Part 1 · Moving and caring for the body
The hoist
Content under professional review before publication.
1When the hoist is used
The problem
When a person cannot bear any of their weight, lifting them by sheer force hurts both the caregiver and them. The hoist does that job without anyone hurting their back, and with more dignity.
What is happening underneath
The hoist lifts the person with a sling (a strong fabric that holds them) hanging from a mechanical arm. It is for when the person cannot stand or help in a transfer. If they still bear some of their weight, an ordinary transfer is often enough (see the Transfers chapter).
Step by step
- Use the hoist when the person cannot bear their weight or help to move from the bed to the chair.
- Whenever possible, do it with two people: one operates the hoist and the other accompanies and looks after the person.
- Before using it for the first time, ask someone experienced (therapist, nurse, or whoever supplied the equipment) to teach you in person.
- Tell the person what you are going to do at each step, even if they seem not to understand. Being handled without warning is frightening.
What you must never do
- Never lift by force someone who cannot bear their weight: that is what the hoist is for.
- Never use the hoist for the first time without someone having taught you.
- Never use it alone if the person is heavy or does not cooperate: do it with two people.
When to ask for help
To know whether a hoist is appropriate, which model, and which sling, consult the therapist or nurse. They also tell you how many people are needed for that particular person.
2Before using it: choose and inspect
The problem
Most hoist accidents come from the wrong, worn, or badly attached sling, or from exceeding the maximum weight. Inspecting beforehand prevents almost all of them.
What is happening underneath
The sling must be the right size and type for that person and for what you are going to do (there are different slings for bathing, for the toilet, for the bed). And both the sling and the hoist have a maximum weight that must never be exceeded.
Step by step
- Use the sling of the size and type indicated for that person. The wrong sling can cause injury.
- Check the maximum weight of the sling and of the hoist. Never exceed it.
- Inspect the sling before each use: if the fabric is frayed, torn, has holes, or has loose stitching, do not use it and replace it.
- If the hoist is electric, make sure the battery is charged and that the emergency stop button works.
- Clear the path between the starting point and the destination before you begin.
What you must never do
- Never use a worn, torn, or loose-stitched sling.
- Never exceed the maximum weight of the sling or the hoist.
- Never use a sling of a different type than the one indicated just because it is the one at hand.
When to ask for help
To choose the right sling and learn to inspect it, consult whoever supplied the equipment or the therapist. Hoists need periodic servicing (generally every six months); ask who does it.
3Positioning the sling and lifting
The problem
A badly placed sling or a badly made attachment can leave the person poorly supported or sliding. Positioning is what requires the most care.
What is happening underneath
The sling spreads the person's weight. If it is well centered and the straps lie flat and are well attached, it supports evenly. Many slings come with a label showing how to position them relative to the spine.
Step by step
- Center the sling with the person: the center is aligned with their spine, according to the sling's label.
- Pass the leg straps so they lie flat, without the fabric being folded or wrinkled.
- Attach each strap to the hoist's bar exactly as that equipment's manual indicates.
- Lift slowly and evenly, keeping the person as low as possible while you move them. The bar must never hit their face.
- On wheeled floor hoists, during the move the casters are left free (not braked) so the hoist adjusts to the weight, unless your equipment's manual indicates otherwise. Always follow the manual.
What you must never do
- Never attach the straps unevenly or differently from what the manual says.
- Never leave the leg fabric folded or wrinkled under the person.
- Never raise the person higher than necessary or move them with jerks.
When to ask for help
If you are not sure how to center the sling or attach the straps on your model, do not improvise: ask to be shown. Each hoist and each sling has its exact method.
4Comfort, skin, and watchfulness
The problem
The sling holds the person by pressing the fabric against the body. If a strap is badly placed, it can compress and injure, and the person will not always say so.
What is happening underneath
Some people, especially with cognitive changes or with reduced sensation, do not complain even if something bothers or pinches them. That is why the caregiver does not wait to be told: they actively check that the sling is comfortable and that no strap is compressing.
Step by step
- Before lifting, check that the straps lie flat and that the fabric does not pinch or roll anywhere.
- Watch their face as you lift: a look of pain or discomfort is a signal, even if they say nothing.
- Do not leave them hanging in the sling longer than necessary: only as long as the transfer lasts.
- Never leave them alone while in the hoist.
- When lowering them, do it slowly and check the skin where the straps were, especially if you use it often.
What you must never do
- Never assume they are comfortable just because they do not complain: check.
- Never leave them alone or suspended in the air longer than necessary.
- Never ignore a look of pain on their face.
When to ask for help
If you see red, marked, or injured skin where the straps rest, or if the person complains when the sling is used, stop and consult the therapist or nurse. Another sling may be needed, or an adjustment to how it is placed.
What about the home?
This library is free. iliapp.com is a professional service that assesses the home to make it safer.
Discover iliapp.com- This content is for educational and general guidance purposes. It does not constitute medical, nursing, or therapeutic advice, and does not replace in-person evaluation by a qualified health professional or in-person training to use a hoist.
- Every person and every situation is different. Every technique described should be reviewed and adapted by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or the treating professional before use.
- Inclusive Living International (ILI), together with its directors, employees, and representatives, shall not be liable for injuries, accidents, damages, or outcomes arising from the application of this information.
- Use of this guide is the responsibility of the person applying it. In case of pain, injured skin, difficulty breathing, or any warning sign, stop the activity and seek professional or emergency help immediately.
- The Spanish version is the governing legal document. Versions in other languages are a courtesy; in case of discrepancy, the Spanish version prevails.
- Use of this guide implies acceptance of the Terms of Service and the Privacy Policy.
Content based on public-health and caregiver-support guidance and on internationally recognized clinical consensus. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any organization.