Safely transferring a patient from his or her bed to a standing position, or off the ground in the event of a fall and back into a wheelchair or regular chair can be a challenge. In a long-term care facility, nursing personnel receive training in how to perform safe transfers, and there's usually at least one coworker available to assist. For people receiving care at home, it's a different story.  A patient may be too heavy for the caregiver to pick up on his or her own, creating an increased risk of injury to the caregiver as well as the patient. In either the home or clinical settings, a lift facilitates the process of getting someone out of bed or off the floor.

  
For someone who needs minimal assistance transitioning from a sitting to a standing position, the Waverley Glen SA-400 Sit-to-Stand Patient Lift  provides a boost to the patient while sparing the caregiver's back. The patient grasps the ergonomically designed handles while the caregiver pushes down on a bar, providing the needed upward motion to raise him or her to a standing position. To ensure stability while the patient is upright, a split seat beneath the buttocks and two padded shin rests provide support.  It's made of lightweight steel, but can support up to 400 pounds. An optional safety harness is also available.  To view how this sit-to-stand lift works, watch the video below.

  

When a patient takes a tumble, it's important to get them off the floor safely and in as dignified a manner as possible. The Elk Inflatable Emergency Lifting Cushion is a portable, lightweight device that a caregiver slides beneath the patient, then inflates with the included low pressure air compressor. When inflated, it raises the patient to the correct height for transferring to a wheelchair or to return to a standing position. Made of durable nylon, the Elk supports up to 1000 pounds, can be used independently, and can be utilized either indoors or outdoors as well as in small spaces. It comes with a cushion as well as an air compressor. Replacement compressors are also available.  To view how this patient lift works, watch the video on the product page.

  
For horizontal transfers, the Free Standing Track System will move the patient from a bed to a wheelchair comfortably and easily either at home or in a health care setting.  It's a freestanding portable system made from strong but lightweight extruded aluminum that can support up to 300 pounds. Assembly takes just minutes and can be completed without tools by one person. The design allows it to blend in with pre-existing decor in either temporary or permanent applications. Should there be a change in the patient's location, the system can be taken apart and transported in its ergonomically designed carrying bag. The legs are adjustable for up to seven feet of height, and its generous eight-foot length provides plenty of space to move someone out of a bed that's up to 48 inches wide. The FST is intended for use with either the  P300 or C300 ceiling lift.  To view how easy it is to install this patient lift, watch the video on the product page.