Best Sit-to-Stand Patient Lifts
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There are many people whose mobility is impaired but who may be able to bear some of their own weight. Where patient transfers are concerned, this can be of benefit to the caregivers if a sit to stand patient lift is used.
However, whilst these pieces of equipment are great at aiding transfers, they should be used carefully and only with patients who have the ability to do so. Moreover, you should take certain aspects into consideration when deciding on a sit to stand patient lift to ensure that you get a device that will meet the needs of the patient.
In this guide, we are going to be looking at how a sit to stand patient lift might benefit you and the things you should consider before making a final decision. We will also be looking at some of the best sit to stand patient lifts that can assist patients with mobility impairments with sit to stand transfers.
Sit to Stand Lifts Comparison Chart
Invacare Reliant RPS350 Sit to Stand Lift | Lumex LF2090 Bariatric Sit to Stand Easy Lift | Invacare GHS350 Get-U-Up Hydraulic Sit to Stand Lift | Liko Sabina II Sit to Stand Lift | BestMove STA400 Standing Transfer Aid | |
Weight Capacity | 350 lbs | 600 lbs | 350 lbs | 440 lbs (active lift), 330 lbs (passive lift) | 400 lbs |
Lifting Range | 39.6" to 63.7" | 27" to 71" | 36" to 65" | 31.5" to 67.9" | 26.7" |
Base Width Open | 36.8" | 43" | 37" | 44.9" | 25" |
Base Width Closed | 25.7" | 26" | 23" | 27.2" | 16" |
Base Length | 35.5" | 50" | 40.5" | 41.7" | 35.4" |
Base Height | 4.5" | 4.75" | 4.5" | 4.2" | 4.5" |
Overall Height | 39" – 66" (at spreader bar) | 36.4" – 70.8" (at spreader bar) | 38" – 69" (at spreader bar) | 31" – 69.6" | 43.3" |
Wheel Size | 3" (front), 5" (rear) | 3" (front), 4" (rear) | 3" (front), 5" (rear) | 3" (front & rear) | 3" (front), 4" (rear) |
Product Weight | 108 lbs | 134 lbs | 88 lbs | 99 lbs | 60 lbs |
Lift Type | Battery-powered | Battery-powered | Manually powered | Battery-powered | Manually powered |
Price |
What is a Sit to Stand Lift?
Sit to stand patient lifts offer a way to move a patient from a sitting position to a standing position easily and comfortably, but more importantly safely.
These devices provide those who have some strength to hold their own weight with a much simpler option for moving position. It is important to remember however that since these are active devices, patients without this strength should never be transferred in this manner.
The patient is secured into the lift and moved mechanically with the assistance of features such as a push bar. In essence, this means that the caregiver is not put under as much physical strain when transferring the patient. These lifts can move the patient from a seated position into either a full standing position or a partial standing position.
A sit to stand lift can be used either in a professional care setting such as a care home or hospital but can also be used in the home. These devices come in a range of variations with some being battery powered whilst others are operated manually.
Who is a Sit to Stand Lift Suitable for?
We have touched on the fact that sit to stand patient lifts must only be used by those who have some ability to bear their own weight. If a patient does not have this ability, using this type of lift poses a serious risk of the patient falling and becoming injured. The reason for this is that a sit to stand lift will only provide the user with upper body support and no support for the lower body.
Whilst sit to stand lifts are ideal for general use with patients who simply need some assistance in getting up, they are designed to aid in other aspects of care. This could be for patients who need help using the toilet or for those who need assistance when moving from the bed to a chair or wheelchair.
Benefits of Using a Sit to Stand Lift
The range of benefits that come from using a sit to stand patient lift are wide and varied but one of the main advantages is that patient transfers become far less physically stressful for the caregivers. Furthermore, when this physical strain is removed, each transfer will be safer and the risk of injury is drastically reduced. The person using the lift will likely feel much more secure whilst being transferred.
Making a patient transfer can be difficult but using a sit to stand lift will make this process much easier and often quicker. However, it can also mean that the patient gains a better level of independence and will not rely as heavily on their carers.
