Although most models need two or more people for safe operation, with the right training and equipment, one person can operate a Hoyer lift.  Hoyer lifts can simplify at-home care for individuals with limited mobility, letting aides and other caregivers safely execute transfers to and from a bath, bed or chair.

How a Hoyer Lift Works

Hoyer lifts are total-body lifts designed to move a person with limited mobility to and from a bed, chair or another setting without risking injury to the individual or caregiver. Manual and electric models are available for rent or purchase, and some units offer sit-to-stand functionality. 

Operators using a freestanding, manual or powered Hoyer lift must position the individual being transferred in a secure sling, which is then attached to the unit’s sling bar. One caregiver then uses the unit’s controls to raise the sling while the other caregiver guides the individual toward a stable receiving surface. The person is then lowered safely into position, and the sling may be removed. Ceiling-mounted Hoyer lifts, which use a permanently installed track, operate similarly. However, they can’t be moved from room to room.

Safety Considerations

Safety is paramount when using a Hoyer lift, and caregivers who plan to operate this equipment should receive training before attempting a transfer on their own. Additionally, different models have different specifications, including weight limits and lifting heights, and operators should never attempt to transfer someone who exceeds a unit’s capacity. Bariatric Hoyer lifts are available to accommodate individuals of greater weight. Slings also come in assorted sizes, and lift operators should use a sling that’s sized appropriately for the individual being transferred.

One-Person Hoyer Lift Operation

Most Hoyer lifts require two people to operate them, and many residential care communities have policies that mandate two lift operators for safety reasons. Typically, during two-person operation, one person engages the unit’s controls while the other person handles and guides the individual being transferred. However, with the proper equipment, a well-trained caregiver may operate the unit independently.

Many fully mechanized Hoyer lifts, including ceiling models, are specifically designed to be operated by a single person. However, one-person operation is only possible if the caregiver can roll the individual onto their side to position the sling or if the individual being transferred can perform this action themselves. The operator must then use the unit’s controls to lift and transfer while guiding the person into the desired position.

Self-Operation of a Hoyer Lift

Some full-body lifts also promote independent living by enabling an individual to self-transfer between the bed, bath, wheelchair and toilet. These units typically operate on a ceiling track and are designed for people who have moderate to strong upper-body strength. For some individuals, self-transfer lifts may eliminate the need for a caregiver.

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