Top Hoyer Lifts for Patients – 2023 Guide and Reviews

 

If you’re in need of Hoyer products and you have no idea how you can find the best Hoyer lift, then you can either waste tons of time browsing through countless Hoyer lift reviews or you can take our advice and quickly read our comprehensive buying guide. We’ve carefully gathered all the relevant information in this field, and our findings show that the first product that you should take into consideration is the Hoyer Journey Lift, due to many reasons. First of all, the unique folding design makes it require minimum storage space. It features adjustable knee pads for increased comfort, and an adjustable cow horn so it will be easy to use for just about anyone. This model is also lightweight for this type of product, making it easy to transport it wherever it’s needed. Should this option be unavailable, we suggest you check out the Hoyer Advance Portable instead, as a great second choice.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

8 Best Hoyer Lifts for Patients (Reviews) in 2023

 

 

We know it can overwhelming to look for the best care patient lifts in this overcrowded market with so many options available for sale, and so any prospective buyer or user might start to feel lost at some point. In order to avoid uncertainty, we’ve put together a list of our favorite items below.

 

1. Hoyer Journey Sit to Stand Lift

 

A very popular and appreciated product, the Hoyer lift offers you comfort and a lot of other features without being too pricey. Efficiently helping the patients to move from the bed to the wheelchair or from the car to the wheelchair, it is a well-made product that provides great value for the money.

The adjustable cow-horn mechanism is designed to support a wide range of patients heights and sizes, offering performance for many different body types and weights.

This particular lift can be used to meet the needs of more than one person, making it versatile and increasing its value. Furthermore, the lift is foldable and can be turned into a small, compact object when stored.

The portability is provided through a lightweight design using only high-quality materials, and since it is also compact it allows the caregiver to maneuver it in tight spaces where movement is restricted. Easy to store and transport, it has functionality and, furthermore, offers comfort not only for the patient but also for the caregiver.

Pros

This option has a no-tool folding construction that enables users to maneuver it easily. This way, the lift is practical to transport and store.

What is more, because it features an adjustable cradle, this choice is suitable to assist residents in a variety of heights. 

The adjustable knee pad also has numerous setting options so that the user can efficiently use this lift per his/her needs.

Because this model can accommodate patients that weight up to 340 lbs., it is quite versatile and it can be utilized for a wide array of tasks.

Cons

This choice is somewhat pricey when compared to other options currently available. Still, it is very much intuitive and convenient to use.

The product cannot be utilized to lift a patient that is sitting on the floor in a w-sit position. An instructional video that demonstrates how this lift works is available online.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

2. Advance Portable Hoyer Patient Lift Electric

 

Another very good alternative is this compact, lightweight yet highly performant lift. The Hoyer Advance is an appreciated design, which copes with ease and fulfills many tasks without problems.

Unique features and high-quality materials make the device popular and highly functional, while the good price is what makes it attractive to buyers.

A unique tapered leg design increases maneuverability, useful when faced with large obstacles such as chairs, sofas, and others. It also makes the patient feel safely secured while being transferred.

The push footpad reduces the force required to start moving the lift in a forward direction. With a safe working load of 341 lbs, it is pretty versatile and can be used for many different home residents with different needs.

A rather unusual feature is the LCD display which provides valuable information without being hard to use, offering details about the lift utilization and service data. Storage is easy, as the foldable and compact design is meant to occupy the least amount of space possible. No tools are required to hold it in place.

Pros

This lift can be used to transport patients from the floor to their beds or chairs and vice versa with ease. It has a simple design and it is easy to utilize.

Given that this model is electric, it comes fitted with a built-in battery and it is also provided with a charger. An adjuster pedal that enables you to control its height is also featured.

In total, the lift weighs 69 pounds and it has an overall capacity of 340 lbs. It is compatible with a wide array of slings.

The choice has legs that are uniquely designed so that you can get the product as close to the patient’s bed as possible. 

Cons

Even though this option has sturdy wheels, it can be a tad tricky to get it from hard floor to carpet when a patient is hanging from it.