These pieces of equipment are invaluable for individuals who do not require such an intensive amount of care, but are unable to stand up unaided and many people find that once they have used a sit to stand lift, they wonder how they managed before.
How to Use a Sit to Stand Lift?
It is important that before you begin using your sit to stand patient lift, you familiarize yourself with the device and make sure that you are comfortable in its operation.
One of the first things that you should do when using a sit to stand lift is to be sure that the bed is raised or lowered to a level that the caregiver finds comfortable. Once this is done, you can then move the patient into a sitting position at the edge of the bed. The standing sling should then be wrapped around the body of the patient with the label facing outwards. There is also an option for a larger sling known as a transfer stand assist sling which will give the patient more support if their legs are not quite as strong. The sling should sit at the base of the spine with the belt done up around the waist. It is important to remember that the arms should remain outside of the sling.
You are now ready to bring in the sit to stand lift. Begin by opening the legs of the lift fully, this is the best way to ensure maximum safety whilst performing the transfer. Once the legs are open be sure to lock them.
Moving the lift in front of the patient will allow them to place their feet onto the stand and snuggly place their knees up to the knee pad. Be sure to position the knee pad securely in a comfortable position for the patient.
You can now strap the sling to the lift bar. You will notice that there is a color-coded loop system that will enable you to attach the sling to the bar without additional slack. The position you wish to lift the patient in, e.g slightly reclined or completely upright, will depend on which loop you select. It is also important to select the correct loop arm in accordance with the height of the patient – your instruction manual will give you details of this.
There may be a leg strap that can be used if the patient requires additional support and this should be tightened as needed. You can then begin to pump the lift arm so that there is a good amount of tension. At this point, double-check that everything is secure before continuing to lift the patient so that their weight is fully supported and they are raised just off the surface of the bed or chair.
You can then move the lift away from the bed and transfer the patient to the next location, for example, the toilet or a chair.
Types of Sit to Stand Patient Lifts
The strength of the carer and the unique needs of the patient will play a part in the type of sit to stand lift that will work best in your situation. In the main, there are two types of sit to stand lift, these are manually operated and motorized.
You will also notice that some lifts have the ability to be folded away which make an ideal solution for traveling and storage and there are also many lightweight lifts that are a lot easier for maneuvering.
Manual Sit to Stand Lift
A manual sit to stand lift is powered by a hydraulic hand pump which is used to lower and raise the patient as they are supported in the sling. This type of lift is generally cheaper to purchase than their powered counterparts but it is important that the caregiver has the strength and ability to operate the device without straining.
Powered Sit to Stand Lift
In contrast, a powered sit to stand lift is operated using one of two power methods – a rechargeable battery or a wall outlet. The patient is automatically lifted which can be beneficial if the carer does not have the strength to use a manual lift. It is, however, important to remember the clear difference in price for a powered option.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sit to Stand Lift
Making the decision to invest in a sit to stand lift can be something that changes the life of the patient and the caregiver for the better. However, mobility equipment such as this requires careful consideration owing to the fact that there are many options, and choosing the right device will allow you to get the most out of it.
If the correct lift is not chosen, this can mean that the safety of the patient is compromised but can also make transfers less easy for the caregiver. Here are some important factors you may want to consider:
Manual or Powered Assisted Lift?
As we have already discussed, there are two main types of sit to stand patient lifts – manual or powered. Choosing between these requires you to consider various factors. Initially, you should consider the ability and strength of the caregiver. For example, in the situation where an elderly spouse is providing day to day care, a powered lift might be a better option to avoid stress or strain on the carer. However, if the carer is younger, fitter, and more able, a manual lift could be suitable.
Additionally, your budget should be taken into account since powered lifts are often much pricier than the manual option. Some suppliers may offer a finance option, so this is worth considering if you are on a lower budget but require a powered lift.
Weight Capacity
Ensuring that you are using a lift that is able to handle the weight of the patient is essential for safety reasons. If you do not match the lift to the patient’s weight, it may lead to a serious injury
For the most part, sit to stand lifts come with a weight capacity of between 200 lbs and 400 lbs but this can vary so checking with the manufacturer is essential before you make a purchase.
