Patient Hoists and Lifters

Types of hoists and lifters

• Mobile floor hoists lift a person fully in a sling and move on castors, for bed, chair and floor transfers. See the ALTO Lift 200 Mobile Hoist, the Birdie Evo Electric Lifter, the Oxford Presence Lifter and, for higher-care settings, the Arjo Maxi Move Floor Lifter.
• Folding portable hoists fold down for storage or travel. The Allegro Neos Folding Patient Hoist has electric raise and lower, a 150 kg safe working load and weighs 35 kg.
• Stand-aid lifters help a person who can bear some weight to rise from sitting to standing, using a standing sling. Options include the Oxford Ascend Stand-Aid Lift and the Aspire Star Mover.
• Sit-to-stand transfer aids such as the Arjo Sara Stedy (182 kg safe working load) let one carer help a person stand and move short distances without a sling. Read more on our Sara Stedy page.
• Spreader bars, cradles and weigh scales connect the sling to the hoist. Choose from Allegro yoke spreader bars (tri-hook, 4-point and bariatric), pivot frames and power pivot frames, the Oxford 4-Point Manual Cradle and integrated weigh scales. See the full range of hoist accessories.
• Ceiling hoists run on a fixed track and save floor space. Ask our home modification team about ceiling hoist installation.

How to choose a hoist

• Weight-bearing: a person who cannot bear weight needs a full-body sling and floor hoist; a person who can bear some weight may suit a stand-aid or sit-to-stand aid.
• Safe working load: choose a hoist, spreader bar and sling all rated above the person's weight. Bariatric options are available.
• Space: check the hoist's leg width and turning space, and whether its legs fit under the bed, chair or commode.
• Lift range: make sure it lifts from the floor (after a fall) and high enough for the bed.
• Sling compatibility: check whether the hoist uses loop or clip slings, and the number of attachment points on the spreader bar.
• Storage and travel: folding hoists suit smaller homes and travel.

Hoists should be prescribed and set up with an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, and carers trained in their use. NovitaTech is an NDIS registered provider: hoists are often funded through the NDIS or aged care (Support at Home), and self-managed and plan-managed participants can choose Pay using NDIS Funds at checkout. You can also hire a hoist in Adelaide or try before you buy.

Not sure what you need? Try our free Assistive Technology Finder. Answer a few quick questions and get suggestions for equipment, guides and next steps.