What is the Difference between a Manual and Electric Patient Lift?
Once you have decided that a patient lift system is needed there are several options to consider. These options include choosing the type of lift, the sling, and the method of lifting itself. This article will focus on choosing between a manual or power lift. Both sit-to-stand lifts and Hoyer lifts have a manual and power option, and both types of lifts share the same pros and cons for their power source. For help with choosing other features, please see our posts on: “What is the Difference between a Hoyer Lift and a Sit to Stand Lift?”, “What are the Different Types of Sit to Stand Lifts?”, “What are the Different Types of Hoyer Lifts?” and “How to Choose the Correct Hoyer Lift Sling.”
Manual Lifts
Manual lifts are operated using a lever mechanism to both lift and lower the patient. Hydraulics are utilized to assist with the process and reduce the burden on the caregiver, however operating the lever does require some strength. The caregiver operates the lever by pulling it repeatedly to lift the patient. The caregiver lowers the patient by turning a valve or lever to release the pressure in the hydraulic system, to slowly lower the patient. The benefit of using a manual lift, is that the system itself is more compact and lightweight than the powered version. This means that it is easier to maneuver while the patient is in the lift, and can be beneficial if there is limited space available. Some manual lifts can also be taken apart for travel. Manual lifts are ideal for families whose loved ones are of small stature, have limited space, and who have caregivers who are physically capable of managing the lever system.
Some potential downsides of using a manual lift are the physical exertion require to operate it. If caregivers have issues with neck or back pain or weakness, they may find the manual lift too difficult to operate. For the person who is being lifted, the experience is also impacted by the manual nature of the lift. Because of the lever-based design, the ride is not a smooth one. The lift stops and starts with each pull of the lever, which can be troublesome to clients who are fearful of being lifted or who may be confused or agitated.
Power Lifts
Power lifts are operated by, you guessed it, power – more specifically, electricity. These lifts plug into a standard outlet to charge and must be unplugged while in use. Most will hold a charge for the duration of the day, depending on how much the lift is used. Power lifts operate by use of a remote control that is connected to the unit. The remote can be operated by the caregiver, or by the patient if they are able. The primary benefit for use of a power lift is that it eases the burden on the caregiver by removing the physical exertion that is required with the manual lift. The ride for the patient is also much smoother, as there is no stopping and starting with each crank of a lever.
One trade-off to consider, however, is that power lifts are larger and heavier than manual lifts. This means that the device will be bulkier and heavier for the caregiver to maneuver the patient once they are in the lift. If you have hard floors, this may not be as much of an issue, but on carpeted surfaces, this can be more difficult. This may also be a concern for people who do not have much space to maneuver in the room the lift will be used in. You must also be careful to make sure that you keep the lift charged when not in use. All power lifts have a manual safety mechanism built in in the event the battery goes out, but it is not always easy to operate and only works to lower the patient if they are in the lift when the battery dies. The safety mechanism will not allow you to lift someone if the battery dies or if there is no power. As mentioned before, the battery life of a power lift is sufficient to last during the day, so you just want to ensure that it charges overnight.
Questions?
If you have questions about choosing a lift system, please do not hesitate to reach out to the professionals. Certified occupational therapists who specialize in home care are trained to help you choose the features that will best meet your individual needs and your home set-up. To learn about insurance coverage for lifts, please see our post on “Does Insurance Pay for Patient Lifts?” Also feel free to check out our publication A Therapist’s Guide to Caregiving for a comprehensive guide on mechanical lifts, transfer techniques, and proving safe care in the home. Also, feel free to check out our video training courses for detailed video instruction. There are training videos for comprehensive caregiver training, or mini-courses for use of Hoyer lifts and Sit-to-Stand Lifts for more focussed training.
Images used with permission from SpanAmerica.
This course provides you with all the information that you need to safely and effectively use a hoyer lift in the home. This course includes 40 minutes of comprehensive video instruction along with electronic access to the 20-page PDF guide. This course will teach you how to properly position and adjust a hoyer lift sling at bed and chair level, how to determine the loop setting, and how to complete safe, smooth transfers to the bed, wheelchair, recliner, and bedside commode.
This course provides you with all the information that you need to safely and effectively use a sit-to-stand lift in the home. This course includes 18 minutes of comprehensive video instruction along with electronic access to the 15-page PDF guide. This course will teach you how to properly position and adjust a sit-to-stand lift sling, how to determine the sling loop setting, and how to complete safe, smooth transfers to the bed, wheelchair, recliner, and bedside commode.
This is your comprehensive guide to giving you with the skills you need to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to family members, friends or clients in the home. This course includes 6 hours of instructional video covering client basic adaptive equipment, functional mobility, lifting techniques, transfers, self-care skills, bed level care, use of client lifts and transfer devices, and managing falls. Click "Preview Caregiver Course" below to preview the lessons and descriptions.
A Therapist’s Guide to Caregiving
The book includes 170 pages of full-color, step-by step instructions, to provide you with all the skills you need to provide safe, thorough, and compassionate care at home.
