In the debate of patient mobility aids, standing lifts vs. Hoyer lifts often comes to the forefront. Each of these patient lifts offers unique advantages and efficiencies, leading to frequent misunderstandings about their distinct functionalities.
Moreover, their specific utilities often overlap in public perception. This article dives deep into standing lifts vs. Hoyer lifts, comparing both to shed light on their differences and to help you decide which might be the superior choice depending on individual needs.
Statistical Analysis of the Elderly Population in the US
According to the statistic-based predictions provided by the United States Consensus Bureau, by the year 2030, the percentage of the elderly living in the United States will be nearing 21%. Presently, this value is approximately 15% of the total population. These people who are above the age of 65 are often in need of some kind of mobility or lifting aid. Keeping this in mind, the importance of the right kind of patient lifts has also been elevated.
What is a Hoyer Lift?
A Hoyer lift is a type of lifting assistance that is ideal for transferring patients from one place to another by lifting those using supporting slings. The slings attached to this kind of lift are strong enough to bear the patient’s weight. When employed, these slings cover 2/3rd of the patient’s upper body which renders the lifting action easy and well-supported. This way, the patients do not have to use much of their own effort to get up. Hence, the product provides comfort to both the patient as well as the caregiver.
Advantages
The Hoyer lifts possess the following advantageous features:
● Hoyer lifts are one of the ideal products to be used in patients who have physical disabilities affecting their mobility.
● People who are in need of lifting support on a temporary basis i.e. after an accident or an injury, are often assisted by Hoyer lifts.
● Hoyer lifts can be readjusted based on the patient’s age as well as size and weight.
● These lifts are available in three different kinds i.e. manual, hydraulic, as well as battery-operated options. Therefore, a suitable type of Hoyer lift can be selected based on a patient’s needs.
Limitations
Apart from the various advantages that can be achieved by Hoyer lifts, there are some limitations that accompany them. These include the following:
● Being broader at the base, Hoyer lifts are usually larger in size as compared to other patient lifts. Therefore, these are sometimes difficult to store, especially in compact spaces.
● Hoyer lifts are usually known to cause trouble when used on a carpeted floor as their wheels often get tangled and thus restrict mobility.
● With Hoyer lifts, although the patient can be transferred from bed to the toilet seat, using the toilet becomes a problem as the slings do not have hygiene cutouts.
What is a Standing Lift?
A standing lift also called stand-up lifts, is a mobility aid that is often employed to lift the patient from a sitting position and make them stand up. Unlike hoyer lifts, these standing lifts do not use slings to lift the patient.
Rather, the weight of the patient is to be tolerated by the base platform which is used to secure the patient’s feet.
In addition, a comfortable knee support affixed against a knee block also helps the patient to stand up slowly.
Although the product does have slings attached to it which, instead of completely bearing the patient’s weight, just provide additional support to the system.
Advantages
The standing lifts have been in use in hospitals, hospices, as well as home-based setups for a while now. These provide the following advantages to the patients:
● Standing lifts are an excellent option for patients who are able to bear their weight up to an extent.
● Owing to their smaller size, these standing lifts can be maneuvered in confined spaces. This feature makes them a preferred choice for patients who are home-based.
● Standing lifts can be employed for transferring a patient from a wheelchair to another chair, toilet seat, or another commode.
● Being available in both manual as well as electrical options, these patient lifts can be chosen based on the job that needs to be done.
Limitations
Despite their extensive applications, the standing lifts are not for everyone. These also come with certain limitations which have been enlisted as follows:
● Standing lifts are not an ideal option for patients who cannot sit by themselves or cannot bear their weight at all.
● In addition, a standing lift is not suitable when there is a need to lift a patient from the bed as their slings are not designed to do so. However, if the patients can support themselves and sit down properly, then the product can come in handy.
Standing Lifts vs. Hoyer Lifts: Key Differences Explained
While Standing Lifts vs. Hoyer Lifts may appear similar, distinct features set them apart significantly. Here’s how Standing Lifts vs Hoyer Lifts differ:
● Standing Lifts vs. Hoyer Lifts showcase different mechanics; while Hoyer lifts are equipped with a total body lifting system suitable for bedridden patients, standing lifts operate on a sit-to-stand basis, assisting patients to rise from sitting to standing, but not from a fully prone position.
● In the comparison of Standing Lifts vs. Hoyer Lifts, standing lifts include knee supports that aid the patient in rising smoothly and safely by preventing accidental pressure. Conversely, Hoyer lifts do not incorporate knee pads as they are designed for different support needs.
● For Standing Lifts vs. Hoyer Lifts, it’s crucial to note that a bedridden patient cannot use a Hoyer lift independently as it requires caregiver assistance to adjust the slings. Standing lifts, however, often allow patients who are not fully bedridden to operate the lift with minimal or no help.