When utilized regularly, the batteries of the device might give out rather easily. If this happens, it helps to have some spare ones around.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

3. Hoyer Hydraulic Lifter with Tall Mast and 6 Point Cradle

 

A good option is this hydraulic model produced by Hoyer. The lift has a design that allows it to be used by more than one patient, is compatible with most straps and has good value for the money, incorporating other useful features, too.

With an angular design, the product has increased stability, reducing the sway with a special cradle that offers patients a safe and secure grip. This makes them feel more at ease while being transferred from one place to another.

The convenient pump handle allows operation from either side, making the product easy to use for the caregiver, who can operate it with greater efficiency and faster, too.

The legs of this device are designed to be adjustable, fitting around furniture and wheelchairs with ease and making the lift more maneuverable and easier to use. It can be disassembled, reducing the storage problems, and it can be quickly put back together. Hoyer 4-point slings and traditional slings are compatible with the machine, making it versatile and adaptable.

Pros

This alternative has a safe working load of 400 lbs. and it comes with a chrome finish and a free sling so that you can use it out of the box.

Its design is fairly simple and, therefore, it is a great choice for novices that are unprepared to handle more complicated devices. 

The model has a 6-point cradle that can successfully accommodate traditional as well as 4-point slings. It also includes an 8-inch taller mast for a broader lift range.

Moreover, the legs of the unit are adjustable. The option is 24 inches in width and 41 inches in length. It weighs 5.5 lbs.

Cons

Given the price of the product, some interested customers might not be able to afford it. However, the choice is cost-effective given its features.

When compared to other devices, this lift has a rather basic design and it does not include additional features that some might be interested in.  

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

4. Drive Medical Foot Stool 300 lb Weight Limit

 

Featuring a solid build and an ergonomic design, the product offers many features making transfer easier and faster, reducing the stress and discomfort during the process.

This model uses high-performance hydraulics to ensure a safe and gradual movement, lowering patients slowly in place. The brakes on the casters offer extra safety and security, while the adjustable base allows for a proper fit.

Apart from being safe, it is also easy to operate by a caregiver, making it easier for them to transfer the patients from a wheelchair to the bed or car. The lift features a 6-point cradle design, with a maximum capacity of 450 lbs, more than enough for common situations.

The base has a width of 42 inches and a length of 48 inches, and the boom is 72 inches tall. Patients can use this product without requiring other adjustments. The new-style design has a high capacity and is available at a great price, making it a desired product.

Pros

This model has a durable steel construction and a 6-point cradle design that works well with a variety of slings that you can find online.

It comes with high-performance hydraulics that enable you to use the model efficiently when it comes to raising or lowering patients smoothly.

You can use it to lift patients from a variety of stationary positions. Its base measures 22.5 inches when closed and 48″(L) x 42″(W) x 6″(H) when opened.

The total weight capacity of the choice is of 450 lbs. Therefore, it can be utilized to assist most patients that you might have in your care.

Cons

Because of the design of the legs of this lift, you might not be able to carry it right next to the bed of the patient that you are caring for.

This is one of those products that require some assembly before use. Yet, the model comes with the needed instructions that are easy to follow.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

5. McKesson 32424401 Entrust Performance Hoyer 

 

This high-end product is another choice that you might want to take into consideration. It has many features and an ergonomic design which reduces strain and makes operation easier. Even though it might seem pricier, the enhanced capacity and versatility make it provide great value for the money.

The maximum capacity of this product is 450 lbs, which is enough for most people. The tan painted steel frame is resistant and durable, guaranteed to last long without breaking.

An ergonomic handle which reduces back strain is included, to make the caregiver’s task easier. Furthermore, the electric operation mechanism implies less stress and effort from the operator, while maintaining the safety features required by patients.

Leg guards are included, too, as well as caster bumpers, very useful items in preventing damage to walls and furniture caused by accidental impacts. The single-speed actuator is reverse-mounted, allowing for increased leg clearance.

