Children (0-12 years): Hoists
Children (0-12 years): Hoists
Last updated January 2024
Hoists provide a mechanical way of lifting and moving your child from one place or position to another (sometimes called transferring). You may need a hoist if moving your child puts too much strain on you or there’s a risk of harming your child when you move them. So, you may need a hoist to move your child from their bed into their wheelchair, or from their wheelchair onto a toilet or a shower seat.
A hoist is usually a strong metal frame which has a lifting mechanism operated manually or powered by battery or electricity. A sling on a ‘spreader bar’ is suspended from the frame or lifting arm to support your child as they are lifted.
Your OT will be able to assess your child and your needs, advise on the most suitable hoist and slings and arrange provision. They and / or the supplier of your hoist will make sure you have the training you need to use the hoist safely.
Any hoists and slings you have should be serviced regularly as advised by the manufacturer. This may be carried out by the manufacturer or the supplier- or arranged by the local community equipment service if your hoist is supplied though statutory services.
Electronic hoists have a power pack / battery which will need charging. A powered hoist will need plugging into an electric socket. All electric hoists must have emergency stop buttons and manual release mechanisms so that you can be lowered without battery power if there’s an emergency.
A fixed or ceiling track hoist may be fitted as part of home adaptations, for example to provide you with hoisting straight through from the bedroom to the bathroom.
A gantry hoist is designed to stay in one place and is usually positioned with the frame over the bed. It may be suggested as an option where a ceiling track hoist cannot be fitted. It can also be suggested as a short-term measure if you are moving house soon or awaiting adaptations and there is not enough space for a mobile hoist.
A mobile hoist may theoretically be used anywhere in the home, but there will need to be a good amount of space to move and turn one. It is important not to have furniture and other clutter in the way and, as the castors on most mobile hoists are small and liable to catch on uneven surfaces, you will need to be careful with loose rugs or worn carpets. Doorways and hallways need to be wide enough to move through.
Many families find it worth having a portable hoist in addition to whatever hoist they have at home. It can be very useful for day trips, holidays and visiting or staying with friends or relatives.
Portable hoists come in a range of sizes and weights and vary in the ways they fold down or dismantle for travelling. Your child’s OT and / or physio will not usually be able to organise funding for a portable hoist, but it is important to ask their opinion as they should be able to advise about safe and suitable models for your child’s needs. They can also help you think further about the questions you might want to ask when you are looking for one, such as:
- Can you have a free demonstration – either at home or at an exhibition or at a supplier’s showroom?
- How heavy is it?
- How does it fold down and open up? Can this be done by one person or does it need two?
- How easy it is to move and turn once ‘up’?
- Once folded, is it manageable for you / another carer / PA?
- Will it fit in your vehicle (considering all the other luggage and equipment you will have)?
- Is it compatible with your child’s slings?
- What is the cost? Is delivery included? How long a wait between ordering and delivery?
- What are maintenance and service requirements? (Often, any warranty is only valid if appropriate servicing and maintenance can be proved.) How and where could it be serviced? How much is servicing likely to cost?
If you are likely to use a portable hoist several times a year, then buying one is an option that many people choose. If you do need funding assistance, realistically this can take time, so another consideration is how soon you are travelling.
If timing is tight (or you don’t think you will use the hoist much outside this holiday) then hiring may be an option to explore / compare. Several companies hire equipment, including portable hoists – though choice of models may be limited. Delivery and collection costs can vary a lot depending on your distance from the hirer, so it is worth searching for a few quotes. If you are travelling abroad, you will need to tell the hirer, in case there is any additional cost.
Contact SMA UK for ideas about makes of portable hoists that have worked for other families, hire companies they have used and possible funders.
Your hoist will need a sling for your child to sit or lie in. There are different sorts available, for example:
- standard slings are made of polyester and can be easily washed and dried
- net is used for bathing slings allowing water to drain away and for easy washing and drying.
Most importantly, any sling needs to be individually selected for your child so that it:
- suits their weight and height
- gives them the support they need, for example if their muscle weakness makes their head control difficult
- is suitable for where and how you want to use it.
All slings need to be compatible with the hoist you are using. All slings should be checked before every use to make sure no stitching is coming undone. Faulty slings must be replaced as a matter or urgency; contact your OT or physio for replacements.
Your OT should be able to supply the hoisting you need at home, free via the NHS or the Local Authority. If parents are separated or children spend a lot of time with grandparents or other relatives this is unlikely to be funded as well, though it is worth checking. You might consider a portable hoist as an option – though this will need to be privately funded.
For more information see Funding For Equipment on this page.