How to Choose the Best Hoyer Lift

Hoyer lifts are an essential safety tool to care for patients who are unable to get out of bed or move from their wheelchairs without significant assistance. Through the use of patient slings and adjustable lifting cradles, Hoyer lifts carry a patient from nearly any surface and allow them to be moved to a stretcher, bathtub, toilet, or nearby location. 

What is a Hoyer Lift?

Hoyer lifts are assistive medical devices which apply specially-designed slings and pads to safely lift a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, toilet, or stretcher. These devices come in many shapes and sizes and are often categorized by the level of automation they bear, whether that’s manual or hydraulic, electric or battery-powered. 

What is a Hoyer Lift Used For?

Hoyer lifts perform the crucial role of safely moving these patients from bed or place of rest while eliminating strain on the caregiver and also preventing falls due to lack of balance and muscle control. 

Given the multitude of patient types for which these lifts are used, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each lift bears different capabilities in weight capacity, size, cradle design, and more, in order to ensure each patient’s specific needs are met. 

Who Uses Hoyer Lifts?

Hoyer lifts are a necessity for patients who are 90% - 100% incapable of getting out of bed without assistance. These patients can include the elderly, patients with leg injuries, paralyzed patients, incapacitated patients, and children with special needs. 

Who Should Not Use a Hoyer Lift?

• Patients who can bear weight on their legs and transfer independently.
• Patients who have significant cognitive impairments prevent them from following instructions during transfers.
• Agitated or combative patients.
• Patients with contraindications to lifting due to recent surgery or medical conditions.

Why Use a Hoyer Lift?

Hoyer lifts are a cost-effective means of addressing a potentially dangerous situation. Physically moving patients when they are incapable of moving themselves leaves both caregivers and patients vulnerable to injury, and caregivers who do not use Hoyer lifts when moving patients place themselves at high risk of injuring their back and arms. 

Hoyer lifts are critically important to safely transfer a patient from bed to locations such as a stretcher, a chair, or a bedside commode. Therefore, whether you are the patient or the caregiver, a Hoyer lift is essential for your safety and injury prevention.

How to Use a Hoyer Lift?

Using a Hoyer lift can vary slightly depending on the patient’s location, whether they are in bed, a wheelchair, or another surface. However, the core steps remain the same.

1. Ensure the lift is fully charged or operational if it's manual.
2. Confirm that you have the correct sling size and type to fit the patient.
3. Widen the legs of the lift as far apart as they go for stability.
4. Position the lift with the sling bar above and parallel to the patient’s shoulders.
5. Securely attach the sling to the lift’s cradle using the appropriate attachment points.
6. Slowly raise the patient using the lift’s controls or manual lever until they are clear of the surface.
7. Move the lift to the desired transfer location.
8. Carefully lower the patient onto the new surface.
9. Unhook the sling loops from the lift.
10. Ensure the patient is safely and comfortably positioned, then remove the lift.

How Much is a Hoyer Lift?

The cost of a Hoyer lift typically ranges from $650 to $7,500, depending on the model, weight capacity, and whether it is manual or electric. 

How to Use a Hoyer Lift with One Person?

Many fully automated Hoyer lifts, including ceiling-mounted versions, are built for single-person use. However, a successful one-person operation depends on whether the caregiver can roll the patient onto their side to place the sling or if the patient can assist with this movement. After positioning the sling, the caregiver uses the lift's controls to elevate and move the patient, while guiding them into the intended location.

Can a Hoyer Lift be Used on Carpet?

Yes, a Hoyer lift can be used on low-pile carpets. It may require more effort to move the lift due to increased friction. For thick carpets, consider using a lift with larger caster wheels for smoother mobility.

How to Use a Hoyer Lift for Toileting?

