Hoyer Lift - Patient Lift

When a PALS is no longer able to help with transfers, the use of a patient lift is necessary. There are a few different kinds of patient lifts, but the most popular type is often called a Hoyer lift.

Close Up of Patient in a Hoyer Lift

Sling Laid Out

Patient in a Hoyer Lift

The way a Hoyer lift works is that a sling is placed underneath the patient and the boom arm of the lift picks up the sling with the person in it. Once the patient is raised up, the whole setup - lift, sling, and patient is rolled to the location that the patient is being transferred to. Then the boom arm is lowered, and the patient is guided down to the transfer location.

A Hoyer lift is typically easily available through most insurance policies. To obtain a Hoyer lift you can contact your local medical supply company to find out what your insurance policy covers and what paperwork is required.

When ordering a Hoyer lift, be sure to have the following written on the prescription from your doctor:

Patient lift with "U" or "Divided Leg" sling

There are many different slings available. The U sling will allow the sling to be easily taken on/off of the patient. If you receive a different kind of sling, it will difficult or impossible to take the sling on/off the patient when not in use. This is important because a patient should not sit on the sling for extended periods of time. Sitting on a sling for a long period of time can put the patient at risk for pressure sores.

If your Hoyer lift is delivered with the incorrect sling, contact the supplier and make them give you the correct sling, as prescribed by your doctor.

Further Reading:

- Be Proactive! - Insurance and Big Ticket Items
- Adaptive Clothing
- Alternate Reading Methods
- Patient Lifts
- Hospital Beds/Mattresses
- 3-in-1 Commode
- Modified Vehicles