Types of Hoists used in Care & Nursing Homes

In the busy environment of a care or nursing home, moving and handling residents safely is a top priority. Selecting the right equipment isn't just about meeting health and safety regulations; it’s about protecting your staff from musculoskeletal injuries and ensuring residents feel secure, comfortable, and dignified.

However, with so many different types of hoists on the market—from ceiling tracks to active stand aids—choosing the best fit for your facility can be a challenge. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most common hoists used in professional care settings, comparing their pros, cons, and specific use cases to help you make an informed investment.

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Mobile Hoists
Ceiling Track Hoists
Gantry Hoists
Stand Aids (Sit-to-Stand Hoists)

A hoist is a mechanical device used to lift or move a person who has limited mobility. In the past, "manual handling" often meant carers physically lifting residents—a practice that led to high rates of back injury. Today, modern technology provides a variety of solutions tailored to different environments and patient needs.

The reason there are so many types is that no two care settings are the same. A compact residential home with narrow corridors has different requirements than a purpose-built bariatric unit or a facility with a hydrotherapy pool.

Hoists serve several critical functions in a care environment:

Safe Transfers: Moving a resident from a bed to a chair, wheelchair, or commode.
Personal Hygiene: Assisting with bathing, toileting, and changing.
Emergency Recovery: Safely lifting a resident from the floor after a fall.
Rehabilitation: Supporting a resident as they practice standing or walking.
Pressure Care: Allowing carers to lift and reposition a resident to prevent pressure sores.

Mobile Hoists

Mobile hoists (also known as floor hoists) are the most common types of hoists used in nursing homes. They are freestanding, wheeled units that can be moved from room to room.

Pros

Versatility: Can be used anywhere in the building where there is enough floor space.
No Installation: Ready to use immediately without structural changes to the building.
Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than permanent ceiling installations.
Floor Lifts: Most models can lift a resident directly from the floor.

Cons

Space Hungry: Requires significant floor space to manoeuvre and store.
Physical Effort: Carers must push and pull the hoist, which can be difficult on thick carpets.
Staffing: Usually requires two carers to operate safely according to most risk assessments.

Ceiling Track Hoists

Ceiling hoists are permanently installed on a rail system attached to the ceiling. They are often considered the "gold standard" for modern care.

Pros

Space Saving: Zero floor footprint, making them the best hoists for small spaces.
Single-Handed Care: Easier to operate, often allowing for "single-handed care" (one carer instead of two).
Resident Comfort: Provides a smoother, more stable transfer than mobile units.
Immediate Availability: Always in the room and ready for use.

Cons

High Initial Cost: Requires professional installation and structural surveys.
Fixed Location: Only works in rooms where tracks are installed.
Maintenance: Requires regular LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) inspections of the fixed track.

Gantry Hoists

A gantry hoist is essentially a portable version of a ceiling hoist. It consists of a freestanding frame (two posts and a crossbar) that supports a hoist motor.

Pros

Flexible Setup: Provides the benefits of an overhead lift without permanent wall/ceiling fixings.
Temporary Solution: Ideal for residents who only need hoisting for a short recovery period.
Portability: Can be dismantled and moved to a different room or facility.

Cons

Stability: Not as seamless as a fixed ceiling track.
Aesthetics: The large frames can look quite "clinical" in a bedroom.

Stand Aids (Sit-to-Stand Hoists)

Unlike "passive" hoists that do all the work, stand aids are "active" hoists. They assist residents who have some weight-bearing ability to move from a sitting to a standing position.

Pros

Promotes Independence: Encourages the resident to use their muscles, maintaining strength.
Easier Toileting: Because the resident is in a standing position, it is much easier for carers to manage clothing and hygiene.
Compact: Usually smaller and more nimble than full mobile hoists.

Cons

Requirement: Only suitable for residents who can follow instructions and support some of their own weight.

Bath & Pool Hoists

These are specifically designed for wet environments. Bath hoists are usually fixed to the floor next to the tub, while pool hoists (often used in hydrotherapy) may be mobile or fixed. They are built with rust-resistant materials and waterproof components.

Bariatric Hoists

Standard hoists for disabled people usually have a Safe Working Load (SWL) of around 150kg–180kg. Bariatric hoists are heavy-duty units designed to safely lift up to 300kg or even 500kg. They feature wider spreader bars to accommodate larger residents without pinching or discomfort.

The best hoists for small spaces

If your care home has narrow doorways or small bedrooms, Ceiling Track Hoists are the clear winner. If a ceiling hoist isn't possible, look for Compact Mobile Hoists (like the Oxford Mini or Invacare Birdie Evo Compact), which have a smaller turning circle.

The best hoists for single operators

Many modern Electric Ceiling Hoists are designed to be operated by a single carer, significantly reducing staffing pressure. For mobile options, look for "Powered Leg Opening" models, which allow the carer to adjust the hoist's base via the remote, reducing the need for manual kicking or pushing.

The best hoists for home use

For those looking for a hoist used in nursing homes that also works in a domestic setting, Folding Mobile Hoists are ideal. They can be tucked away in a cupboard when not in use or even placed in a car boot for travel.

Selecting the right equipment is a balance between your budget, your building’s layout, and the clinical needs of your residents.

Summary Table: Hoist Comparison

References:

Moving and handling in health and social care - HSE

Using Hoists to Move Patients Policy