1. Ensure you have the correct sling for the patient.
2. Lock the wheelchair wheels to prevent movement.
3. Have the patient lean forward while you tuck the sling behind their back.
4. Pull the sling straps outside of the patient’s legs, ensuring they don’t get caught on the wheelchair.
5. Secure the support belt and safety buckle snugly around the patient.
6. Stand in front of the patient and guide the straps under and over their legs, positioning them mid-thigh.
7. Cross the leg straps by threading one through the other, then bring the lift into position.
8. Move the lift close to the patient and attach the sling loops to the lift bar.
9. Do not lock the lift’s wheels.
10. Double-check that the patient is fully supported by the sling and that no straps are caught on the wheelchair.
11. Keep one hand on the patient and the other on the lift, slowly raising the patient.
12. Once lifted, move them toward the toilet and position the lift over it.
13. Lock the lift in place.
14. Lower the patient’s pants down to the lift straps for toileting.
15. Slowly lower the patient onto the toilet, keeping one hand on them and the other on the lift.
16. Once fully seated, unhook the sling straps and move the lift aside.
17. For comfort, you may remove the leg straps from under the patient.
18. After toileting, move the lift back into position.
19. Do not lock the lift wheels, and reattach the sling loops to the lift bar.
20. Gently lift the patient, assist with hygiene if needed, and pull their pants back up.
21. Return the patient to their wheelchair

How to Use a Hoyer Lift from Bed to Wheelchair?

1. Ensure you have the correct sling for the patient.
2. Fold the sling in half, smooth side inward, and place it next to the patient.
3. Gently roll the patient to one side, aligning the sling with their tailbone and head.
4. Roll up one side of the sling and tuck it under the patient.
5. Roll the patient to the opposite side.
6. Unroll the sling and make sure it lies flat, smooth side up.
7. Roll the patient back to a lying position.
8. Carefully raise each of the patient's legs and pull the straps underneath.
9. Position the straps at mid-thigh for comfort.
10. Cross the leg straps by threading one through the other.
11. Move the lift next to the bed and lock it in place.
12. Attach the sling loops securely to the lift bar.
13. Before lifting, confirm the patient is fully supported by the sling and that the straps and loops are free from any bed obstructions.
14. Place one hand on the patient and the other on the lift controls.
15. Gradually lift the patient.
16. Once the patient is lifted off the bed, unlock the lift and move them toward the wheelchair.
17. Lock the wheelchair and position the patient over it.
18. With one hand on the patient and the other on the lift controls, lower them into the wheelchair.
19. Detach the sling loops from the lift bar and move the lift away.

Does Medicare Cover the Cost of a Hoyer Lift?

Medicare Part B may cover some or the total amount of the cost of a Hoyer lift, as it is classified under durable medical equipment (DME). However, Medicare will likely require a doctor’s prescription for the lift before they will provide any coverage. 

Does Private Insurance Cover the Cost of a Hoyer Lift?

Every private insurance policy is different, and many private insurance policies follow the lead of Medicare. However, this is not always the case. Before choosing to purchase a Hoyer lift through private insurance, look into your policy to learn exactly what degree of coverage they offer. Checking your individual coverage regarding durable medical equipment (DME) will provide the clearest answer. 

Where to Buy a Hoyer Lift?

We offer a wide selection of Hoyer lifts that suit different needs and budgets. Visit our Hoyer lift category to explore all of our options!

Differences in Patient Lifts 

Sit-to-Stand Lift vs Hoyer Lift

• Hoyer Lift: Designed for patients who cannot stand and require full support during transfers.
• Sit-to-Stand Lift: Ideal for patients who have some mobility and can partially support their own weight, aiding them in moving from sitting to standing.

Hoyer Lift vs Ceiling Lift

• Hoyer Lift: A portable lift that can be moved from room to room for versatile use.
• Ceiling Lift: A permanent fixture installed in a specific location, allowing for smooth transfers along a track system.

Chair Lift vs Hoyer Lift

• Hoyer Lift: Moves patients horizontally and vertically using a sling and cradle.Must be operated by a caregiver.
• Chair Lift: Helps patients transition between sitting and standing by lifting them up or lowering them into a seated position. It promotes greater independence and can be operated by the patient without assistance.

Hoyer Lift vs Pool Lift

• Hoyer Lift: Used for indoor transfers between bed, wheelchair, or other surfaces.
• Pool Lift: Designed specifically for safely lowering patients into a pool and lifting them out of the water.

