What is a Sit to Stand Patient Lift?

If you or your loved one has significant physical impairments, due to a traumatic injury or medical condition, a routine activity such as getting in and out of bed or a chair can become challenging. At times, a transfer from a bed to a wheelchair, or ordinary chair, is too difficult even with a caregiver’s help.  Also, one may want to minimize the strain and susceptibility to injury of the caregiver. We all know, if the caregiver gets injured, we have an even bigger problem. People have heard of hoyer lifts, which is another solution to this problem. With a hoyer lift, the patient is lifted in the air in a sling and transferred from one surface to another. If the patient is dependent, or has minimal strength, this, or a ceiling lift, would be the best type of equipment to use for these transfers. However, if the patient has some power in their arms and legs, a Sit to Stand Patient Lift might be a better option.  

If you’re in the Raleigh-Durham area, GreenLight Mobility is a trusted go-to partner for providing the right lift to meet your needs.

A sit-to-stand lift, also known as a standing lift or a stand-assist lift, is a mobility aid designed to help individuals rise from a seated position to a standing one with the assistance of a caregiver. Sit-to-stand lifts are ideal for people who have some weight-bearing ability, but need help with balance, leg strength, or coordination during transfers. They encourage active participation from the user instead of putting all of your weight on another person. This helps with maintaining muscle strength, bone density and increasing circulation. Being in a standing position is usually a more comfortable position for the patient, as opposed to being suspended in a sling. It also reduces the risk of strain or injury to the caregiver.

A sit-to-stand lift will typically have the following:

• A sturdy base that usually has wheels and adjustable legs to fit around furniture

• A supportive sling or strap system that wraps around the lower back and under the arms

• Adjustable knee pads and foot platforms for added stability

• Battery-powered or hydraulic lifting mechanisms for smooth motion

• Safety features such as locking casters, emergency stop buttons, and padded supports.

Caregivers can greatly benefit from a sit-to-stand lift because, as briefly mentioned earlier, it significantly reduces the risk of injury from repetitive lifting or awkward movements. Back strains and falls are common concerns when assisting someone without proper equipment. With a sit-to-stand lift, transfers can be done with minimal physical effort. This makes assisting in daily routines such as bathing, using the toilet, and moving around different areas of the home much easier.

Another amazing benefit of these devices for the user is one that is greatly underrated: the dignity and comfort of the user. Instead of feeling like they’re being "picked up," the user can actively participate in the transfer, which results in a greater sense of control and confidence.

If you’re considering a sit-to-stand lift, GreenLight Mobility in Raleigh-Durham is here to help. GreenLight Mobility specializes in home safety and accessibility solutions.  They strive for exceptional customer service and personalized care.

GreenLight Mobility can help from start to finish by doing the following:

• In Home Consultation: The GreenLight Mobility team will come to your home to assess your space and mobility needs, ensuring you get a lift that fits both your physical needs and your living environment.

• Guidance: Not all sit-to-stand lifts are created equal. Some factors to consider are the user’s weight and height, if a portable or stable lift is most beneficial, electric or manual operation, sling size and type. GreenLight Mobility will walk you through different models, features, and price points to make the entire process less overwhelming and find the best fit for you.

• Professional Delivery and Training: GreenLight Mobility’s technicians will deliver, set up, and test the equipment right in your home. There is no guesswork or need to watch video tutorials.  

• Ongoing Support: If you have any questions later on or have a service or maintenance need, GreenLight Mobility is always ready to help long after the initial purchase.

Sit-to-stand lifts offer safety and ease with transfers. It gives back a sense of dignity that has been lost. They lighten not just the physical, but emotional load on caregivers and empowers everyone by offering an option to stay active in everyday life. If you’re ready to explore your options, give GreenLight Mobility Raleigh-Durham a call and take the next step towards greater independence.