Have you been using a moveable patient lifter to transfer from a wheelchair to the bed or shower commode chair? Do you find this to be very cumbersome and are caregivers worried they might injure their backs trying to facilitate these transfers? Do you have “storage” issue with this equipment and find it is always in the way?
A ceiling mounted lifting device is a terrific solution for permanent lifting issues. This type of equipment will not only eliminate physical strain of operating and moving a rolling lift, but will eliminate a storage problem.
Ceiling mounted lifts, (also known as overhead lifts and track lifts) consist of a battery powered hoist that is guided by an overhead track system to lift, transfer, and transport individuals with physical limitations between the bed, wheelchair, toilet, bathtub, shower chair, changing table, etc.
Ceiling mounted lifts not only operate vertically (up and down) but also horizontally (side to side). The vertical movement is operated by a motor that is set in motion using a control panel on the hoist or by a handheld remote control. The horizontal motion can also be motorized depending on the unit installed.
Ceiling lifts utilize a sling or harness to support individuals as they are lifted. Manufacturers typically offer their own line of slings and/or body supports to be used with their lifts. A variety of slings and/or body supports are available to address multiple lifting and transfer needs. Some examples include slings made to support individuals in a reclined position, slings made for toileting and bathing applications, as well as slings and/or body supports made to support individuals during un-weighted walking or gait training.
Track systems are customized to meet each individual’s home layout, configuration and transfer needs. Commonly, a track system will be located over the bed (for transfers between a wheelchair and bed), as well as in the bathroom to facilitate transfers onto the toilet and into shower or bathtub. Depending on the configuration of the home, it may be possible to provide continuous track between the bed and bathroom.
Most installations require the ceiling be reinforced in all locations where the track will be mounted. Architectural modifications may be required at doorways between rooms to allow the track to pass through the header above a doorway (if applicable) and to provide a continuous, flat ceiling.
The units are typically designed with many safety features that allow for smooth stop and start, as well as emergency locking and lowering features. Depending on the manufacturer, various methods for charging batteries are utilized to ensure continual reliability of the equipment.
There are a variety of manufacturers and equipment options available. The following questions may help identify which product is right for you:
• Will the equipment be operated by the individual being transferred or by a caregiver?
• Do you need a system that will allow the motor and body support/sling to be moved to a different track location in the home (in the event the bathroom is not located adjacent to the bedroom)?
• Does the manufacturer have the type of sling or body support needed by the individual being transferred?
• Does the unit support the size and weight of the individual being transferred?
• Does the individual being transferred need to have a sling that provides an opening for toileting and bathing?
• Can the lift go into the tub or shower area?
• Does the track system offer configurations to address paths of travel needed between transfer points (such as a turns, curves, etc.)?
• Due to architectural issues, is a model needed that can operate around the header of a door (such as a door between a bedroom and bathroom)?
• Is the finish of rail system at ceiling important (such as white, chrome, etc.)?
• Does the model offer useful accessories?
• Does the vendor offer demonstrations for the individual being transferred to try-out the sling and/or body supports to ensure your selection?
• Does the system come with a warranty? If so, how long?
• Who installs the system? Is it included in the price quoted?
This technology has opened the door to independence for many individuals with transfer needs...and in some instances has been found to reduce the number of personal care attendant hours needed. For more information, contact a product representative who can give a demonstration on features which can help not only for today, but in the future.
Jane A. Hampton, CID, CAPS is the President and Founder of Accessibility Design, a Minneapolis, MN based home access design, consultation, and project management company (est.1992). As a Certified Interior Designer and Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Jane Hampton was one of the early pioneers in developing the specialty niche of home access and defining what it is today. She and her company have captured the essence of Universal Design, Aging in Place, and Home Access and have helped thousands enhance their lives by refining residential access and independent living. She is looked to as an expert in the field, as well as an educator on both a regional and national level.
For more information regarding Jane Hampton and her company Accessibility Design, please visit http://www.accessibilitydesign.com/.
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