Patient lifts are special devices that allow caregivers to lift patients who struggle to move on their own. These lifts are also commonly found in home care to assist the lifting of a patient from one location to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair, and vice versa.
Deciding on the Best Patient Lift for Your Home
When choosing a patient lift for your home, you will want to consider if the patient needs a basic sling, how much you can or will need to spend, and where and how you wish to store the lift. There are various kinds of Patient Lift, including manual, electric, and hydraulic lifts. Manual lifts require the caregiver to exert some of their physical power, while electric and hydraulic lifts run on electricity or fluid, so that they are a bit easier to use.
A Guide to Safely Using a Patient Lift Step by Step
What’s more, to avoid being hurt, it is important to use a patient lift safely. Here are steps to use a patient lift the right way:
Wheel the patient lift in to the patient's side and ensure the wheels are locked.
Fasten the Sling On the Patient, Thinking about Tightness away and securely.
Use the levers to raise the patient from bed or chair.
Carefully slide the patient to the area you’d like to plant them and slide the plastic sheeting out from beneath the patient.
And there's your bedside manners Tip for the day.) If you take off the sling when placing the patient back into the bed or chair, you are doing it wrong.
Lift Tips: Moving and Transferring Patients with a Lift
Patient transfer with a lift may require practice. The following are pointers to assist you:
Keep the patient lifts & slings near to the patient will shorten the time of the patient transfer.
Ensure the sling is in its proper position, tight for support and to lift.
Assist the patient with the use of the patient lift, taking care to not injure anyone.
While transferring the patient, talk to him or her to reassure and inform.
Get a trained person to help you practice the lift before trying it by yourself.
Long Term Use of Your Patient Lift: Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance for your patient lift is essential to have it last longer and operate safely. Here are few guidelines to help you maintain your lift:
Make sure you periodically inspect the lift for any kind of damage, including broken straps and controls that won’t work.
Wash and clean your lift frequently with soap and water to prevent dirt and germs.
When the lift is not in use, keep it in a dry and secure location so it will last.
Maintain your lift as recommended by the manufacturer.
Consider some type of cover or bag for your lift when it’s not in use.
In summation, an at home patient lifts for home can aid in aiding patients who cannot walk. By understanding what a patient lift is, how to select one, how to safely use one and how to care for it, you can make caregiving more manageable. Don’t forget to maintain your patient lift so it can continue to assist you for years to come.