If you're feeling a little nervous about learning how to use a hoyer lift, you're definitely not alone. The first time you see one of these machines, it can look a bit like a piece of heavy construction equipment. But once you get the hang of the mechanics and the safety steps, it becomes an incredibly helpful tool that saves your back and keeps your loved one or patient safe.
In this article, we're going to walk through the process step-by-step. We aren't going to get bogged down in overly technical jargon; instead, we'll talk about what actually works when you're in a room trying to get someone from a bed to a chair safely.
Getting to Know Your Equipment
Before you even think about moving a person, you need to get comfortable with the lift itself. There are generally two types you'll run into: manual (hydraulic) and electric (battery-powered).
If you have an electric one, it's all about the remote. Make sure it's charged! There's nothing worse than getting halfway through a transfer and having the battery die. If it's manual, you'll be using a long handle to pump the fluid and raise the arm. Give it a few practice pumps while the lift is empty just to see how much resistance there is.
Take a look at the "legs" of the lift. They usually have a lever or a pedal that lets you swing them wide or keep them narrow. You'll want them wide when you're actually lifting someone to give the machine a stable base, and narrow when you're moving through doorways. Also, check the brakes on the wheels. You'll use those more often than you think, but—and this is a big tip—you usually don't want the brakes on while you're actually lifting the person. The lift needs to be able to find its own center of gravity so it doesn't tip.
Prepping the Sling Like a Pro
The sling is the most important part of the whole operation. If the sling isn't positioned right, the person won't be comfortable, and the weight won't be distributed evenly.
Most people use the "log roll" method to get the sling under someone who is lying in bed. You'll roll the person onto their side, tuck the folded sling halfway under them, then roll them back over the "hump" of the fabric and pull it through the other side.
Here's a trick: make sure the bottom of the sling is right at the base of their spine (the tailbone). If it's too high, they might slip out the bottom; if it's too low, they'll be tilted back awkwardly. Once the sling is flat under them, pull the leg flaps under their thighs. You'll usually cross these leg straps—right strap to left hook, left strap to right hook—to make sure their legs stay together and they don't slide forward.
The Actual Lift: Step-by-Step
Now we're at the part that makes everyone a bit jittery. When you're ready to start, bring the lift over the bed. You'll want the "spreader bar" (the part with the hooks) to be hanging right over the person's chest area.
- Lower the bar carefully. Don't let it bump the person in the face. It sounds obvious, but it's easy to get distracted by the straps and forget where the heavy metal bar is.
- Attach the loops. Most slings have color-coded loops. Usually, you use the shortest loops for the shoulders and the longest for the legs if you want the person to be in a seated position. Just make sure you use the same color on both sides. If you use a blue loop on the left shoulder and a green one on the right, the person is going to be tilted.
- Double-check everything. Before you lift, look at all four connection points. Are they secure? Is the fabric flat?
- Start the lift. If it's electric, hold the "up" button. If it's manual, start pumping slowly. Lift them just a few inches off the bed first. This is the "safety check" moment. Ask the person if they feel okay and make sure the sling isn't pinching them anywhere.
- Clear the bed. Once you're sure they're secure, lift them high enough so their bottom clears the mattress.
Moving and Lowering Safely
Once the person is up in the air, you can move the lift. This is where you'll want to grab the handles on the lift frame, not the person or the spreader bar. Use your body weight to push or pull the lift.
When you get to the chair or the wheelchair, make sure the chair is locked and won't roll away. Open the legs of the lift wide so they can fit around the outside of the chair. This lets you get the person's center of gravity right over the seat.
As you lower them, use one hand to gently push on their knees or the front of the sling. This helps guide their bottom toward the back of the chair so they don't end up slouching or sitting on the very edge. Lower them slowly until there's slack in the straps, then unhook everything and move the lift away before you try to pull the sling out.
Avoiding the Common Hiccups
Even if you know how to use a hoyer lift, things can go sideways if you're rushing. One of the biggest mistakes is trying to do this on a thick carpet. It's hard to roll the lift, and it can jerky. If you're on carpet, you'll need a bit more muscle, so take it slow.
Another thing to watch out for is "swinging." If you move the lift too fast, the person in the sling will start to sway like a pendulum. It's scary for them and makes the lift unstable. Keep your movements smooth and steady.
Communication is also huge. Talk to the person the whole time. Tell them, "Okay, we're going up now," or "I'm just going to turn you toward the chair." It keeps them calm, and a calm person is much easier to move than someone who is tensing up or panicking.
Keeping the Lift in Good Shape
You don't want to find out the lift is broken when you really need it. Every week or so, take a quick look at the straps on your slings. Are they fraying? If they look even a little bit worn, replace them. It's not worth the risk.
If you have a hydraulic lift, check for any oil leaks around the pump. For electric lifts, keep the battery charged and check the cords for any cracks or exposed wires. It only takes a minute, but it ensures that when you need to use the lift, it's actually ready to go.
Using a Hoyer lift really is a skill. The first few times will feel clunky, and you might feel like you're fumbling with the straps. That's totally normal. After a week or two, it'll feel like second nature. Just remember to breathe, go slow, and always keep your eyes on the person you're moving. You've got this!