Handicapped Chairs
Filed under Lifts
Those who suffer from limited mobility or are wheelchair bound may want to consider the purchase of a handicapped chair. Handicapped chairs are used by those who may require assistance bending and moving in order to lower and raise their bodies into a seated position.
Individuals who are hampered by severe or chronic knee pain, back pain or mobility issues of the legs and upper body would benefit from using this type of assistance. Offering the user a gentle lift motion by way of remote capability, handicapped chairs provide assistance in gaining access to a desired position for either sitting or standing with little physical effort.
With the chair seat raised to its highest position, the user is then able to move securely in a backward motion resting their lower body against the raised seat where it then is able to gently lower them into a seated position. This assisted motion relieves pressure on the knees, lower back, hips and arms which normally support these bodily actions during self movement.
Chair Recliners
As the user is seated, the handicapped chair lift provides a comfortable gliding motion while lifting the body into a standing position. Both uses, standing to seated and seated to standing, provide the user with less physical stress and impact on the joints and muscles which may be adversely affected by the normal tension used when situating the body into these positions during self movement.
Offered in a range of sizes and fabrics to suit any physical need or style, handicapped chairs easily provide both comfort and soothing reliability. Most handicap chairs will come padded with a cotton cushion cover. Higher end lift chair models can be leather or suede covered. This allows them to blend into any room environment.
Lift Chair Weight Capacities
Handicapped chairs are well suited for any need and space. Average handicap chairs will be able to support up to 350 pounds. For those who require more power, there are bariatric lift chairs suitable for weights ranging from the 500 and 700 pound capacity. These are oversized models for the larger individual.
Most lift chairs offer a variety of positions making the choice of comfort levels and positions, a convenient personal option. While some handicapped chairs only perform the seated to standing and standing to seated positions, others are available with both a semi and fully reclining capability.
Who can use these handicapped chairs?
Have you noticed an older friend, relative or neighbor moaning and expressing grief when they sit down or stand up from a chair? Or maybe someone who has undergone knee or hip surgery recently. These chairs make excellent gifts for people after an operation. Many people prolong the recovery and rehabilitation period because they bend their hips and knees when they try to sit and stand from chairs. They are told not to put any stress on them but without lifting devices, they have no option.
Handicapped chairs provide the users with the means for solitary and unassisted physical movement, greatly increasing their sense of independence and personal choice. With variable options as to size, weight capacity, fabric types, colors or patterns, a handicapped chair is an optimal choice for those who seek both comfort and style in an independent means of physical assistance.
Tags: Chair, seat risers
Hoyer Lifts For Your Bedside Patient
Filed under Handicap Bedroom, Lifts
A Hoyer lift is a mechanical lift that is used to transfer patients from their beds to a wheel chair, reclining chair or bedside commode. It is used for patients that are either completely unable to move by themselves or partially so. A Hoyer lift is normally electric or hydraulic in mechanism. The older types of Hoyer lifts were cranked by hand.
Patient and Hoyer Lift Slings
Hoyer lifts come with a piece of cloth, most normally made of canvas or nylon, which is like a hammock that fits underneath the patient. The cloth is attached to straps that have chains and a hooking device on them, to attach to the cloth. When attached properly, the Hoyer Lift can move patients safely with no strain, to either the patient or the caregiver.
Benefits to Hoyer and Patient Lifts
There are many benefits to using a Hoyer Lift. They not only provide the patient with a more comfortable transfer but they allow the caregiver to be able to move the patient without straining his or her back or other muscles. Although it is a good idea to have two people available when using the lift, it is not necessary. One person who is trained properly to use the patient lift, can do so, safely. A Hoyer lift can also lift patients that are too heavy to be, comfortably or safely moved, otherwise. Hoyer lifts are capable of lifting weights ranging from 350lbs to 450lbs. In a hospital or nursing home setting, Hoyer lifts allow a single nurse to transfer the patient, instead of needing several nurses, to turn and lift. The lift is also more comfortable for patients that have trouble bending because it allows them to remain supine or laying flat and gently putting them into a sitting position.
Benefits of Hoyer Lift Transfers
A Hoyer lift for home use can be very beneficial if you are caring for a loved one at home that has become immobile. Using this type of lift is not hard to learn and all types and styles come with specific instructions on the proper way to use them. Using a lift decreases the rate of injury to both the patient and the caregiver. It allows the patient to be moved with more privacy as it only requires one person to operate it.
Maintenance of Your Hoyer Lifts
Taking care and maintaining your lift will help assure long term use and proper functioning. Here are some instructions from the manual.
- Base and Wheels - Check if the base is even and level with all four wheels are on the floor, the wheel bolts are tight and that the wheels swivel and roll easily.
- Base Adjustment - Secure all the base locks, make sure all parts are present and that the base opens and closes smoothly. Check spreader lock and all hardware for wear.
- Mast - Is the mast fully engaged and locked into mast sleeve? Inspect for bends or deflections and all bolts and nuts for wear.
- Boom - For the boom part, inspect all bolts and nuts for wear and ensure the boom is centered between the base legs.
- Cradle - Check hanger post for wear or damage. Replace post if wear exceeds 1/16 inch. Check sling attachments for wear or deflection.
- Swivel Bar - Check nut at bottom of swivel bar hook and eye hook on boom for wear. Check for two nylon washers between nut of swivel bar hook and underside of swivel bar assembly.
- Pump Assembly - Tighten seals around piston with a spanner wrench and check that the pump handle and valve work smoothly. Check for oil leakage from the lift. A light film is normal, but not to the point of dripping.
- Slings and Hardware - Check metal parts for wear or damage. Check slings and web straps for wear or damage.
- Lubrication - Oil all pivot joints, including: Top of mast where boom attaches, top and bottom of actuator mounting, pump handle hinge. Use a light grease to lubricate base adjustment lock plate and all rotating hardware wheel and swivel bearings.
- Cleaning - Use a mild soap to clean and then dry thoroughly. Apply auto or appliance wax. Keep painted surface clean from oil and do not wash under water pressure.
These maintenance solutions are for your standard Hoyer lift. Your particular model might differ and it is best to consult your own manual. These instructions are for lifts with hydraulic pumps.
- Use pump to raise boom to position for lifting patient.
- Do not lift up on end of boom to position for lifting patient as this causes air to be drawn in under ram, preventing pump from lifting when handle is pumped.
- Do not press down hard on handle when bottom of stroke is reached.
- It is a common occurrence after a few hours of non-use for the boom to lower with no weight suspended from the end of the boom.
- This does not indicate a faulty pump but is a trait common to hydraulic equipment.
- Do not attempt to lift someone with a faulty hydraulic pump.
- Do not wash slings with bleach. Bleach will damage material.
- Slings can suffer damage during washing and drying.
- Always check slings before use. Bleached, torn, cut, frayed, or broken slings are unsafe and could result in serious injury or death to patient. Destroy and discard worn slings. Do not alter slings.
Patient Transfer Lift Costs
Some insurance companies will pay for the entire cost of a Hoyer lift while others will only cover part of the cost. You may need a note from the patient’s doctor, advising that the lift is necessary. The cost of a Hoyer Lift can vary greatly. The average cost is approximately $1,500, but can be much more depending on the type you choose to purchase. You can also find less expensive brands or used patient lifts, patient slings and medical trapeze bars, but you will need to make sure they are compatible with the patients needs, such as how much weight will they lift.
