When to Consider the Purchase of a Ceiling Lift System/Patient Lift System

If you or a loved one has limited mobility you may be wondering when to consider adding a ceiling lift system to the durable medical equipment (DME) you are currently using.

Ceiling lifts are amazing pieces of equipment. They can make transfers of patients easier on caregivers as well as allowing some patients to live more independently.

Long Term Disability

Investing in a ceiling lift system can feel like a big commitment. It may not be appropriate if the user is expected to significantly recover. However, if the user’s prognosis is continued decline or remaining the same indefinitely, it may be time to consider investing in a ceiling lift.

Desire for Independence

Many ceiling lift systems allows a patient with good muscle tone and enough range of motion to move independently from room to room in their own home, even if they are unable to manually transfer from bed to wheelchair.

Transfer Difficulty

Some patients are difficult to transfer due to their condition, size, or the size of their caregiver.

Repeated transfers of patients without the assistance of a lifting device can cause injury to the caregiver’s back, neck, and shoulders. Improper or unsafe transfers can also cause further damage to the patient.

Safe transfers are vital to the continued health and care of patients. If there is any doubt about the safety of current methods of transfer, then a ceiling lift system should be considered for safer and easier transfers.

Pain and Loss of Dignity

Patients suffering from limited mobility may experience physical or emotional pain during transfers. Some injuries can be upset by the rough movements of a physical transfer. Transferring a patient without a lift can cause unneeded pain and suffering to that patient if they are sensitive to the movement. While physical pain during transfer is not to be endured, the lesser considered emotional pain must also be taken into account.

When a caregiver struggles with moving a patient, it can cause a sense of indignity in the patient as well as shame. Embarrassment should not be part of the patient transfer experience.

Large patients with limited mobility can get a return of their sense of dignity by using a ceiling lift for transfer instead of relying on caregivers.

Cost

The cost of a ceiling lift may be lower in the long term than the cost of multiple caregivers to assist a patient. Especially if the patient is able to regain some independence by using a ceiling lift for transfers between rooms of their home.

Some people realize they need a ceiling lift but are worried about how they will afford it. Fortunately, there are many options for covering the cost of durable medical equipment (DME) including ceiling lifts.

If your insurance or other financing methods do not cover the ceiling lift system needed for your loved one, special financing may be available. Check out these blog posts for state-specific financing possibilities for Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

If you live in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island and would like more information on ceiling lifts, including information about financing, call (508) 802-4259 to speak to an expert at Lift and Care Systems. We will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect equipment to meet your needs.