Chair lifters or transporters are a trolley system that is able to lift and move a person sitting within a wheelchair without the chair occupant moving. Essentially the transporter is pushed under the chair and positioned with the chair occupant's feet placed on a footrest. It is then pushed using a handle to an alternate location, the transporter removed and the chair repositioned.
Another version of a chair lift allows people to sit in a semi seated position, angled forwards, whilst being pushed by a carer from one point to another. Individuals using these transporters require some mobility and the capacity to weight bear through their legs and pull up with their arms to stand. Transporters or chair lifts can come with knee supports, foot plates and back supports if required.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Chair lifts or transporters can reduce the physical strain and risk of injury for carers who are transferring patients with limited mobility whether at home, within care facilities or the workplace.
Chair lifts or transporters can be useful in emergency evacuation situations, particularly where there are stairs and the lift is not able to be used.
For more information about mobility aids and manual handling equipment please see the links below:
References
Hercules Complete Lifting Solutions 2010, Personal stair climbers, Hercules Complete Lifting Solutions, Artarmon, viewed 4 August 2010, <http://www.hercules.com.au/ps_range.htm>.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2010, Lifting, Transferring & Standing Equipment, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 4 August 2010, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=44&MinC=41>.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2010, Master Lifts – The comfy lift, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 4 August 2010, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search4.asp?State=WA&MC=44&MinC=41&Item=4875&page=30.