Aerial personal lifts use a hoist and sling mechanism and can be portable, mounted to the ceiling or fixed by a permanent pole system such as next to the bath or spa. They can be electronically operated or use a rechargeable battery pack system. They are generally lightweight and can be used to assist a physically dependent person from a sitting or laying position in situations such as the bedroom, lounge room or bathroom, within the home or in a formal care or therapy environment.
Ceiling rail systems can be multi-tracked and customised with an assortment of lifting slings and accessories dependent on individual needs and the flexibility required. It is important to assess the weight of the person with disability using the hoist to ensure an appropriate system is purchased.
Aerial swing lifts are also available that can be used in recreational situations for transferring physically dependent individuals onto recreational equipment such as boats.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For individuals involved in personal care work within a home or formal care environment, the lifting requirements of individual patients can cause injuries to the carer. Personal lifts can minimise the risk of back injuries and ensure comfort and safety for the person being lifted and the care giver. Formal training is required to ensure safe use of the lifting system for the carer and the person being lifted. Training can be given by the provider of the equipment or an appropriate health professional:
For more information regarding personal lifting aids please see the links below:
References
Guldmann (no date specified), GH3 Ceiling Hoist System, Guldmann, Denmark, viewed 3 August 2010, <http://www.guldmann.com/Default.aspx?ID=3634&GroupID=GROUP107>.
Independent Living Centres Inc 2010, Hoists – Overhead and Fixed, Independent Living Centres Inc, Sydney, viewed 3 August 2010, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=44&MinC=22>.
Workcover New South Wales 2005, Implementing a safer patient handling program: An industry guide for the health and community services sector, New South Wales Government, Sydney, viewed 4 August 2010, <http://www.smartmove.nsw.gov.au/ContentFiles/WorkCoverManualHandling/Documents/implementing_a_safer_patient_handling_program_4800.pdf>.
WYMO Lifting Aids 2010, Bath Access Hoist, WYMO Lifting Aids, South Grafton, viewed 3 August 2010, http://www.wymo.com.au/db/Default.aspx?tabid=194.