The sling loop frame is compatible with most sling designs, turning this product into a machine that’s versatile and easy to use.

Pros

This lift has a frame made of steel, a durable material. It also comes fitted with ergonomic handle grips so that back strain is reduced.

Plus, the single-speed actuator that the choice features is reverse-mounted. This way, the patient is provided with the necessary leg clearance.

The model also has leg guards for increased safety as well as caster bumpers that are quite useful as they prevent any damage to your furniture and the walls of your home.

This choice was not manufactured using natural rubber latex. It has a maximum weight tolerance of 450 lbs., an aspect that recommends it to be utilized with overweight patients.

Cons

The instructions provided by the seller might be somewhat difficult to follow by those customers who are not particularly handy.

This model is a tad pricier than other counterparts and, thus, you might not be able to afford it if you are on a budget.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

6. Classic Hoyer Lift C-HLA

 

With a durability proven in time and easy operation, this product is an option worth considering as it has good value for the money, and includes features which are essential for a convenient, secure and comfortable transfer from place to place. Furthermore, it is adjustable and can meet the needs of more than one patient.

Featuring extended reach for floor pickups, the device is used for transferring the patients with ease from any place to another. The hydraulic mechanism is not hard to operate, enhancing smoothness and offering the resident slow but safe transport.

With a durable frame, the product has an increased capacity and is guaranteed to last long in time without problems.

A classic chrome finish and the adjustable U-base meet the standards imposed both by clinical and homecare demands, being the result of more than forty years of experience and continuous improvements. The legs are adjustable, too, and offset casters were used to increase stability and make the patient feel safer during transfer.

Pros

This lift has a 400 lbs. capacity and it features extended reach so that you can use it for floor pickups. Therefore, it is quite versatile. 

It also comes with adjustable legs and with offset casters so that you are supplied with the stability that you need from a device of this sort.

The model has an innovative 6-point cradle design and it works with numerous types of lifts provided by the same manufacturer.

It has a hydraulic pump lifter that is easy to operate as it enhances your ability to transfer your patients smoothly.

Cons

Even though this option comes with wheels, it might be difficult to operate in small spaces as it does not swivel to the side. 

If you have carpets in your home, this device might be somewhat tricky to use. Yet, it comes with impressive features and it is, overall, very much sturdy. 

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

7. ProBasics Patient Lift – Hydraulic Patient Body Lift

 

This is one of the items that are both affordable and offer great features. For example, it has a maximum weight limit of 450 lb and its design features a dual purpose swivel bar that can use either four or six-point slings.

The device is equipped with a rotating handle, which has a manual hydraulic pump. If you’re also concerned about looks, you should know that this lift has a chip-resistant finish in brown vein.

It has a 5” front and standard non-locking rear casters. An update is also available if you wish to upgrade your level to two locking casters. These are not to be used while the lift is functioning, but only when it is in storage and not lifting a patient.

Only two of the four wheels of this item lock, more exactly the two ones in the back. It can perform all types of actions, such as lifting a patient off the ground and loading them onto a bed or a wheelchair.

Pros

The model has a 5-inch front and rear casters that enable you to rotate the lift as you wish, depending on the space that you have available.

It can be utilized with patients that weigh up to 450 lbs. and it has a frame that is chip resistant and very durable.

Because of the design of the base of the lift, this model fits under most beds. The choice is simple to operate, even by novices.

This is a sit to stand device that is suitable for adults and seniors. You can use it with 4 or 6-point slings that you can find online or in stores.

Cons

Given that it was manufactured from durable materials, the item is somewhat heavier when compared to other alternatives.

Only two of the four wheels that the product comes fitted with can actually be locked. However, this does not interfere with its stability.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

8. Invacare Lightweight Hydraulic Patient Lift

 

A safe and reasonably priced alternative for all the people in need of such a device, this Invacare model has a slim design and is versatile enough to be used for a wide variety of actions. The features include a padded swivel bar and a push handle. It has a maximum capacity of 450 lb.

