Chair lifters or transporters are a trolley system that is able to lift and move a person sitting within a chair without the chair occupant moving. Essentially the transporter is pushed under the chair and positioned with the chair occupants 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. People 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 whom are transferring patients with limited mobility whether at home, within care facilities or the workplace (Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007).
Relevant Links
References:
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Lifting, Transferring & Standing Equipment, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 7 December 2007, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=44&MinC=41>.