Lift Assist Devices For The Elderly
Getting older can be a difficult journey for many; your body just doesn’t want to work quite as well as it used to, and ordinary tasks can become difficult, or even dangerous. Standing from a sitting or prone position can be one of those difficult tasks. What is the best way to get help with lifting, and what devices are available?
A wide range of elderly lift devices exist to help people get up, either on their own, or with the help of another person. Lift assist devices for the elderly can take the form of a harness, chair, or a wide range of other items. Let’s break these items down, and see which one might be best for you.
Patient Slings
Patient slings are by far the simplest and easiest form of elderly lift devices. They are a simple band of durable cloth, with a handle on each end. The sling is slipped over your back, and the handles are used by another person to help gently pull you to your feet. These devices must be used with the help of another person, but they’re relatively inexpensive, and are ideal for those who need minimal help, and can still use their feet and legs to give them some mobility as they stand.
If you only need a little help, and can mostly make it to your feet on your own, a patient sling would be a simple choice for you, and for those helping to care for you.
Gait Belts
Gait belts or harnesses fit around your torso, and are used with the help of another person. Basically, these items strap securely around your middle, and feature loops and handles on the outside. Once you’re in a sitting position on the side of a bed, these handles are pulled up on by a helper, family member, or medical staff to give you some extra lift as you make it to your feet.
They work in a similar way to a sling, but strap on more securely, and are ideal for those who need a little more help and security as they stand. These devices are fairly simple to put on and use, and will work for someone who needs a little help standing up, and who has another, able-bodied person to assist them.
Lifting Chairs
Lift chairs for the elderly are convenient and easy to use pieces of furniture which can help raise the sitting person up enough to be able to stand comfortably and safely on their own. Often resembling a comfy, squishy recliner, these items also feature a remote control, which can be activated by the seated user.
These chairs will lift you up and gently straighten your stance at the same time, largely eliminating the need for you to use upper body strength to stand on your own. This can save a remarkable amount of energy, and help prevent falls, accidents, and injuries, too. Plus, these items often come in a wide variety of colors and styles to match any home, and can blend right into existing furniture.
Even better, you can use these devices on your own. They’re easy to figure out, and require no help from an assistant, nurse, or helper. If you can operate the remote control, you can get yourself into a standing position. And when you need to sit back down again, you can safely lower the lifting chair back down on your own, too.
We hope this quick guide has been helpful! Which device would work best for you will depend on your circumstances and needs. Whichever device works best for you, stay comfortable, stay safe, and don’t get afraid to get some help from a device, should you need it.