Handicare Hoyer Lift Review
Handicare sit-to-stand lifts and floor lifts help people stand up from a seated position. Ceiling lifts can transfer a person from a bed to a chair or across the room. Each Handicare fixed ceiling lift hangs from a safe, easy-to-mount ceiling track that moves back and forth and across, on an X-Y axis.
A portable ceiling lift has a free-standing track, making it convenient to move to different rooms. Portable lifts are easy to set up and break down and can be taken on trips. The capacity of the lifts is 450 to 1,000 pounds.
Pros:
- Handicare representatives can put you in contact with local dealers in your area.
- Impressive range of sling designs, with different sizes and a variety of materials, as well as custom sling options.
- Carries several bariatric lifts, including a ceiling overhead lift that can support 1000lbs.
- Offers foldable models for easy storage, as well as models with low legs to fit underneath furniture.
Cons:
- Pricier lifts, with its cheapest models costing thousands of dollars.
- There are very few online retailers that carry Handicare lifts.
Overview of Handicare
Handicare lifts give caregivers and health care professionals a safe and simple way to transfer people from one place to another without effort, preventing muscle strain. Handicare lifts can also help people with partial mobility rise to a standing position. Some sit-to-stand models are also useful for physical therapy because they require upper body effort.
EVA450EE
EVA600EE
Minilift200
C-1000 Bariatric Ceiling Lift
AP-450
Lift Style
Power floor lift
Power floor lift
Power active lift
Ceiling overhead lift
Freestanding overhead lift
Maximum Capacity
450lbs
600lbs
350lbs
1,000lbs
450lbs
Safety Features
-Stable aluminum sling bar with reliable safety latches
-Encapsulated twin casters for easy rolling
-Emergency stop on control box
-Overload indicator
-Stable aluminum sling bar with reliable safety latches
-Encapsulated twin casters for easy rolling
-Emergency stop on control box
-Grip-friendly handles
-Anti-slip footplate
-Easy rolling casters
-Emergency stop on control box
-4 carry bar design and 2 motors to lift torso and legs safely at comfortable angles
-Emergency stop and lowering
-Indicators for strap replacement
-Special hooks keep sling loop in place
-Unsafe tilt detection alerts
-Low battery alert
-Emergency stop and lowering
Price Range
$2,830-$4,980
$5,930-$7,150
$3,840-$5,930
$7,880-$8,540
$2,650-$3,000
Distributors
Dealers
Dealers
Dealers
Dealers
Dealers
How much does a Handicare Hoyer Lift Cost?
Hoyer lifts generally cost between $1,500 and $3,500. Basic models can cost less than $1,000, though, and heavy lifters with significant upgrades can cost over $10,000. As a typical example, a Handicare ceiling lift with a motorized track between a bedroom and an attached bathroom typically costs around $3,400.
Manually operated lifts are the least expensive type; rechargeable battery-powered lifts are pricier. For example, a Handicare ceiling lift with a manual traverse has nearly the same equipment as the battery-powered version. The main difference is that a caregiver moves the sling along the track instead of a battery.
Other cost factors include:
- Maximum weight supported
- Type of sling or straps
- Safety features
- Charging capabilities
- Length of warranty
Full Review of Handicare’s Features
Handicare offers a variety of products, from manual lifts that can be used alone to high-end battery-operated lifts with lighted digital displays and multiple features. Hoyer lifts are helpful for people who experience partial to severe muscle weakness and/or balance problems. The lifts are also useful for caregivers because they absorb the strain of lifting and moving patients, preventing helpers from getting injured. Prices vary depending on upgrades and additions to a base model.
Sit-to-Stand Lift
These are lifts that help people with limited mobility move from sitting to standing position. Sit-to-stand lifts are suitable for people with a range of physical capabilities:
- ReTurn: The support grid of the ReTurn has a laddered surface that a person can use to pull themselves into a standing position. Those with some mobility can continue to use their muscles as much as possible.
- MiniLift: A corded hand control raises the MiniLift grab bar upward and forward, bringing the user to an upright position. For ease of transfer, the u-shaped base of the MiniLift can move it close to a commode or wheelchair.
- QuickMove: For those with leg weakness and/or balance issues, QuickMove offers a padded framework for rising into a standing position. Cushioned supports also fold down for a seated transfer.
Weight Limit
Power Source
Main Features
Safety Features
Price Range
ReTurn
330/450 LBS
Manual
Adjustable height turns and pivots
Ergonomic wheelchair transfer design
$1,400 - $1,500
MiniLift
350/440 LBS
High capacity lithium-ion battery
Small and easy to maneuver
Padded lower leg support, lockable casters
$2,300 - $2,600
QuickMove
375 LBS
Manual
Cushioned seating, easily maneuverable
Adjustable support for a custom fit
$2,100 - $2,400
Mobile Lift
This type of lift is useful for those who can walk with support once they’re in a standing position. Mobile lifts can be moved around, allowing the user to be seated in different locations. When it’s time to move, a mobile lift will get a person on their feet so they can walk to the next location.
