What Is a Hoyer Lift? — The Care Wisdom Behind Safe Transfers

In hospital rooms, elderly care facilities, and even an increasing number of homes, you may see a device with a metal frame, a sling, and wheels, quietly parked beside a bed. When an elderly person or patient who cannot walk needs to be transferred from the bed to a wheelchair, toilet, or shower chair, the caregiver will skillfully extend its legs, help the patient put on a special sling, then gently operate a handle or button to lift the body steadily — this device is what people commonly call a Hoyer Lift.

Although the English term "Hoyer Lift" is widely used, many people do not fully understand what it is, why it matters, or how to use it correctly. hoyer lift que es This article will help you comprehensively understand the nature, purpose, and significance of Hoyer Lifts in a clear and accessible way.

One Name, One Story of Fatherly Love

"Hoyer" is not a general term for all lifting devices, but the name of a real person. In the 1940s, Ted Hoyer, a mechanic in Minnesota, USA, hand-built the first patient lifting device in his garage to help his son — who was paralyzed by polio — transfer safely. Using hydraulic principles, he designed a structure that could lift a person steadily with manual pumping, completely transforming the father-son duo’s lives.

This invention was later patented and launched on the market under the name "Hoyer". Today, although the brand is owned by the Swedish medical company Arjo, "Hoyer Lift" has become a universal term for such patient transfer devices worldwide due to its pioneering status — just like how people use "Band-Aid" to refer to all adhesive bandages.

What Exactly Is a Hoyer Lift?

Simply put, a Hoyer Lift is a mechanical transfer device designed specifically for people with severe mobility limitations. It uses a special fabric sling to support the patient’s body, then relies on a hydraulic or electric system to safely lift and move the person from one surface to another.

Its core goal is simple: to complete transfers that are safe, comfortable, and dignified without relying on manual lifting. hoyer lift que es This not only protects patients from risks such as falls, skin tears, or joint injuries but also significantly reduces the risk of back strain or even occupational injuries for caregivers caused by long-term bending and lifting.

What Are Its Components?

A typical Hoyer Lift consists of several key parts: a stable base with extendable legs at the bottom, a vertical lifting arm, a hook system for connecting the sling, a special sling to support the patient, and a power unit that drives the lifting mechanism.

There are two types of power units:

Manual models: Require the caregiver to repeatedly press a handle, using hydraulic oil to push the lifting arm upward.

Electric models: Use a rechargeable battery and can be operated with one button via a control panel, making them more labor-saving and quiet.

Regardless of the type, all Hoyer Lifts are equipped with an emergency stop function or manual release valve to ensure the patient can be safely lowered in case of power failure or emergencies.

The sling — the part that directly contacts the patient — comes in various types: standard full-body slings, specialized slings with an opening at the crotch for toileting, and breathable, quick-drying mesh slings suitable for bathing. Choosing the right sling is key to ensuring comfort and safety.

When Is a Hoyer Lift Needed?

When a person is completely unable to stand or walk due to illness, old age, or accident, every transfer becomes a high-risk action. hoyer lift que es For example, patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, post-hip fracture surgery, advanced Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, severe myasthenia, or cognitive impairments often rely on Hoyer Lifts to complete daily activities.

Professional assessments typically determine whether a patient is "totally dependent on transfers" — meaning they cannot provide any active assistance. In such cases, manual lifting is not only inefficient but also likely to cause injuries to both the patient and the caregiver. The Hoyer Lift is precisely a safety solution tailored for this high-need group.

Core Principles for Safe Use

Using a Hoyer Lift may seem simple, but success depends on the details. The first and non-negotiable step is: the legs on both sides of the base must be fully extended until a locking sound is heard. This is the only physical guarantee to prevent the device from tipping over — and it is also the root cause of most accidents.

Second, the sling must be worn correctly: the patient’s hips should fully fit into the bottom of the sling, and the leg straps must be positioned at the middle of the thighs (never behind the knees, as this may compress nerves). Before official use, a low-altitude test should be conducted first — lift the patient only a few centimeters to check stability. During the lifting process, the caregiver must monitor the patient visually at all times and be ready to respond to abnormalities.

In addition, regular checks of the device’s condition are crucial: Is the sling worn? Is there hydraulic oil leakage? Is the battery fully charged? Even minor hidden dangers can lead to major accidents at critical moments.

Practical Significance in Chinese Families

In Chinese communities in North America, Australia, and other regions, more and more adult children are purchasing Hoyer Lifts for their elderly parents — especially during the post-hip surgery recovery period or long-term bedridden phase. It not only reduces the care burden but also allows parents to retain their dignity during transfers — no longer feeling embarrassed or in pain from being "carried" or "dragged".

In mainland China, although Hoyer Lifts are not yet widespread, as aging accelerates and home care needs rise, domestic transfer devices with similar functions are gradually entering the market. hoyer lift que es When purchasing, it is essential to check whether the product has medical device certification, whether the sling meets international safety standards, and prioritize ease of operation and after-sales service.

Conclusion: Beyond Technology, the Warmth of Humanity

A Hoyer Lift is essentially a mechanical system, but it carries far more than just body weight. It carries the caregiver’s responsibility, the patient’s trust, and a society’s level of care for vulnerable groups. Ted Hoyer’s original attempt in his garage was not to invent a machine, but to answer a question: "How can I take care of my loved one more gently?"

Today, every time a Hoyer Lift rises, it continues this original intention. It reminds us: true care is not about "carrying with strength", but about "supporting with care" — supporting the body, and also supporting dignity.