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Patient Hoists and Transfer Equipment: Safe Moving Solutions at Home
How hoists, transfer boards and slide sheets are used to move heavy or non-weight-bearing patients from bed to chair, with selection and safety rules.
Moving a bedridden patient who cannot stand from bed to wheelchair, toilet or bath is one of the hardest and riskiest care tasks. Manual lifting can cause back injuries in carers and falls, skin tears and shoulder dislocations in patients. Hoists and transfer equipment make it safe for both.
| Equipment | Purpose | For |
|---|---|---|
| Slide sheet | Reduces friction moving up the bed and turning | All bedridden patients |
| Transfer board | Bridge for seated sliding between bed and chair | Good trunk balance, partly strong arms |
| Transfer belt | Secure grip for the carer | Patients who can partly stand |
| Turntable | Easier pivoting while standing | Can stand but struggle to turn |
| Stand-up hoist | Raises from sitting to standing | Partial weight-bearing, head and trunk control |
| Full-body (sling) hoist | Lifts and moves completely | Non-weight-bearing, heavy or unconscious patients |
Using a full-body hoist
Always train first and ideally use two people.
- Prepare: check battery, brakes and sling; explain to the patient.
- Position the sling by rolling the patient: bottom edge at the tailbone, top supporting the shoulders.
- Attach leg straps (crossed or parallel per instructions) and all loops to the spreader bar.
- Lift slowly; stop a few centimetres up to check connections and comfort.
- Move, widening the legs for stability if needed.
- Lower gently into the chair with the hips well back.
- Detach once safe; the sling may stay if the manufacturer allows.
| Sling | Use |
|---|---|
| General (U-shaped) | Bed–chair transfers |
| Head-support | Poor head and neck control |
| Toileting | Open back for toilet transfers |
| Bathing | Water-safe material |
Size the sling to weight and build; too large lets the patient slip, too small causes pressure.
Safety
Check the hoist's weight capacity, never use torn or worn slings, never leave the patient alone while lifted, keep floors flat and clear, charge the battery and arrange periodic servicing.
At home, check there is space under the bed for the hoist legs, room to manoeuvre and adequate door widths.
We supply hoists, slings, transfer boards and slide sheets across Yalova with hands-on training by our physiotherapists and care team, and deliver to Bursa, Istanbul and Kocaeli–Gebze.
