Introduction to mobility hoists
When referring to ‘mobility hoists’ we are in essence talking about any hoist that helps a person with mobility problems to move from one place to another. Mobility hoists include:
- Bath lifts
- Bed hoists
- Wheelchair or mobility scooter hoists (more on these later)
There are also different types of mobility hoists for the home:
Ceiling Hoists – very convenient for the majority of people, ceiling hoists are powered by electricity mounted to the ceiling on a track. The person is lifted in the sling and moved along the track to their desired location.
Mobile Hoists – these are free standing-and designed to support people when transported in a sling suspended by an arm. Mobile hoists do take up a lot of room, so careful calculations must be made prior to purchase. If being used for bath transfers, you will need to raise the bath from the floor so the frame can slide underneath the bathtub.
Stationary Hoists – inarguably stationary hoists are the most simple. They are mounted on the wall or to the floor, benefitting from a support arm used to transfer the person from location to location. Stationary hoists require a wall with good structural integrity and you will need to consider if there is enough room for the arc of the hoist swing.
The benefits of mobility hoists
It would be no exaggeration to say that the advent of modern mobility hoists has revolutionised the lives of not only those with mobility issues but also the many carers that look after people too. Moving around the room or from a seated position to the bed or bath, or from a wheelchair to a car, before the days of mobility hoists would have been an arduous task. Many more people would have required the help of a carer, family member or friend and many carers would have struggled to assist less mobile patients on their own. People lost their privacy and in some cases dignity and it is no exaggeration to say that mobility hoists have helped change lives as well as increase convenience levels.
It is definitely worth highlighting the great importance of wheelchair / mobility scooter hoists for cars. There are many different models and types of such hoist on the market, each with unique characteristics that will suit some more than others. Wheelchair hoists will help get a heavy wheelchair into a car and increase the travel options for many people. They are operated at the touch of a button, so friends and family can help get wheelchairs into the car without putting unnecessary strain on their bodies. Bespoke fits for different models of car are available too. Many powered hoists are suitable to be used by the individual, depending on their degree of upper body physical impairment, which is a huge step towards a more independent lifestyle.
It is always worth getting in touch with your local mobility shop to enquire about the most suitable mobility hoist for your individual needs.
