A hoist is a mechanical device that has the ability to lift someone from one place to another and is often the most effective and ideal way of doing this.

They are designed to ensure that not only the individual in the hoist is safe but the carer is kept safe too, reducing the chance of injuries.

A hoist can save time and resources as everything the carer needs to carry out the lift is close to hand.

There are many types of hoists available on the market. Selecting the right one for the person who will be using it is very important as they need to be comfortable and kept supported throughout the lift.

 

Ceiling Track Hoists

A ceiling track hoist is a hoist that is fitted to or moulded into a track in the ceiling. It takes up no floor space at all meaning it’s kept out of the way of furniture. Also, there is no need to push it across difficult surfaces like carpet or rugs.

They can be used for many tasks such as:

  • Transferring someone from one place to another. For example from the bed to a chair or a bathtub
  • Repositioning someone who is unable to roll over in bed by themselves or sit up on their own
  • Rehabilitation purposes allowing someone to be held upright and kept stable by the hoist whilst they practice walking

One advantage of this type of hoist is that it can be operated independently by the individual, which is not possible with floor standing systems, offering an amount of independence and control.

 

Gantry Hoists

A gantry hoist is similar to a ceiling hoist but rather than being fitted to the ceiling it can be semi portable or free standing. The hoist motor moves along a rail overhead lifting someone vertically then moving them along the rail horizontally.

Gantry Hoists are often used:

  • When ceiling hoists are unable to be installed for any reason (e.g. lack of space)
  • When the hoist is only required in a particular place for a short amount of time
  • When the hoist user is travelling
  • By Health Professionals working in the community

 

Mobile Hoists

These can be used almost anywhere to improve accessibility in day to day activities. They are self-contained, not requiring any track so can be easily transported.

Thought does need to be given when choosing a mobile hoist about where it is going to be used:

  • Is there enough room to maneuver the hoist into the right position
  • Is the floor surface smooth enough to allow easy operation
  • Is there adequate operating range to list the individual clear of any surface
  • Is there enough room to store them away in an area with access to a charging point

 

Servicing of Hoists

Where hoists and slings are used by people at work for example a care provider (NHS Trust, Care Home) the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations apply.

In addition to routine maintenance and servicing done on a yearly basis, LOLER requires lifting equipment to be inspected, tested and thoroughly examined every six months.

 

What our Customers Say

Mr H in Bury St Edmunds left us a 5-star customer satisfaction review for the work we carried out for him in his home. Mr H required extensive adaptations in his new home including the installation of a new wet room, floor levelling between the bedroom and bathroom and the installation of a ceiling hoist in his bedroom.

He said [that he had a] “Great experience, beginning to end. Fantastic team, especially the installer here for the week”

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Whatever your requirements are we have a range of hoist solutions that ensure we can provide a safe and easy transfer solution.

For more information on our complete product range and services, call us on 0800 468 1023 or email enquiries@eamobility-48001b.ingress-baronn.ewp.live .