Patient Lifts & Slings For Sale
Patient Lifts and Slings
A medical lift is an assistive device that helps a caregiver transfer a patient from one place to another, usually between a bed and a chair or wheelchair. They come in a wide variety of models, especially the slings, so it’s important to carefully evaluate your options. The Healthcare Store has a big selection of patient lifts and slings. Keep reading for an introduction to these devices, and feel free to give us a call or stop in to browse our inventory. We’re in Bay Shore, New York, and serve customers throughout Suffolk County. Our staff has lots of experience helping customers find the right product for their needs. We can also share useful information about safe patient handling.
The Basics
A lift and sling combination is a vital piece of medical equipment for anyone with severely diminished mobility. The lift, also called a patient hoist, is essential when caregivers are not strong enough to move the patient by themselves, which is often the case. Lifts are crane-like tools, with mechanical arms that lift and move patients. They are used in conjunction with slings, which wrap around the patients’ bodies, gently and safely supporting them during the transfer.
Hydraulic Patient Lifts and Electric Patient Lifts
Two main categories of lifts are the hydraulic (also called manual) patient lift, and the electric patient lift. A hydraulic lift does not depend on electricity, so it’s very reliable under all circumstances. It’s a versatile device, capable of performing a broad range of transfers. However, it may be difficult to operate for those with limited physical strength. Electric lifts are powered either by rechargeable batteries or by plugging into household electrical outlets. These offer higher weight capacity and operate with smoother movements than manual models. When extended, long-term care is in order, an electric lift is the best choice.
Slings
The variety of slings available may seem overwhelming, but that simply reflects the great range of patient requirements. A patient may require a few slings for different purposes, such as bathing and toileting. Slings can be full-body, u-shaped, split-leg, have a hole for commode functions, and more. They may be made of mesh or they may be padded. Hand grips and integrated head support are other options. Slings are suspended from a specific number of points: single, four-point, and six-point are the most common options. The sling must also be appropriately sized to accommodate the weight of the patient. Lastly, they must be compatible with the lift device.