Review of Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare

Most Industry Experience

Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare is the original adjustable base invalid lift used to help patients in and out of beds and chairs. As the first to market for patient lifts, most commonly known as Hoyer lifts, this brand has more experience designing safe and effective ways to maneuver patients within a room than any other brand. Its current product offerings include everything from manual sling lifts to powered lifts that can hold more than 700 pounds during transfer. 

Hoyer’s decades of experience in the healthcare industry, and in the manufacturing of durable medical equipment, make Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare one of the top options for Hoyer lifts. 

Overview of Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare

First patented in 1958 by Ted Hoyer, the Hoyer lift has become a crucial piece of technology to assist those with limited mobility. The Hoyer brand is now owned by one of the oldest continuously running medical furniture companies, Joerns Healthcare. Joerns Healthcare was founded in 1889 and continues to produce some of the most reliable and well-engineered medical-grade furniture. The lifts are designed for use in hospitals, nursing homes or at-home use. With more than 30 lift options to choose from, the brand offers some of the most comprehensive and useful ways of moving patients from one location to another.  

How Much Do Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare Lifts Cost?

The patient lift options from Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare start at a very affordable $150 for simple sling lifts and run upwards of $12,000 for powered lifts. In some cases, the style of the lift affects the price. In general, sling lifts are more affordable than full lifts. Manual options are also more affordable than powered units, though the tradeoff is that manual units often take more time to operate. 

When choosing a lift, it’s important to select one that fits into the space needed and supports the required weight. Larger patients may need to invest in a heavy-duty lift, which will likely be reflected in the final cost of the unit. 

Full Review of Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare Lift Features

Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare has a massive range of patient lift products, but these lifts typically fall into one of three categories: passive floor lifts, overhead lifts and active floor lifts. Each of these styles has different features and may work better for specific patients. 

Passive Floor Lifts

Passive floor lifts often use a foot pedal to adjust the height of the lift and work without the need for electricity. Many Hoyer brand lifts are available in a passive model with an optional upgrade to an active lift. Some of the most common features include: 

• Weight Limits: 340-500 pounds
• Maximum Height to Attachment Point: 61-77 inches
• Leg Height: 2.4-inches to 4.75-inches

Lower leg heights, such as the very low option offered with the Hoyer Presence allow lifts to work closer to low set furniture such as recliners, couches and some bed frames. 

Active Floor Lifts

Active floor lifts have all of the same convenience as the passive versions but come with a motorized lift function which means caregivers have more control during the process of moving a patient. Some active lifts have a control handle for the sling while others use a powered control for the base. One of the biggest benefits of the powered lift options is that some models can accommodate larger patients. 

• Weight Limits: 340-850 pounds
• Maximum Height to Attachment Point: 61-77 inches
• Leg Height: 2.4-inches to 4.75-inches

While the height at the maximum and the leg height range are the same for both passive and active lifts, the size of the patient lifted can vary dramatically. With the right active floor lift, like the Hoyer Calibre, caregivers can help heavier patients safely and comfortably transition between beds and wheelchairs. 

Ceiling Lifts

Ceiling lifts are an ideal solution for patients with very limited space who only need to use the lift in one room. These lifts attach to the ceiling on a set track and provide some of the best support for larger patients. The most heavy-duty options can be used with the largest patients. However, these lifts are often the most expensive and may not be suitable for everyone. To reach the highest weight limits, home modification may also be part of the installation process.

• Weight Limits: 300-1,000 pounds
• Maximum Height to Attachment Point: Ceiling height
• Leg Height: N/A

Since ceiling lifts stay at the height of the room, there’s no need to position them next to furniture and there are no legs to maneuver. Ceiling lifts come in compact, portable and heavy-duty models. 

Additional Features

In addition to weight limits, some other features that may help with purchasing decisions include the type of sling used to maneuver patients and some of the other options for movement. For example, ceiling lifts can help with in-bed shifting, which can be useful for patients with very limited mobility. Many Hoyer lifts also come with overload alerts systems and stability controls to ensure patients are stable and secure during a transfer. 

Who Should Consider Lifts from Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare?

At-Home Caregivers

Hoyer lifts are designed to allow a single caregiver to move a patient from bed to a chair and back. These devices provide all of the lifting help needed, turning a once back-strained task into a reasonably easy job that is safe for patients. By using a Hoyer lift, both caregiver and patient can improve quality of life while minimizing the risk of an injury. 

Bariatric Patients

With many models to choose from, Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare offers a line of heavy-duty lifts for larger patients. This line supports patients who weigh up to 1,000 pounds, allowing a caregiver to assist with daily activities without injury risks. 

What Are People Saying About Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare?

Customers often review specific Hoyer models giving the brand top ratings for ease of assembly and convenience. The power lifts get a big thumbs up and are a notable improvement compared to standard, manual options. Many caregivers mention the compact designs that make it easy to store lifts in out-of-the-way areas. Some users perform transfers up to 20 times per day as the battery keeps up with the constant use. The quiet operation of power units is a pleasant surprise for many patients and caregivers. 

The only downside that gets a regular mention is the need to keep the unit plugged in between uses. While the battery recharges quickly, it doesn’t allow for long operations without a recharge period in between. 

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