If the patient is of a larger size, there are many bariatric patient lifts on the market that have much greater weight capacities and offer better support and safer transfers for heavier patients.
Lift Dimensions
One of the great things about the excellent variety of sit to stand patient lifts is that there are many compact options so if you are operating the lift in a smaller space, you won’t struggle with moving it around the room.
With this in mind, it is important to carefully check the dimensions of the lift to ensure that it will work well in your space. The size of the lift should be checked against every room that it will be used in, for example, the bedroom and bathroom.
Lifting Range
Various sit to stand lifts will have various lifting ranges and this is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing your lift. The main reason for this is so that you can ensure that the lift will be fit for purpose. There is very little point in using a lift that does not have a lifting range capability that will meet your needs.
Portability
There are some very good sit to stand patient lifts that offer excellent support and easy transfers at the same time as being extremely lightweight. This makes them ideal for those who require a lift for travel since they are much easier to move around.
Furthermore, a lift which has the ability to fold can be preferable if you need to take it on vacation, for a stay in someone else’s home, or anywhere other than where you live. A sit to stand lift that can be folded is also great for smaller spaces as it can be stored away when not in use without taking up a large portion of the room.
Additional Equipment
One of the most notable things about sit to stand patient lifts is that there are many add-ons that can make transfers even easier and due to the fact that the needs of each patient and carer will vary so greatly, it is important to look at any additional equipment that you might need.
One good example of this is the addition of a rubber foot grip which will allow the patient to be more secure when standing on the lift. Not only will this make the transfer safer, but it can also mean that the patient feels safer whilst using the lift.
Most sit to stand lifts will feature a locking device so that the lift can be secured when putting the patient into it and taking them out again. However, it is important to check that your chosen list does have this feature.
Some manual sit to stand patient lifts will feature padded grips for the hands. This can greatly reduce the pressure on the hands of the caregivers and make operating the machine much more comfortable.
Safety
The safety of the patient when using the lift is probably the most important thing to think about. Unfortunately, there are many accidents in a care situation each year, and using the correct equipment can ensure that your patient is not the next in a long line of statistics.
Most sit to stand lifts will come with safety straps to properly secure the legs during the transfer.
Best Sit to Stand Lifts for Easier & Safer Transfers
1. Invacare Reliant RPS350 Sit to Stand Lift
Best Powered Sit to Stand Lift – Invacare Reliant RPS350 Sit to Stand Lift
The battery-operated Invacare Reliant 350 sit to stand lift is the perfect option if you’re looking for a lift with a smaller footprint that you can easily use throughout the home.
The lift is relatively compact when fully opened. It measures just 36.8″ wide, and the shorter length base (35.5″) will mean that you will not face any issues if you need to use it in confined areas. You will also be pleased to hear that the 4.5″ height base means that it can be wheeled under most types of beds, perfect for patients who require frequent assisted bed transfers. The width of the base can be adjusted manually using a crank that is located on the back of the lift.
Operating the lift is straightforward, with just a touch of a button via the ergonomic control, the electronic motor will automatically raise the patient to a standing position. The lift is powered by a 24-volt battery. An additional battery comes with the lift. This helps to eliminate any downtime, as it allows you to have a fully charged spare battery on hand.
The lift is suitable for patients of all heights. It has a weight capacity of up to 350 lbs. The adjustable leg straps help to secure the patient’s legs against the knee pads to prevent any trips or falls, and the wide non-slip footplate assists in keeping the patient comfortable and stable during transfers.
The Invacare lift comes with a standing sling. Other types of slings can, however, be purchased separately, if required.
The lift has a number of safety features to keep the patient and caregiver safe. These include an emergency off button. There is also an anti-entrapment feature that automatically stops it if the boom encounters any resistance while lowering. The lift will also emit an alarm when the battery is running low.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Lifting range: 39.6″ to 63.7″
- Base width open & closed: 36.8″, 25.7″
- Base length & height: 35.5″, 4.5″
- Product weight: 108 lbs
- Lift type: Battery-powered
>> See full Invacare Reliant RPS350 sit-to-stand Lift review
2. Lumex LF2090 Bariatric Sit to Stand Easy Lift
Best Heavy-Duty Sit to Stand Lift – Lumex LF2090 Bariatric Sit to Stand Easy Lift
With its 600 lbs weight capacity and its heavy-gauge steel construction, the Lumex LF2090 makes an excellent lift for heavier users that have some weight-bearing ability but require assistance with standing as well as with transfers.