These fundamental distinctions between Standing Lifts vs. Hoyer Lifts are summarized in the table below, highlighting the specialized functions and suitability of each lift type for different patient needs:
| Parameters | Hoyer Lifts | Standing Lifts |
| Lift type | Floor-based total body lift | Floor-based sit-to-stand life |
| Slings | Slings are present | Can be attached if needed |
| Knee pads | – | Present |
| Level of support provided | Fully bears the patient’s weight | Provide partial support |
| Suitability | Suitable for patients with a complete lack of mobility | Suitable for patients with limited mobility who need help while rising from a sitting position |
| Assistance of caregiver(s) for use | Necessary | Recommended |
| Suitability for home-based patients | Yes (with the assistance of a caregiver) | Yes (if the user is a weight-bearing resident) |
| Durability | High | High |
| Warranty | 2 to 3 years | 2 to 3 years |
| Cost (Range) | $400 to $15,000 | $1,000 to $5,000 |
Patient Lifts: Types, Brands, and Specifications
The US markets are filled with multiple kinds of mobility aids. These include wheelchairs, crutches, patient lifts, etc. Among many brands that manufacture and market patient lifts, the following have a reputation for providing reliable and long-lasting products based on the properties their products carry. Some of the finest patient lifts will be discussed below:
Hoyer Patient Lifts: Brands and Features
● Joerns Hoyer Advance Portable Patient Lift
Joerns Hoyer advance patient lift is one of the portable options available in the market. Due to the use of aluminum as a construction material, the product is extremely light in weight. Other features of the product include its compatibility to be used in patients suffering from multiple kinds of health issues. Despite having a weight of merely 59 pounds, these Joerns Hoyer portable lifts have the capability to carry up to 340 pounds (lbs). Moreover, these manual lifts are among the types of patient lifts that work based on the hydraulic mechanism.
● Joerns Hoyer HML400 Classic Manual Patient Lift
Joerns Hoyer HML400 classic manual patient lifts use an ergonomic handle attached to a pump to lift and transfer patients. With a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds (lbs), the product is suitable for patients of all age groups as well as weight. In addition, the base of these floor lifts can be adjusted i.e. can be widened as well as narrowed down depending upon the patient’s needs. These Hoyer lifts have a hydraulic-based patient lift system that enables the user to rotate the device in every direction. Furthermore, for easy storage, the device can be rolled under a chair or a bed.
● Hoyer Journey Sit to Stand Lifts
Hoyer Journey sit to stand lifts are foldable patient lifts which makes them easy to store and carry around. This sit to stand lift has been designed while keeping in mind the comfort of the patient as well as the caregiver who has to use it on the patient. Moreover, the functionality of the product is excellent as it can easily lift patients without compromising their safety and comfort.
Standing Patient Lifts: Brands and Features
● Stedy Sit to Stand Manual Patient Lift Aid
Sara Stedy sits to stand patient lift aid is a durable stand-up lift made up of high-quality aluminum. It has a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds (lbs). With a turning radius of 46 inches, the product can be easily rotated around tight turns. These patient lifts are excellent to be used in home settings. The design is versatile and adjusts to the user’s daily activities.
Moreover, the Stedy lift has a total-lock castor which anchors the lift in its place while it is held in a stationary position. In addition, the cross-bar handle allows the patient to get support while using the product. Due to its features, the Sara Stedy lift has received the award of DSDC Product Accreditation Rating Class 1B.
● Lumex Stand Assist Battery-Powered Patient Lift
Lumex stand assist battery-powered patient lifts are specially designed for the elderly with restricted moving capabilities. The product can conduct patient transfers for individuals who have a body weight up to 400 pounds (lbs). The platform of the product can be quickly removed when needed. Due to its distinct features, the product can help patients in gait training.
Therefore, the Lumex stand assist power lifts can be used in rehab centers for therapy as well as for mobility maintenance. The working principle is based on an ergonomic system that can be controlled by a remote control, emergency stop button, and battery level indicator. However, to use this product, the patients should be able to bear some of their weight by themselves as well.
The Hoyer and sit to stand patient lifts mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of patient lifts on the website.
Conclusion
Among multiple types of patient lifts that are extensively used in hospitals, hospices, as well as in-home care settings, some are simply better than others because of the features they possess. In this regard, Hoyer as well as standing lifts are often compared.
While Hoyer lifts are excellent for lifting patients with care, standing lifts enable the user to stand up erect by providing the necessary support. Therefore, after a thorough comparison, it can be said that both the products have their own merits and demerits.
Hence, the importance of any one of them can neither be denied nor be considered more than the other. The selection of the right product is completely based on the patient’s condition as well as the user’s needs.
Purchasing medical devices from reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 ensures the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
Click to Order from Health Supply 770
References
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