The structure is made of a durable chrome-plated construction, finished with a layer of paint. It can rotate up to 360 degrees without side to side sway, increasing the patient’s comfort and the device’s usability, as well.

With a lightweight construction, this model is easy to store when it’s not needed and easy to travel with, without being fragile in any way. A six-point swivel bar attachment can quickly adapt to any sling style or position, making it easy for anyone to use this item.

It roughly measures 42 inches when open and 22 when closed, being easy to handle and not taking up too much space.

Pros

With a slim design, this lift is perfect when used in rooms where there is little space available. It has a lightweight construction and it is simple to assemble.

The choice has a padded swivel bar that includes 6-point attachments. It can be adapted to multiple sling designs. 

It comes with a pump handle that can be rotated from side to side so that the caregiver does not have to put in any additional effort.

The device features low friction casters that improve the performance of the wheels and that contribute greatly to the safety of the person operating it.

Cons

The wheels on this model cannot be locked in place. As a result, this might pose a problem for some of the caregivers using it.

This device does not come provided with a sling. Therefore, you have to make an additional purchase in order to use it.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Can One Person Use A Hoyer Lift?

 

The main goal of the Hoyer lift is to transfer persons with health issues at ease, protecting them from any danger while moving them. It is also designed to serve as a lift for elderly patient since it is more common to have locomotion problems at an old age.

This invention helps you move patients from a wheelchair to a bed and vice-versa, also being a more efficient way to help your resident go to the bathroom. There are various slings for a large variety of needs.

As we mentioned before, Hoyer lifts are specially designed to be utilized by care providers to transfer patients from a bed to a wheelchair or other similar equipment. Most patients who require the use of a lift have limited or no mobility. To operate these devices, a caregiver has to be present.

When utilizing a powered lift, the caregiver has to be familiar with how the device functions and he/she has to know what to do in case of a power failure. In particular, he/she must be familiar with the place where the emergency release control is positioned. 

This control enables the caretaker to mechanically lower the patient to the bed until the battery is replaced. This way, the patient does not have to suffer any additional discomfort during the process.

Most electrical models also come provided with an inset button that can only be pressed with the use of a pen. Additionally, some lifts come with not just one, but two such releases. In this case, the caretaker must know which one is the primary release, and which is meant to be utilized if the first one fails to work.

However, this is not true for all devices. This is why one must be familiar with the particularities of the equipment that one uses. It is also crucial to know that manual lifts do not feature an emergency release function. 

 

Practice

If you are not a trained caretaker, it is recommended that, before you use a lift for the first time, you practice different transfer options. Most devices come provided with instruction manuals that are informative and that offer step by step guides.

If you have the possibility, it is also advisable that you operate the lift for the first time with the assistance of a trained caretaker who is familiar with how the device works. This way, you can be sure that you know how to use it without injuring yourself or the patient.

 

Risks and safety checks

As expected, using a Hoyer lift comes with some risks that you should be aware of. If the equipment is not well maintained, it can malfunction and, as a result, you or/and your patient can get injured. 

Before you use the lift, you should examine all the fasteners and the hooks to make sure that they won’t unhook during the transfer. Also, you should check the position and the stability of the straps that you are using.

All clips, bars, and latches utilized in the process should be securely fastened and they should have no signs of wear that affects their performance. If you are using an electric unit, you should also remember to check whether or not the batteries are charged. 

If the patient is alert, you should talk to him/her and you should make sure that he/she understands and can follow the instructions. If the patient is agitated, combative or resistant, you should not use the lift as this might lead to unfortunate accidents. 

 

What is a Hoyer lift?

The medical industry came with a solution for patients with mobility difficulties and elderly people which helps them move from one place to another with fewer efforts. Hoyer lifts are often used to transfer people who are unable to stand or bear their full weight between a bed and a chair or other places.

The Hoyer lift is designed to help both the patient and his/her caregiver, ensuring a safe and comfortable movement since it is designed to be used by persons who require 90% to 100% assistance to get into and out of bed.

