Hi,

We are in the process of getting a lift as I can no longer carry my husband, I have been doing it far beyond where I should've stopped and have huge back and neck problems, I am in constant pain, so I really need a solution. I need something that will help both with transfers and with hoisting him up in his chair as he tends to slip.

Now after seeing the video on the pivot lift from the link in Mikes post for donating his, I am confused, it seems that it is a much better option than a sling one, is it? Can people tell me what is better? I don't think They sell the pivot lifts in Mexico But I am willing to move heaven and earth if it is really worth it. We recently bought a van, wheelchair and magitek sensor system in the US and imported it to Mexico, which was very hard but doable.

I really need something to help me out here.

What do you use?
Mike, why did you donate yours?


I would very much appreciate your experience in this matter.

Citlalli

Hi Citlalli -

We used the Easy Pivot for a few months - kind of clumsy to move, but comfortable for the patient. Big problems occurred as Pat (my friend with ALS) progressed. Her breathing made it impossible to hold the position required for more than a few seconds. Also, once she got her feeding tube the Easy Pivot caused pain and bleeding at the tube site. Even if you have no breathing problems - the lift is VERY clumsy, and nearly impossible to use on rugs - requires a lot of force to push. Best for pivoting from a chair to a commode. Not so useful in getting someone out of bed - requires too much floor space. Ours has been sitting in a corner unused for a year - we will be giving it away if anyone at our clinic can use it. Since its usefulness is so temprary - I would try to borrow one, rather than purchase it.

The Hoyer is OK - also clumsy, and nearly impossible for bathroom use. But if you do use it - the sling is pretty secure. But you have to watch the hooks - they can cut the patients thighs - protect with towels. Also the patient can swing quite a bit- which makes movement tricky, and can be unnerving to patient. It will be useful for a much longer time than the Easy Pivot, and costs less.

We use a Voyager Easytrack Portable Overhead Lift. - our best investment. I can move Pat from bed to commode and back in about 4 minutes. I never have to lift - the machine does it. Since it is an overhead track it does not require much floorspace. No force at all - just glide patient into position and lower onto chair, commode, bed, etc. There is even a configuration that allows patient to use bathtub and regular toilet. Pat is VERY happy to be able to take a regular bath - the water makes her feel less heavy, and is very relaxing.

The best aspect is that it is portable - we have taken it to hotels, and friends' homes. It is quick and easy to take apart - but it is heavy - about 50 lbs. Not suitable for taking apart and moving about your house - best for traveling.

This device has given Pat and me a great deal of freedom from worry - she cannot fall, and is quite comfortable. It even lowers to the ground in case patient has fallen from a chair or the bed - you can lift him right off the ground an put him into bed or in his chair.

Try voyager.com for more info - the website has a video.

The price was less than the Easy Pivot and it is MUCH easier to use.

Hope this helps - Beth

Citlalli,
We use an electric (battery-powered) Hoyer-type lift and a sling...I cant compare with the others since I havent used those. But I find it pretty easy to move Shannon with the lift and sling. I remember back a year or so ago when I was transferring him by myself and how I ached all the time--back, elbows, etc! I feel for you--whatever you get it will be a big help....
As with anything it takes time to work out your 'system' There are many types of slings and we like the divided leg ones. Also head support is a problem--Shannon wears a neck brace when I move him.
Good Luck to you...Beth (another Beth!)

My vote goes to the Voyager lift as well. We have ceiling track rather than the portable frame but the concept is exactly the same. So easy to get my husband into the bath! It's an excellent device.

We have three pieces of track (one in the bedroom, one in the bathroom and one in the living room). I can move the lift from one track to the other without difficulty.

I have used the Hoyer at work and the long projecting base on this type of lift makes it unsuitable for use to transfer into a bath tub at home--the projecting base is a nuisance anywhere actually. The Voyager is much, much easier to use!

Just thinking about the wheelchair, Citlalli. Does the chair tilt? If not can you get some help to modify either the back or the seat so that your husband is less inclined to slip? If you have access to an OT or a physio they should be able to help.