Video transcript: How to Choose a Patient Lift
[On screen: title card. MED+MART logo, then a play icon with the text "BUYING GUIDE SERIES" and "PATIENT LIFTS", over a blurred caregiver and patient lift scene.]
Patient lifts allow an occupant to be effortlessly lifted from a bed and transferred into a wheelchair onto a commode or bath all without any strain by the caregiver or risk by the occupant. There are some factors to consider when buying a patient lift. How much does the occupant weigh? It's important to get a lift that will accommodate the user's weight and take into account weight-gain. Disabled individuals can put on weight
much easier as they're not active. Can the occupant bear weight? There are two main patient lift types, a sling patient lift, also known as a Hoyer lift, and a stand-up lift. Sling-style lifts are probably the most common and features a sling that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes,
[On screen: label "Liko M220" on the arm of a lift in a store.]
and it'll wrap around the user similar to a hammock. These are ideal for anyone who lacks any strength at all and has difficulty bearing any weight. Stand-up lifts are used to transfer residents from one sitting surface to another. A stand-up lift is designed to support only the upper body of the resident and requires that the resident have some weight-bearing capability. Manual versus electric. What is best for you?
Well, manual patient lifts tend to be less expensive. They do require more effort from the caregiver. They feature a hydraulic mechanism that allows it to be operated via a pump lever. While this doesn't require incredible strength, it is a slightly longer process and does require more effort. Power patient lifts, however, are operated by rechargeable battery pack or cord and can be plugged in. This allows a lift to be raised and lowered
exactly with a simple controller attached to the machine. These electric lifts also offer an overriding system in case the power fails and you need to transport an occupant while the electricity is out. Thank you from Med Mart!
[On screen: end card. MED+MART logo, "Talk to a specialist today!", "1-855-968-4071" (no longer in use; call 888-260-4430), "MedMart.com".]