Weight Limit
Power Source
Main Features
Safety Features
Price Range
Carina 350
350 LBS
High-capacity rechargeable battery
Lightweight, foldable and economical
Emergency stop button
$1,700 - $1,800
Eva Floor Lift
450/600 LBS
High-capacity battery with built-in charging
Lightweight, adjustable height
Emergency stop button
$3,000 - $5,000
FGA-700 Bariatric
700 LBS
High-capacity rechargeable battery
Power controlled features, usage tracking
An emergency stop button, double support bars
$4,200 - $4,800
Fixed Ceiling Lift
Fixed ceiling lifts are used in clinical settings for patients who need to be moved between locations, and this is a reliable solution for home caregivers. A lift connecting a bedroom with an adjacent bathroom is a common configuration.
All fixed ceiling lifts are powered by rechargeable batteries. The differences between them are the lift size, battery quality, lifting speed, and add-ons such as diagnostic screens and accessories. For example, the C-1000 Bariatric offers custom slings, on-site assessment and user training.
Weight Limit
Rechargeable Battery
Main Features
Safety Features
Price Range
A-Series
450/625 LBS
Constant charge/return to charge battery options
Quick release for changing carry bar, LCD diagnostic screen
Auto shut-off, emergency stop and lowering
$3,400 - $4,300
C-450
450 LBS
Manual or powered traversing, low battery indicator
The Smallest fixed ceiling lift, onboard pneumatic controls
Auto shut-off, emergency stop and lowering
$3,400 - $3,800
C-625
625 LBS
Simple battery maintenance
Quiet operation, quick lifting, visual battery display
Auto shut-off, emergency stop and lowering
$4,000 - $4,600
C-800 Bariatric
800 LBS
Quick-change batteries
Smallest bariatric lift, quick lifting, many accessories
Digital display with lift status and maintenance requirements
$3,600 - $5,000
C-1000 Bariatric
1,000 LBS
Constant charge
Dual-motor option for precision lifting, range of sling styles and sizes
Auto shut-off, emergency stop and lowering
$3,900 - $7,800
Portable Overhead Lift
This lift works like a fixed ceiling lift except that the track is attached to a frame instead of the ceiling. A portable overhead lift offers more flexibility because the track can be set up in different locations. It’s powered by a rechargeable battery or a cord and plug. The price rises with upgrades such as hand controls, upgraded features, and diagnostic screens.
Independent Lifter
The independent lifter is a type of overhead lift that’s different from the others. It’s designed for users who have enough upper body strength to raise themselves using their arms and built-in supports. With the independent lifter, a person can transfer to a wheelchair without assistance or use a controller to move along a ceiling track.
Weight Limit
Rechargeable Battery or Plug
Main Features
Safety Features
Price Range
AP-Series
300 LBS
Smart battery with 175% longer life
Ergonomic hand control, front control panel, color diagnostic screen
Antimicrobial strap, tilt detection
$2,200 - $3,000
P-440
440 LBS
Plug and socket charging
Lightweight, portable, pneumatic hand control
Speed governor, slack strap sensor
$2,500 - $3,700
P-600
600 LBS
Plug and socket charging
On-board controls, optional cart
Locking latches, slack strap sensor, speed governor
$5,000 - $6,000
Independent Lifter
440 LBS
Manual or Battery Powered Traverse
Comfortable, anti-slip support pads, stainless steel construction
Three-point torso support, smooth corners
$1,300 - $1,400
Who Should Consider Handicare’s Products?
Handicare lifts are helpful for:
People With Partial Mobility
Anyone who has trouble standing can benefit from one of Handicare’s sit-to-stand lifts. The three models provide support for those with a range of upper body strengths, and the QuickMove is the best choice for those who also have balance issues.
People Who Can Walk With Assistance
Mobile lifts help users stand, and those with walking ability can also use them to move from place to place. The ReTurn is good for rehab because it requires the use of upper body muscles to stand.
Caregivers Who Transfer Patients
Transferring immobile patients can cause muscle injuries in caregivers. A fixed or portable ceiling lift safely bears all the weight of a person who is being transferred. The Independent Lifter also allows a person with upper body strength to transfer themselves using the lift track.
What Are People Saying About Handicare Lifts?
Caregivers appreciate the ease of transferring patients with a Handicare ceiling lift, and users are happy with the sling design that keeps them upright. Although the leg straps on a sling can be uncomfortable, this can be fixed by adjusting the padding. The sit-to-stand lifts are also well-liked because they’re portable and lightweight.
Reviewers say the Handicare mobile lifts are well made and easy to set up and use. The instructional videos are appreciated by many, and buyers say customer support is responsive. Handicare products received a score of 4.6 to 4.8 out of 5 from reviewers on various websites.
FAQs
A Hoyer lift allows one caregiver to transfer a person from a sitting to a standing position or move them across a room using a ceiling lift. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Medicare Part B will pay 80% of the Medicare-approved cost to rent or buy durable medical equipment such as Hoyer lifts. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Handicare Hoyer lifts can hold up to 1,000 pounds. Click here for our full answer to this question.
This depends on the user’s degree of mobility. For example, sit-to-stand lifts are useful for those with enough upper body strength to grasp the handles. Click here for our full answer to this question.
Hoyer lifts are available for rent from medical supply companies in many locations. Click here for our full answer to this question.