When caring for an elderly family member at home, operating any medical equipment alone can be daunting.
A hoist may look confusing, but with our simple guide, we aim to make the process less complicated. Safety and correct operation are vital for lifting equipment, so it’s important to follow each step carefully.
At Millercare, we sell a range of high-quality hoists designed to make the home of your patient or family member safer and more efficient.
What is a hoist?
A hoist is a lifting device that is used to move patients from one place to another. These are used for people with limited mobility or those in serious critical condition.
Hoists are often found in hospitals and elderly care homes. They can also be installed in the home to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities, illnesses, or age-related conditions.
These are typically operated manually, electrically, or pneumatically and use a wire rope, chain, or rope as its medium.
The components of a hoist
Various components work together to lift various loads from one place to another. These include:
- Lift-wheel or drum: Where the chain or rope wraps around.
- Chain or wire rope: The medium that is used to lift the load.
- Hook: The component that attaches to the load.
- Control system: It may be a remote control, control pendant, or manual control, depending on the type of hoist.
Necessary safety precautions
Before using a hoist, you must inspect the equipment for any faults or signs of wear and tear. This includes the wire rope, chain, hook, and other critical components.
Ensure you stay within the guidelines for the load capacity of the hoist. Overloading can lead to equipment failure and accidents, putting all parties at risk of injury.
Keep the area around the hoist clear of obstructions and place it in a safe and useful space, such as next to a bed or chair.
A step-by-step guide to using a hoist
We have compiled an overall guide on using a hoist and sling for lifting sick or elderly family members at home. To do this, follow the steps below:
1. Rig the Patient
Attach a sling, clamp, or other rigging tool compatible with the machine. Ensure it is properly attached, and the sling is safely secured to the hoist hook.
We recommended rolling the patient onto the bed, placing the sling under them, and then rolling them back over. Do this on both sides, then attach the sling to the hoist, ensuring a secure attachment.
Centre the hoist directly above the person for even weight distribution. This will balance the load and prevent the patient from swinging.
2. Lift the patient
To begin smoothly lifting the patient, gradually increase the hoist's lifting force to avoid jerking the patient.
Monitor for any shifting or instability and lift the patient until their feet aren’t trailing on the bed or the ground.
Stop the process immediately if any unusual movement or noise occurs.
3. Move the patient
Move the person slowly and carefully with controlled motions. Avoid swinging the patient or sudden stops and starts to prevent injury or distress.
Keep the person close to the ground to minimise the potential impact and reduce the load’s fall risk. However, make sure the sling isn’t touching the floor.
4. Lowering the patient
Check that the destination area is free of obstacles or safety hazards.
Then, gently and steadily lower the person onto the surface. This is often used for placing patients onto beds or furniture in different areas of the home.
5. Unrigging and post-operation
Once the person is stable on the ground, carefully remove the rigging equipment.
Find a safe place for the hoist to remain and inspect the hoist’s chain or wire for signs of damage.
Choose Millercare for your hoists and slings
At Millercare, we sell high-quality lifting equipment to improve our customer's quality of care.
From stand and assist hoists to mobile hoists, our lifting equipment is designed to meet your every need at home. Made from highly durable materials and advanced technology, moving sick and elderly patients has never been so easy or safe.
Browse our hoists today to bring ease and comfort back into your daily routine.