Car Lift vs Hoyer Lift

• Hoyer Lift: Primarily used indoors for bed-to-wheelchair transfers.
• Car Lift: Specifically designed to help transfer patients into and out of vehicles with ease.It disassembles and can fit in the trunk of a car.

Hoyer Lift with Scale Attachment

Some Hoyer lifts come equipped with a built-in scale to weigh the patient during transfers, while others require the addition of a separate scale attachment. This feature is useful for routine patient monitoring without needing additional equipment or transfers.

Hoyer Elevate Active Sit-to-Stand Mobile Lift with Removable Foot Tray View Product

Things to Consider

Weight Capacity

Standard Hoyer Lifts: Typically supports up to 400 pounds, making it suitable for most patients needing assistance with transfers. These lifts offer reliable support for a wide range of users, but it’s essential to verify weight capacity before each use.

Hoyer Presence Multi-Purpose Patient Lift with Powered Base View Product

Bariatric Hoyer Lift: Designed specifically for patients over 400 pounds, bariatric Hoyer lifts feature reinforced construction to safely support heavier individuals. Given the increased weight, many manufacturers recommend opting for an electric-powered lift for bariatric patients, as these lifts reduce the physical strain on caregivers and minimize the risk of injury during transfers. It's crucial to confirm the weight capacity before purchasing, as not all Hoyer lifts are built to accommodate bariatric needs.

Hoyer Stature Vertical Power Lift with Clip-Style Positioning Cradle View Product

Lift Design

• Overbed Lift: This lift is designed to transfer patients from a bed by positioning the cradle directly above the patient.

• Vertical Lift: Gives vertical access to people using scooters or wheelchairs. Commonly used to provide access between the ground level and a porch or deck. 

Manual or Electric

Electric Hoyer lifts or battery-poweredlifts operate without the physical administration of the caregiver, raising and lowering at the touch of a button. While more convenient, these lifts are likely to cost more than a manual lift.

Hoyer HPL700 Electric Mobile Lift with Power Adjustable Base View Product

Manual Hoyer lifts, or manual hydraulic lifts, require the administration of hand-cranking. This means the caregiver must be able to generate enough counter-leverage by building the lifting pressure manually. The caregiver must first position the patient within the lifting sling, then hand-crank the Hoyer lift to a raised position before maneuvering the patient from point A to point B.

Hoyer HML400 Hydraulic Manual Lift View Product

Naturally, manual hydraulic Hoyer lifts are more physically demanding of the caregiver. However, they are considerably more cost-effective than any other type of Hoyer lift, as they do not require power. This is also advantageous in the case of maintenance because hydraulic Hoyer lifts will never require the electrical upkeep that is needed for powered lifts. 

Attachment Points

The front-facing, crane-like device to which the patient sling attaches to a lift is called the cradle. There are several common designs for cradles, but the most common difference between them is the number of attachment points they bear. 

Cradles typically have two, four, or six attachment points. Generally speaking, the more attachment points on a cradle, the larger the area of patient weight distribution becomes. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, this can be a very important product decision. A six-point cradle will typically require less bending or movement from the patient than a two-point or four-point cradle will.

Hoyer HPL402 Mobile Power Lift with Reverse-Mounted Actuator View Product

Lift Construction

Hoyer lifts come in a variety of materials, but most will either be constructed with a plastic blend, a dense metal blend, or sometimes, a combination of both. Because of this, lifts tend to vary in product weight.

Hoyer Advance Portable Folding Patient Lift by Joerns Healthcare View Product

Final Thoughts

The purchase of a Hoyer lift is a critical step towards safe and comfortable transfer of patients from surface to surface as well as protecting caregivers from injury. Rehabmart is here for you and your loved ones for each step of the process, whether that’s helping you research the best product for your needs or delivering it to your home.

If you're interested in exploring more about Hoyer lifts along with other wellness topics, be sure to visit our blog, Caregiver University, where we offer a wealth of resources to support your health and well-being!