The battery-powered lift from Lumex features a quiet running 24V DC motor that can be operated via a handset that effortlessly pulls the patient from a seated to standing position quickly and safely. The adjustable padded knee pads on the lift are adjustable, ensuring that it is comfortable for all heights. The footplate allows the patient to remain steady while being lifted, as well as when being transferred. The footplate can however be removed if the lift is being used for gait training purposes.
An ergonomically designed foot pedal allows the caregiver to open and close the lift without needing to bend down. When the lift’s base is closed, it measures just 26″, so it can easily be maneuvered through any narrow corridors or doorways. The lower base (4.75″) ensures the lift can comfortably fit under most beds, so that it can be positioned as close as possible to the patient during sit to stand bed transfers.
In case of an emergency, the lift can be stopped using the easy to access stop button. When the battery is running low, it will emit a warning beep to remind you to recharge the battery. It will also emit an audible alarm when the weight capacity of the lift has been exceeded.
The 3″ front casters and the 4″ locking rear casters allow the lift to be easily wheeled over most types of indoor surfaces. The heavy-duty lift also features large grip handles which ensures that it can easily and safely be maneuvered by the caregiver during patient transfers.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 600 lbs
- Lifting range: 27″ to 71″
- Base width open & closed: 43″, 26″
- Base length & height: 50″, 4.75″
- Product weight: 134 lbs
- Lift type: Battery-powered
3. Invacare GHS350 Get-U-Up Hydraulic Sit to Stand Lift
Best Hydraulic Sit to Stand Lift – Invacare GHS350 Get-U-Up Hydraulic Sit to Stand Lift
The Invacare GHS350 Get-U-Up hydraulic sit to stand patient lift, is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative than a powered lift.
Despite it being a manually operated lift, it surprisingly requires very little physical strength to operate. It uses a pump-action hydraulic cylinder, and it just needs 10 to 15 “pumps” of the handle (depending on the type of transfer that is required) to complete the patient’s lift.
Weighing in at just 88 lbs, you may think that the lift has a lower weight capacity, but it can actually support weights up to 350 lbs. The lift features adjustable leg supports, so it can be comfortably used by patients of differing heights.
Due its compact design, the lift can be used in narrow spaces without any problems. The 5″ rear caster wheels also mean it can easily be maneuvered over most surfaces, including carpeted surfaces, without having to struggle.
Attaching the sling to the hydraulic sit to stand lift can be done quickly and simply. To ensure the patient is stable during transfers, it has a non-slip footplate where the user can place their feet to ensure maximum safety.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Lifting range: 36″ to 65″
- Base width open & closed: 37″, 23″
- Base length & height: 40.5″, 4.5″
- Product weight: 88 lbs
- Lift type: Manually powered
4. Liko Sabina II Sit to Stand Lift
Best Overall Sit to Stand Lift – Liko Sabina II Sit to Stand Lift
The Liko Sabina II is a great all-rounder sit to stand lift. The battery-powered lift is very versatile, and it can be used for sit to stand transfers for patients who have some weight-bearing ability. Additionally, it can also be used to lift patients who are too weak or frail to stand.
The 2-in-1 device is suitable for patients with differing physical abilities, and it also means you don’t need to buy two separate devices, which is great for the pocket.
The lift features a fully electronic motorized base. This means it can be opened or closed by using the handset, which helps to reduce the workload for the caregiver. The lift has two lifting speeds, which allows the caregiver to control how fast or how slow the patient is lifted. The Liko Sabina II has a safe active loading capacity of 440 lbs, and for passive lifts, the weight capacity is 330 lbs.
