How to use a Hoyer Lift

How to use a Hoyer Lift

Hoyer Lifts allow a person to be lifted and transferred with a minimum of physical effort. Before attempting to lift anyone practice with the lifter by using a helper, not the patient. You must know and understand how the lifter will feel with a patient in it. Be certain to explain the lifting sequence to the patient before attempting to lift them the first time.

Lift Basics:

The Boom of the lift does not swivel. The patient's weight must be centered over the base legs at all times. Do not attempt to lift patient with the mast/boom assembly swiveled to either side. Always keep patient facing the attendant operating the lifter.

Looking to Buy a Patient Lift? See our Hoyer - Patient Lift Catalog

Get familiar with all the Lift's parts:

Transfer from Bed:

If patient needs support and is in a Hospital Bed, raise any Side Rails and have patient hold onto rails. Raise the level of the bed to the highest position before moving the patient onto the sling. This will reduce strain on the caregiver's back. Also, when the patient is ready to be lifted, lower the side rail and the level of the bed, decreasing the distance the patient has to be elevated.

Positioning the Lift for Use:

1. With the legs of the base open and locked, use the steering handle to push the patient lift into position.
2. Lower the patient lift for easy attachment of the sling.

• When the patient is clear of the bed surface, swing their feet off the bed.
• Using the steering handle, move the lift away from the bed.
• When moving the patient lift away from the bed, turn the patient so that he/she faces assistant operating the patient lift.
• Press the DOWN button (electric) or open the control valve (manual/hydraulic) lowering patient so that his feet rest on the base of the lift, straddling the mast. Close the control valve.

The Sling

The U-Sling is the most commonly used sling for transferring patient from bed. Consult the sling manual on how to fold the sling before placing under patient. Folding the sling makes for less work. These U-Sling wraps around the thigh and cross between the legs. This gives the patient a secure feel and prevents patient sliding out of the sling.

Below is a diagram of a typical "Internet image" (see diagram 1) of a padded U-Sling. The image is meaningless if you do not have a visual of what this looks like when in actual use. See diagram 2 showing the patient in a comfortable seated position facing the attendant. Patient's feet can rest on the base of the lift.

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