Patient Lifting Aids have been in use for many years in hospitals and private care facilities, and it is difficult to even think of the quality of our disabled loved one's life without them.  The ability to lift and move patients securely, safely, and with minimum effort is absolutely vital for all caregivers and caring relatives alike, not to mention absolutely critical for patients and their well-being.  The patient lift was conceived to help reduce the possibility of back injury and to ensure the utmost dignity during patient handling. 

Luckily, many other alternatives have been invented to reduce the risk of injury to both the caregiver and the patient needing to move to a more comfortable seat or position.  The list of transfer systems can be overwhelming--stretcher chairs, lateral transfer systems, sit-to-stand lifts, sling lifts and more. Then a comparison is needed to determine which one is best for the specific mobility needs of the patient, how difficult it is to install and operate, and how much space the lifting aid will require.

 
Studies have shown that lifts provide the most secure transfer and are easiest to operate for a single caregiver.  But which lift is best for your loved one, and for you?  While there are several types of lifts, the sling lift has many advantages, such as allowing heavy patients to be transferred easily and quickly, decreasing physical and mental stress on caregivers and reducing the number of caregivers required to move the patient.  Using a sling lift involves placing a sling attached to the sling frame under the patient which holds the patient's weight while suspended in the air.  The beauty of using a sling lift is that there are many specialized slings for added support where it is needed most.

There are three types of sling lifts: ceiling (overhead), floor (underfoot), and free-standing.   Floor sling lifts have a wheeled base taking up more space beside the patient's bed during transfer. The ceiling lift frees up more space because the patient is supported by the ceiling tracks instead.  The free-standing overhead track system, also known as a 'gantry hoist', is a great option for home health care as this system is easily installed in any room in minutes, without any need to attach to walls or ceilings.

The Traxx Titan 500 Patient Lift System combines the best of nearly 100 years of research and design for the ultimate in security and comfort for both patient and caregiver. This free-standing overhead track system lift has helped many caring relatives take care of their loved ones at home instead of having to institutionalize them in nursing homes. The lift is so well balanced there is no danger of the patient sliding out of the sling, or tipping backward.  The Titan Lift sling meets a variety of client needs with an option for additional neck support.  And the overall design makes patient positioning a snap.

The free-standing frame is constructed of tough, durable aluminum with a satin anodized finish that makes it easy to clean. The one-finger remote control is simple to operate, and safe to use near water, while the battery power can keep the lift running for days after a power loss, and is easily re-charged with the included battery charger. For patients and caregivers alike, the Titan 500 Patient Lift is designed with comfort and safety in mind and works equally well for all regardless of the physical size and specific disability of the patient.

Alyssa Aldana,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO