Guide to Using a Hoyer Lift

At times, there may be hesitation from caregivers or nurses about using a Hoyer lift when transferring patients. Some feel the machinery diminishes the human connection between themselves and their patients and makes the individual in need feel as though they are as cargo being moved from one point to another. However, a mechanical lift is designed to prevent strain and reduce injuries for both caregivers and patients, and using one demonstrates a caregivers commitment to the well-being of the seniors they serve. A Hoyer lift is undoubtedly a valuable tool to properly care for those with limited mobility.

Hoyer lifts help to reduce health care worker injuries, improve patient care and are an important tool to satisfy safety-conscious policies and procedures. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “On average, U.S. hospitals recorded nearly three times (7.6) the work-related injuries and illnesses for every 100 full-time employees in 2020, compared with 2.7 per 100 full-time employees for all U.S. industries combined.”

Proper training and education for caregivers and health care staff ensures safe use of a Hoyer lift and promotes confidence in the equipment’s capability. When used as part of a daily routine, seniors with limited mobility can receive proper care and remain engaged in family and social activities. The benefits include improved emotional and mental health and ensuring seniors live a fulfilling life.    

This guide includes information about the benefits of Hoyer lifts for patients and caregivers and the value of training and knowledge when using lifts. Steps to facilitate safe operation, eliminate user reluctance and promote patient trust are also discussed.

Hoyer Lifts and Who They Benefit

Growing older and having to depend on help from others is difficult, but the reality is that for many people, our bones weaken and our health usually declines as we age. Once someone needs 90–100% assistance to get in and out of bed or go from a bed to a chair or they have debilitating mobility challenges, a Hoyer lift can be used to safely move them, benefiting both the senior and the caregiver. Typical environments where a Hoyer lift is beneficial include seniors’ homes, nursing homes, hospitals and physical therapy clinics.

Preparing to Use a Hoyer Lift

The following sections offer suggestions and resources for education and training before using a Hoyer lift.

Education and Training

There isn’t yet any federal legislation requiring training and certification for the use of Hoyer lifts. However, several states have instituted state-level rules and regulations, and the list is growing. Institutions, health care agencies or private individuals who want to learn about safe patient lift operations can find online sources that offer helpful publications and operation recommendations. Below is a listing of several governmental and reputable resources:

• FDA Patient Lifts Safety Guide
• American Nurses Association clinical article, “Five strategies to help prevent nurses’ patient-handling injuries”
• CDC’s Safe Patient Handling Training for Schools of Nursing
• CDC’s Safe Lifting and Movement of Nursing Home Residents

Learning About the Parts and Operations of a Hoyer Lift

Educating yourself about the proper use of a Hoyer lift includes becoming familiar with the machine’s parts and operation. There are two main categories of lifts: floor or ceiling. Floor lifts are mobile and come in many configurations for uses such as helping patients get up after a fall, transferring them from one room to another, performing a bed-to-chair move and any patient movement where the lift needs to be mobile. Ceiling lifts transport patients by using a track system mounted on the ceiling, relieving the force and pressure put on a bed, chair, commode or furniture. They’re also used to reposition patients in bed.

The main parts of a Hoyer lift include:

• Sling bar and attachments for holding the patient
• Boom
• Sling attachment points
• Emergency release
• Push handle
• Hydraulic lift motor
• Spreader handle
• Base legs
• Footplate
• Wheels

Hoyer lifts can be manually operated with a hand pump or powered by rechargeable battery packs.

Preparing the Patient

Before performing safety checks on the lift, assess the patient and determine if they’re ready for a lift transfer. The following is a checklist of observations to be sure the patient transfer goes smoothly and safely.

• If it’s their first transfer, explain what is going to happen and how.
• Check the patient’s physical abilities to see if they can assist in the move.
• Be sure their weight is appropriate for the lift according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Check for wrinkles in their clothing and smooth them out to prevent pressure points on the skin.
• Determine if any of their medical conditions may inhibit the transfer.
• Check their mental status to ascertain their ability to follow instructions.
• If the patient is agitated, anxious or combative, don’t try to move them with the lift.
• Let them know each step as you move them.

Safety Checks

Safety checks are critical for a proper transfer and to ensure safety for everyone involved. The following suggested checks are dependent on the type of lift being used and are general suggestions. It’s advisable to perform these checks long before the transfer to avoid diminished patient confidence. 

• Ask about the last time the lift was used and if it was sanitized to prevent the spread of infection.
• See if the battery is fully charged.
• Ensure the bed, chair or other surfaces the patient is being moved from and to are locked and stable.
• Check the sling for any holes or rips and replace if necessary.
• Move the lift in place, check that it’s level, and lock the wheels.
• Test the emergency release.
• Be sure all controls are working before loading the patient.
• Check the operation of the boom.
• Test the manual hand crank on electric Hoyer lifts to be sure it works.
• Ensure there’s enough space around the lift if it’s floor-operated.
• Don’t allow children or pets near the lift during operation.
• Check the path of the lift is clear of obstructions.
• Verify how many people are needed to operate the lift.

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