Summary. Ceiling mounted patient lift systems from Joerns Healthcare significantly aid patient transfer, optimising safety and comfort for both patients and caregivers. These lifts, easily integrated in various healthcare settings, offer space efficiency, hygiene, and versatile usage, catering to diverse patient mobility needs. For long-term patient handling solutions, investing in Joerns Healthcare’s ceiling mounted patient lifts is highly recommended.
Joerns Healthcare are a leading global supplier of patient handling equipment and have a wealth of experience in the field. As such, we are only too aware of the benefits that a ceiling mounted patient lifts can bring to patients and caregivers alike. Easy to use and incredibly versatile, ceiling lift systems are increasingly popular across a range of environments such as hospitals, hospices, schools and care homes.
What is a patient ceiling lift?
A ceiling mounted patient lift is a device that transports a patient along an overhead track system. The lift motor has a powered retractable lift tape and either a spreader bar or powered cradle arrangement. Lift motors are usually available in powered or manual traverse options depending on the requirement as well as a range of maximum safe working loads. In addition, the lifts are be paired with a suitable sling which holds and supports the patient throughout the transfer.
Patient ceiling lifts are valuable transfer solutions in healthcare facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals. They are designed to assist caregivers in moving patients safely and comfortably from one place to another. Also, whilst mitigating risk of injury to the patient and/or caregiver.
At Joerns Healthcare, we have a range of overhead hoists available. This includes both fixed ceiling lifts and portable variants each with their own unique features, benefits and applications.
Who can use one?
Ceiling lift systems are especially useful for patients who are confined to their bed or have limited mobility due to illness, injury, or disability. They are ideal for use by those who require continuous assistance and are unable to move without assistance. Moreover, they can be used to transfer patients from a bed to a wheelchair or commode, or to help them move from room to room around the house.
Overhead systems can also help with toileting and bathing needs. Patients can be lifted and transferred to the toilet, bath or shower with minimal strain or effort. A common use case for a ceiling mounted lift is for elderly patients who are at risk of falls or have difficulty standing and/or walking.
The Benefits of a Ceiling Lift
Patient ceiling lifts are often the easiest lift to use in healthcare environments. They offer space-saving benefits and an inherent ease of manoeuvrability. Consequently, they are the ideal investment when looking for a long-term solution for patient handling demands.
In larger facilities, away from the home, it is common for ceiling lift installations to be specified at the architect stage (new builds). Therefore, ensuring a full and seamless integration whilst taking into account any specific building or structural requirements. Some benefits include:
Less Space-Consuming Than a Floor Mounted Lift
Patient ceiling lifts require less space and are much more manoeuvrable than floor lifts. Floor lifts can be bulky and require ample floor space in which to operate. This can be a challenge in small rooms or tight spaces, particularly on carpeted floors and across room thresholds. In contrast, ceiling lifts generally install in any room without restriction by floor space. They install and operate easily in areas where traditional lifts struggle, such as small bathrooms or narrow hallways. By nature, they also require virtually no space for storage purposes.
More Hygienic
Ceiling lifts can be more hygienic than floor lifts. This is due to them not being in contact with the floor or other surfaces that may be contaminated with bacteria or viruses. This is especially important in healthcare settings where infection control is of critical concern.
Versatility
Patient ceiling lifts are also very versatile, and can be used in a variety of situations. Owing to a wealth of track/rail options including transitions, bends, room-covering systems and more, it is possible to fully customise overhead installations to match the exacting needs of the user and the environment.
Ceiling lifts, when planned and installed diligently, can provide unrivalled support for a wide variety of lifting and transfer needs. That is whether for transferring patients from a bed to a wheelchair, or moving patients from a chair to a commode. In addition, ceiling lifts offer an excellent range of lift height. Therefore, they may be more suitable for higher level transfers and obstacle or furniture avoidance when compared to mobile floor lifts.
Where should you use a ceiling lift?
Taking into consideration the above points, ceiling lifts can be used in a range of healthcare settings, such as:
- care homes,
- hospitals,
- and rehabilitation centres.
However, this type of patient lift can be more costly than a floor mounted alternative. So, we would recommend only investing in a ceiling lift if it is going to be utilised as a long-term patient handling solution. If that is the case, a ceiling lift, with careful planning, will be a beneficial and effective device to implement in the personal home of someone with mobility issues.
Contact Us Today
If you would like to find out about our ceiling mounted patient lift systems, then head to our website today. Alternatively, you can call 0344 811 1158 to speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.
Have you found this blog helpful? You may wish to read our previous blog:
Choosing Joerns For Your Level 3 Moving & Handling Training.
To read the original article please see here