivers. However, challenges can arise with different types of lifts, including ceiling lifts, gantry-style lifts, and floor lifts (sometimes called Hoyer lifts). Understanding these potential issues and their solutions is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency.
Ceiling Lifts: Challenges & Solutions
Generally speaking, ceiling-mounted lifts are very reliable and give patients and caregivers many years of service. That said, many of the issues we cover below are often rare, worst-case scenarios:Track Misalignment
Over time, ceiling lift tracks can become misaligned due to structural shifts or improper installation.
Solution:
Make sure your ceiling lift is placed there by a reputable dealer who is trained and certified by the manufacturer. This should negate the chances of improper installation causing issues. Beyond that, it’s a good idea to have your lift inspected and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations.Motor Malfunctions
While rare, frequent use can lead to motor wear and potential failures.Solution:
Implement a preventive maintenance schedule to monitor motor performance. Address unusual noises or operational issues promptly to prevent further damage.
Power Failures
Dependence on electricity means that power outages can render ceiling lifts inoperable.
Solution:
Make sure you purchase a lift that can run off an internal battery in case of a power failure.
Gantry-Style Lifts: Challenges & Solutions
Space
Gantry lifts use supports that typically rest on the ground on both sides of a bed. In some small bedrooms, the bed might have one side that is completely flush with the wall. A gantry lift will not work in that situation, as space is needed on both sides of the bed to place the supports.
Solution:
Rearrange the room, if possible, so that the bed is centered to make room for both supports. If there isn’t enough space, you’ll want to either consider another lift type – a ceiling lift if possible. If not, you might need to consider moving the bed to another larger room of the home.Floor Lifts (Hoyer): Challenges & Solutions
Difficult Maneuvering
One thing to consider with floor lifts is caregiver strength and ability. This can be a challenge on solid, flat flooring, but that challenge is magnified on carpet. The thicker the carpet pile (the length of the threads) and padding, the more difficult this will be. This is because the wheels will sink into the carpet and make moving the patient difficult, if not impossible.Solution:
Replace carpeting with solid, smooth flooring. Or, consider a different lift type like a gantry or ceiling mounted lift.Tipping and Stability Risks
Improper use or overloading can lead to instability and potential tipping.Solution:
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s weight capacity guidelines. Ensure the lift’s base is appropriately widened during transfers to enhance stability.
General Best Practices for All Lift Types
- Regular Training: Provide ongoing education for caregivers on the proper use of each lift type to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- Routine Maintenance: Establish a maintenance schedule to inspect and service lifts regularly, addressing any issues promptly.
Patient lifts are a great way to increase both patient and caregiver safety. But choosing the right one is important. By considering the above challenges and solutions, you will be better equipped to make that decision. As always, if you have questions about patient lifts, please call COR Freedom for expert advice.
