How to Choose the Best Sit-to-Stand Lifts

Why Choose a Sit-to-Stand Lift?

Patient lifts come in a variety of options with varying features, so choosing the right sit-to-stand lifts depends on the unique needs of your patients, residents and the usage scenarios.

• Suitable for residents with weight-bearing ability or upper-body strength
• Ideal for resident rooms, toilet areas, bathing areas, and common spaces
• Enhances dignity and resident participation
• Easier and faster to use than floor lifts
• Small footprint for easy storage

Key Factors in Choosing a Lift for Your Facility

Base Length and Width

• Shorter base lengths and widths allow lifts to maneuver in tight spaces
• The base should be wide open enough to fit around equipment and provide stability

Scale Attachment

• Allows caregiver to weigh residents during transfer, helping reduce incidence of caregiver injury
• Saves time and eliminates the need for an additional transfer to a scale

Base Clearance

• To maximize effectiveness, lifts should fit under existing beds
• For low beds, measure the underbed clearance and choose lifts with low base clearance
• Raising the bed forklift placement ensures staff work in a better position when applying or removing a sling

Sit-to-Stand Slings

In addition to selecting sit-to-stand lifts, there are two distinct types of slings available for use with them, each designed to meet specific resident needs. Both types require steady cognitive awareness for use.

Standing slings: Use standing slings for residents with sufficient weight-bearing ability for standing assistance, gait training, and quick toileting

Transport slings: Use transport slings for residents with less weight-bearing ability, needing extra standing assistance, these slings provide extra support via thigh straps

Prioritizing safety: The advantages of safe lifting practices in your community

As acuities continue to rise and surveyors continue to cite F-Tag 323 (Accidents), it’s becoming increasingly important to establish and promote ergonomic and injury prevention programs.

Learning how to use sit-to-stand lifts and utilizing them correctly and consistently can play a key role in establishing a culture of safety within your healthcare facility. The proper use of senior lifts can significantly impact the safety of residents and staff, as well as enhance residents’ mobility, strength, and independence.

How to Enhance Resident and Staff Safety in Lift Transfers

• Minimize lifting-related incidents and injuries
• Alleviate caregivers’ daily strain
• Lower insurance costs
• Improve care quality and resident outcomes
• Ensure safety for resident outcomes
• Boost staff recruitment and retention
• Increase community marketability (resident admissions)
• Control employee injury and malpractice expenses

Sit-to-Stand Lifts FAQs

What is a sit to stand lift and how does it benefit residents and patients?

A sit to stand lift is a device designed to assist individuals with limited mobility in moving from a sitting to a standing position. This equipment is particularly beneficial in senior living facilities as it helps prevent falls, reduces the risk of injuries to both patients and caregivers, and promotes independence and dignity for residents.

How do I choose the right sit to stand lift for my facility?

When choosing a sit to stand lift for your facility, consider the following factors:

• Weight Capacity: Ensure the lift can accommodate the weight of your heaviest patients
• Safety Features: Look for features like non-slip footrests and emergency stop functions
• Ease of Use: The lift should be easy to operate for caregivers, with intuitive controls
• Battery Life: Consider the battery life and whether the lift can be used while charging
• Adjustability: The lift or sling should be adjustable to cater to patients of different sizes and needs

What maintenance is required for a sit to stand lift?

Regular maintenance of a sit to stand lift is crucial to ensure its safety and longevity. Maintenance tips include:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean the lift regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria
• Inspection: Frequently inspect all parts of the lift, including the harnesses, batteries, and moving parts, for any signs of wear or damage
• Battery Maintenance: Keep the batteries charged and replace them as needed to ensure the lift operates smoothly