Floor Hoist Or Ceiling Hoist: Important Considerations

All types of hoists help to transfer people from one place to another when they no longer have the required mobility to stand and move safely, otherwise. They are designed to help facilitate lifting and transfer activity by reducing the effort required on behalf of both the carer and patient. When it comes to selecting the right hoist, there are many types to choose from – with different benefits depending on the user, their circumstances and requirements and of course, the environment. There is some debate over whether an overhead ceiling track hoist is more favourable when compared to a mobile/floor hoist. Here at Oxford Healthcare, as a leading provider of patient handling and rehabilitation products, we have the vast experience and expertise to be able to support you in making the correct decision and investment.

Types of Mobile Hoists

Mobile hoists (sometimes known as floor hoists or mobile patient lifts), are designed to lift and transfer patients who do not have the necessary mobility to move from one place to another without significant intervention. Lifting patients or loved ones can often be a physical strain for the caregiver, risking personal injury. In these situations, a mobile hoist might be a practical solution.

Mobile hoists are movable lifting devices, specially designed for use in care environments, and of course, with patient mobility needs in mind. At Oxford Healthcare, our leading range of Oxford mobile hoists prioritise comfort, ease-of-use and of course, safety. We offer solutions that meet most needs, from compact and portable lifts to heavy-duty and bariatric models.

Advantages of a Mobile Hoist:

  • You can quickly move it to other rooms when needed
  • Versatile – you can use it for most lifting tasks, in many environments
  • Portable/folding models can be taken away on holiday or to different locations
  • No installation or structural room alterations required
  • Often a cost-effective solution, especially for shorter-term needs

Disadvantages of a Mobile Hoist:

  • Takes up valuable floor and storage space
  • Heavier duty hoists can be cumbersome to move through tight corners, narrow doorways and on thick pile carpets
  • May demand two caregivers depending on the (Risk assessed) task in hand
  • Still requires a level of physical exertion on behalf of the caregiver during transfer
  • Relatively imposing versus an overhead lift which can sometimes be unsettling for the patient

Types of Ceiling Hoists

Ceiling hoists can offer more independence to users than mobile hoists. This is largely due to the fact they can be operated with less intervention from caregivers; especially true of models that incorporate a powered traverse function. Oxford can offer both fixed and portable ceiling hoist systems which run on a ceiling-mounted track or in combination with free-standing gantry track solutions

Ceiling hoists incorporate many different features, some of which include continuous charge, fixed, portable and semi-permanent designs, dual controls, service reminders, data capture, diagnostics and safety features. Our ceiling lifts can ease manual handling demands and help maximise floor space compared to more traditional, mobile hoist designs.

Overhead Hoist advantages:

  • Requires no floor space and you can store it in the corner of a room.
  • Simple to use and less imposing for the patient.
  • Easier to position a person with.
  • Enables single-handed care.
  • More extensive lift range compared to mobile hoists.
  • Can provide access to otherwise hard to reach areas (e.g. over swimming pools).

Overhead Hoist disadvantages:

  • Not mobile and therefore limited to one room unless more complicated installation needs are met.
  • Building and structural limitations may compromise the scope of installations unless planned in for new builds.
  • Once the installation is done, it is a permanent fixture.
  • More expensive and time-consuming to procure compared to a mobile hoist.

Choosing The Right Types of Hoists

As seen above, both types of hoists boast a variety of features that are adaptable to the needs of many different users and caregivers. Regardless of which type of hoist you choose, it is important that all hoists are used safely and correctly and are selected based on the needs of the person who will be using them.

A thorough face-to-face risk assessment is essential to mitigate any risks. No one should ever be left unattended in a sling/hoist and the carer should always ensure that their patient is comfortable and safe. If you are looking for more information about our mobile hoist and ceiling hoist products, then head to our website today. Alternatively, you can call us and speak to a member of our helpful and friendly team.

If you have found this blog helpful, you may wish to read our blog on The Oxford Presence Heavy-duty Hoist.

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