How to Safely Operate A Stand Lift for Your Patients

A sit-to-stand lift is an absolute must if you or a member of your family requires assistance getting up from a sitting position. When it comes to day-to-day tasks like washing, dressing, and rising from a seated position, a lift, whether it be powered or manually operated, is an absolute need. It is important to have a clear understanding of how sit-to-stand lifts work in order to make the best decision for your needs. So without any further ado, let’s get started!

What is A Stand Lift?

Patients who are able to move around somewhat but require assistance getting up from a sitting posture might benefit from the use of sit-to-stand lifts. They make it possible for caregivers to shift patients from one sitting surface to another in a quick and easy manner. The patient’s knees remain in a straight position thanks to the leg supports, which also keep their feet firmly planted on the platform. The patient is assisted in securing themselves to the grip bars by having a sling wrapped over their torso. The patient is able to rise from a seated posture with the assistance of the Sit-to-Stand lift; nevertheless, the lift does not support the patient’s complete body weight.

Who Can Use Stand Lifts?

It is determined whether or not a person is able to utilize a stand lift based on a number of different factors. The factors are as follows:

• Being able to sit up on one’s own at the side of the bed without any assistance
• Maintaining at least a portion of one’s own body weight while standing erect.
• Maintaining at least one hand on the elevator while riding it
• Strong muscles in the head and the neck
• Following the most fundamental of instructions

Stand lifts can be used by patients who are compliant but have a limited capacity to bear their own weight. Patients who are either recalcitrant or unable to support any of their own weight should have full-body lifts explored as an option.

How Do You Use a Stand Lift for Patients?

Position the Patient in the Sling

• Position the patient in the sling. Place the patient such that the center of the sling is under the spine.
• Leg straps should be placed under the patient in a flat position; the material should not be allowed to fold.
• Check to see that the aperture of the sling is neither too big to allow the patient to slide out nor too narrow to allow the patient to tumble out.
• Bring the sling bar down closer to the patient but be careful to avoid hitting the patient with the bar.
• When affixing the sling straps to the sling bar, ensure that you do it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• To guarantee that the sling is evenly distributed, use loops from both sides that are identical. Choose loops that can supply the patient with the optimal angle and location.
• Check that all of the clips or loops are in place and that they will remain attached even after the patient is raised. Check that the straps are not twisted in any way. In the event that it is required, you should ensure that the patient’s back and/or head are supported.

Perform a Safety Check before Using the Stand Lift

• Make sure that each of the hooks and the fasteners won’t come undone while they’re being utilized by checking them out individually.
• Before raising the patient, make sure that the straps and any other equipment are in the correct position and stable. 
• Make sure that all of the clips, latches, and bars are structurally solid and properly attached.

Lift the Patient Using the Stand Lift

• Raise the patient up an inch and a half off the surface to ensure that the patient is safe. Make sure you check the following:
  • Sling straps are prevented from disengaging because the guard on the sling bar is holding them in place.
  • The weight is distributed uniformly across all of the straps.
  • The patient will not be able to slide out of the sling or tip in any direction.
• Make sure the patient is comfortable. Check to see that the patient’s skin is not pinched or pulled by the sling. Inquire about the patient’s level of comfort. Keep an eye out for any non-verbal cues that indicate discomfort.
• Lift the patient carefully, going only as high as is required to make the transfer. Make sure you check the following:
  • The patient is still not experiencing any discomfort.
  • Sling will not damage the patient’s skin.

Lower the Patient Using the Stand Lift

• Apply light pressure with your hands to the patient in order to guide them as you gently advance the lift toward the receiving surface.
• Bring the patient down gradually toward the receiving surface. Before releasing the patient’s weight, the patient’s body should be moved into the appropriate position on the receiving surface.
• Weight should be released from the patient. Do not let the sling bar strike the patient.
• Take the sling off the lift and do it in line with the directions supplied to you by the manufacturer.
• If it’s essential, you should carefully remove the sling from the patient’s body. Take care not to irritate the patient’s skin in any way. Take precautions to prevent sitting patients from moving forward while the sling is removed.

At Impect, we offer a variety of stand lifts to use on patients to meet their needs and the requirements of your healthcare facility. Get in touch with us to know more about stand lifts and proper transfer equipment. We’re here to help make transfers safe and comfortable for your patients.