The sit to stand lift has several built-in safety features. There is an emergency lowering feature that allows it to be operated even if it runs out of charge. It can also be stopped in case of an emergency. The slingbar features safety latches which prevents the sling from becoming detached, and the wheels are lockable, which ensures lifts and transfers are carried out as safely as possible.
The lift has a built-in charger. To charge it, you simply need to plug into a power outlet. There is a digital battery status display that indicates how much charge remaining is left.
Comfort is a factor that you should consider when choosing a lift. The Sabina II does not skimp on this. The padded knee pads are adjustable both in height and depth, and there is also an adjustable calf strap that helps to secure the patient’s legs to maximize support and comfort. The non-slip footrest is large enough so that the patient can comfortably stand on it without any problems. If the lift is being used for rehabilitation purposes, the footrest is detachable.
A stand out feature about this lift is it can use exchangeable slingbars. There’s a choice of two different versions that you can opt for, including the 350 slingbar, or the Comfort slingbar. This allows you to opt for one that best meets the needs of the patient.
The 350 slingbar is compatible with either the Liko SupportVest or the Liko SafetyVest sling. The SupportVest sling can be used for sit to stand lifts, and it has been designed to support the patient’s back as well as under the arms. It is suitable for those with some weight-bearing ability. The SafetyVest sling is more suited for patients with poor stability, who are particularly unsteady on their feet.
The Comfort slingbar on the other hand, can be used with the Liko ComfortVest sling. This type of sling supports the patient’s back and the outside of the arms, and the waist belt helps to prevent any sliding during the lifting process. The ComfortVest sling provides a more gentle lifting action, and is suited for anyone who is paralyzed on one side, or for anyone who is particularly sensitive under the arms.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 440 lbs
- Lifting range: 31.5″ to 67.9″
- Base width open & closed: 44.9″, 27.2″
- Base length & height: 41.7″, 4.2″
- Product weight: 99 lbs
- Lift type: Battery-powered
5. BestMove STA400 Standing Transfer Aid
Best Portable Manual Transfer Aid – BestMove STA400 Standing Transfer Aid
This standing transfer aid differs somewhat from the other devices that we have reviewed earlier. This standing transfer device will not physically lift the patient but instead, it can be used as a useful transfer assistance aid. The BestMove STA400 is therefore suitable for patients who have good weight-bearing ability and can stand, but may struggle to walk unaided, and therefore need assistance with transfers.
To use the standing transfer aid, the device is wheeled over to a seated patient, and the base is then opened if required, and the casters are locked. Next, the patient places their knees against the padded knee pads, and they then hold onto the grab bar. They then use their strength to pull themselves to an upright position. Once upright, the caregiver lowers the fold-down seat behind the patient so that they can sit comfortably during the transfer. This ensures their safety and prevents any falls.
The BestMove standing transfer aid is very compact, measuring just 25″ wide. It can comfortably fit through narrow doorways and corridors, and it is also low enough to fit under most beds. This makes it ideal for all types of transfers, including bathroom, bedroom, and wheelchair transfers. Weighing just 60 lbs it is also very lightweight, which makes it extremely portable, perfect if you need to take it with you when visiting friends or family.
While the aid is particularly suited for patients with good weight-bearing ability, the device does have additional attachment hooks. This allows you to attach a support sling in case the patient has impaired balance and needs some additional support when getting to a standing position.
Key Specs:
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs
- Lifting range: 26.7″ (fixed)
- Base width open & closed: 25″, 16″
- Base length & height: 35.4″, 4.5″
- Product weight: 60 lbs
- Lift type: Manually powered
>> See full BestMove STA400 manual standing aid review
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In situations where a patient requires assistance in getting from a seated position to a standing one, a sit to stand lift can become an invaluable piece of mobility equipment. These devices can be used in either a commercial care situation such as a hospital or care home but are also ideal for use in a domestic situation.
One of the key things to keep in mind about these devices is that they do require the patient to have some strength in the lower body to support themselves whilst they are being lifted.
If you decide that a patient has this ability and would like to limit the stress that the caregiver is under during a transfer then looking at various factors before making a purchase can ensure that you select the right product for your needs.