Consisting of a sling-like contraption which can be easily slid under the patient’s body, the lift allows the patient to be moved with the minimum amount of fuss. There are different types of lifts (manual, electric, and hydraulic) and each of these types comes with multiple sizes of slings, according to the patient’s height and weight.

Who can operate a Hoyer lift?

The Hoyer lift can be operated efficiently and safely by any person, not only by the medical staff. Apart from being used in hospitals, it can also be used at home after the caregiver is correctly instructed.

Hoyer lifts help patients get back to a more normal life when struggling with a disease, also helping their caregivers to save a lot of time. There are different types of patients with a large variety of pathologies so the number of persons who can operate a Hoyer lift may vary according to the patient and his/her comorbidities.

 

When can one person use the lift?

Usually, one person is enough to maneuver the machine if the patient is conscious and cooperative. It is also important to take into account the patient’s weight and the stage of his or her disease. As long as the size of the sling is chosen correctly and it is positioned properly, there are no risks for the resident.

You can cope with the situation by yourself if your resident trusts you and listens to your indications. If you have enough time to spend with your patient, you won’t need additional help.

Watching the patient’s feet, swinging the Hoyer lift around, and positioning the resident are essential steps which should be carefully done. In the beginning, you can ask someone to help you.

When doing a lift transfer, slings should be secured and the patient’s head supported. The lift’s legs should be under the bed or spread around the sides of the chair.

Since safety is a priority, and there are a lot of steps to get through, having a co-worker makes it easier for you so you can share the tasks. One person can watch over the patient to be aligned and steady through the transfer and someone else can control the remote.

 

Particular health issues that require help

In case of patients who suffer from metabolic disorders such as obesity or diabetes, it’s safer for them to be moved by more than one person in order to avoid any injuries since diabetic patients’ wounds take a longer time to heal and complications may appear.

Moreover, patients with recent surgical interventions need more attention so even if the caregiver is instructed, it is better to have some help in the first days from another person until both the patient and the caregiver become accustomed to the machine.

Some patients become very anxious when they are facing a sudden health issue and it is harder to cooperate with them once their lifestyle is radically changed. For example, people who suffer a fracture have to stay immobilized in bed for a long period of time.

Staying in bed can be physically and psychologically harmful for someone who was an active person before the incident, so when you are dealing with agitated patients it is harder to cooperate with them when it comes to using the Hoyer lift. In this case, additional help from another person is welcome.

Psychiatric patients are difficult to cooperate with so in this case, it is essential to have at least one aide to make sure the patient won’t resist or fight during the transferring procedure.

Some patients need to be moved from bed often to avoid muscle atrophy and eschar formation on the back so doing this a few times each day can be tiring for a single person.

Children and elderly people are also a category of people which is not so easy to deal with, especially when your old patient suffers from hearing problems or can’t communicate. This case also requires help and a lot of patience to make sure everything is done right.

 

Particular situations that require help

On some rare occasions, the machine can stop working because of the battery or any other technical reasons and, in that case, you’ll need a person to watch the patient and others to help you with the battery changing and the remote.

Since patients with locomotion issues require a lot of time and you don’t always have that time, you need to hire a caregiver or to ask your relatives to help you.

As a final thought, each patient is different, meaning that each situation has its own particularities and it is up to each person to choose the number of people needed to assure both the patient and the caregiver’s safety. You have to think if you can manage to take care of your patient by yourself, taking into account any eventual unforeseen things.

 

 

 

Our Yearly Guide

 

Finding the best patient lift is definitely no easy job, especially when you’re not sure what you’re looking for and you’re confused by the intricate details offered by various manufacturers. In order to get this decision right, you need to make sure that you get your priorities straight but also understand the need for the product to adapt to what you have in mind.

While you’re researching this topic, take some time to check out our articles on devices and items for the elderly, such as those on getting a reliable wheelchair cushion or a great walking stick.

Weight limit

For those who are not familiar with the topic, you should know that patient lifts are medical devices designed to aid a disabled person’s mobility. This means the first rule you need to follow is to make sure you pick an alternative that has a weight limit that will allow it to help the patient it’s meant for.

