Measuring for a general purpose sling for a hoist
Measuring guide for a hoist sling
Important Questions To Ask When Buying A Mobility Hoist
Buying a hoist for your home can hugely improve accessibility and movability of the user around the property, but what should you be thinking about when making a hoist purchasing decision?
Mobility hoists are used to help move people around the home when they have disabilities or mobility issues which may prevent them from doing certain things on their own. Most commonly used in a home is a hoist, this will be used for activities such as helping the person in and out of a bed, bathroom or other part of the house.
So, when you’ve taken the decision to purchase a hoist be that a mobile or ceiling hoist, there are still so many variables to make sure that you understand before deciding on the specifics. Properly qualified and experienced companies will be able to advise you honestly in making these decisions, but to help you on the way, we’ve put in a few of the frequently ask questions and considerations that you should be talking about before considering buying a mobility hoist.
What Type of Hoist Will I Need?
First thing first, you need to consider what type of hoist you will need. There are a few types, and many brands that offer variations in equipment, with so many available you should be able to source something that is perfect for your user and home / property. 4 big things to consider are whether you need a manual hoist or a powered one, fixed or mobile hoist.
The majority of modern hoists (both ceiling and mobile) are electric with manual functions, making it easier to control and operate by a carer or by the person who will be in the hoist.
How Will It Affect My Home?
A mobility hoist can take up a lot of room in your house and may also require some structural changes to be made, depending on the type of hoist you choose. So, when you are nearing that decision about what type of mobility hoist you need, make sure you consider how it will impact your property as a whole? If you are considering a ceiling hoists then these have to be railed to the ceiling and be able to take the max weight allowance on the hoist.
Different slings will have different mechanisms to attach to the hoist. Some have loops, and some clips. Each sling usually also has a series of fabric loops of different lengths at each suspension point. The length of the strap used will change the position of the service user when in the hoist.
It is also possible to order special custom-made slings for a person who has very particular needs, e.g. for use by a very tall person. You are advised to speak to a professional before you buy a hoist to confirm that a compatible custom-made sling can be acquired and fitted.
What Weight Does It Support?
A fundamental condition of any hoist is the amount of weight that it can support. We advise that you consider the person who will be in the hoist and if they are a child if they are likely to grow, and any additional equipment they may need to carry with them. Total the weight up and discuss this with the installer to ensure the type of hoist you pick, and the supporting equipment that goes with it, are capable of operating and supporting that weight.
How Much Will it Cost in Total?
As with most home adaptations, if you are choosing a ceiling-fixed hoist, the price will depend on the specifications you need and where you want the hoist to travel. When we discuss mobility equipment for the home, it is important that you consider the costs involved in buying and installing it in your home. Make sure that you not only request details of the costs of the physical equipment but also of installation and of any additional products that may be needed; add-ons, straps, etc.
How Long is the Warranty?
Finally, when deciding on a hoist, make sure you ask how long the hoist will be covered by a warranty and consider what the warranty covers, would there be any additional coverage add-ons that you would be expected to purchase, is there an excess for call outs / parts? If you’re spending a major amount of money, you want to make sure that it is appropriately covered should anything untoward happen.
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From our Norwich office, we are able to offer complete mobility services across Norfolk and Suffolk. Our highly skilled team are mobile which means we are never far away, with a lift engineer local to your location.
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