Most models are roughly in the same area with this characteristic, somewhere around 450 lb, but it never hurts to check the market for better-suited alternatives. Also, it’s always better to check before making such a pricey purchase, that is if you’re given the opportunity.

 

How it works

There are many different designs when it comes to this type of device, but a few are more common than others. We’re talking about hydraulic, electric and battery powered products. It is up to you to decide which would be more efficient in your particular situation.

It’s crucial to mention that hydraulic lifts need exterior force to operate, namely a hand crank that lifts the patient with forces generated by the caregiver, which means they would only be adequate in case there is someone constantly looking after the disabled person.

Electrical and battery-powered models might have their issues, but they can be used by just about anyone and don’t require too much in the way of manual operation. Battery operated devices are somewhat more difficult to work with since the caregiver needs to make sure that the batteries have been charged each day.

If not, the device could suddenly stop working while the patient is still using it and subsequently cause all kinds of unfortunate accidents that we would certainly want to avoid.

Electrically powered devices are difficult for other reasons, namely that they should always be in the proximity of an electrical outlet; otherwise, they’re plain useless.

 

Cradle attachment

Another important aspect when it comes to the best patient lift for home use is the number of attachment points featured on the actual device, for you to mount the cradle where the patient’s supposed to be mounted.

Most models work with two, four or six attachment points, and it’s up to you to decide which option would be the best in your case, but you should know that as the number increases, the area that distributes the patient’s weight is getting larger, increasing both their comfort and their safety.

This is an important detail to consider, given that designs with a six-point cradle will require less movement from the disabled person than others, making them ideal if you want to preserve their health.

Some lifts are compatible with more than one model of a cradle, which is why we can advise you to try out one of these alternatives since they’ll offer you many more options and will overall make for a better investment.

Accessories

Whether your choice comes with a sling or not, it’s important to know that you’ll have to have one, so if it’s not included, it will be another additional purchase. This is why we suggest that you look for a model that includes a sling.

The best patient care lift sling is the one that helps you mount a disabled person of any weight and with almost no mobility, making the job easier for both parties. It should make the transfer easier and prevent them from a back strain, given that the ill person might be weak and unable to move.

A sling helps distribute the weight so that the caregiver isn’t the one they’re holding onto. This way is safer for both parties, so we must again emphasize the importance of picking out a model equipped with a transfer sling.

Speaking of extra features, it wouldn’t hurt to take safety seriously and check if the product that you’re about to buy has a lock system for the wheels. This seemingly insignificant detail can prevent many unfortunate accidents and would make a nice addition to a model that already has all the characteristics you’re looking for.

 

Usability

When thinking about this kind of purchase and considering all the aspects, you need to know how adaptable the model that you end up buying is going to be. If you’re purchasing it for home use, then it needs to be easy to assemble and should have an adjustable base width, since you have no professional help available.

In terms of storage and transportation, most of these models aren’t too lightweight, given their durable metal construction, but it’s safe to say you need to keep an eye out for items that can be folded down to a minimum size in order to be stored and transported without taking up too much space.

If you’re considering whether an item is easy to use or not, you would probably take into account the same aspects as you would if you were searching for good wrist blood pressure monitors, or a great tablet for seniors.

 

Other considerations

What makes a good Hoyer lift? If this question hasn’t been answered already by the various details given in our buying guide, you should know that there is no such thing as a perfect alternative, but you need to assess your requirements and your particular situation and make a decision accordingly.

In terms of budget, you should know right away that this is a pricey purchase, but if it’s needed in order for the disabled or ill person that’s in your care to enjoy their routine without the turmoil of painful movement, then it’s definitely worth the price tag.

Needless to say, this type of item is bound to stay with you for a long time.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Mechanical lifts in elder care facilities

2) Questions about Portable Patient Lifts

3) How to use a Hoyer Lift

4) Who Should Use a Hoyer lift?

 

 

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