Lifts and transfer aids can make everyday movements — like getting from bed to chair, chair to toilet, or assisting someone to stand — safer and less physically demanding for both the person and the caregiver. Whether in the home, a hospital, or an aged care setting, the right equipment depends on how much weight the person can bear through their legs, what the transfer involves, and how much space is available.
What Are Lifts and Transfer Aids?
Lifts and transfer aids are devices designed to help a person move between positions or surfaces safely with more support and less manual effort. They can be used for transfers such as bed-to-wheelchair, chair-to-toilet, or repositioning in bed.
Types of Patient Lift Devices
There's no single "best" lift. The right choice depends on the person's abilities, your space, and the transfers you need to do. Here are the main types you'll see for home and facility care.
Mobile or Floor Hoists (For Full Lifts)
Use a mobile hoist when the person cannot reliably stand or bear weight. It uses a sling to lift and move them completely between surfaces, like from a bed to a wheelchair or a chair to a commode.
Sit-To-Stand Lifters (For Supported Standing)
A sit-to-stand lifter helps a person who can bear some weight and follow simple instructions but needs help getting up and turning. It works well for frequent, short transfers like moving from a chair to the toilet. If the person cannot safely support any weight on their legs, a full hoist is safer than a sit-to-stand device.
Transfer Belts, Slide Sheets, and Boards (For Assisted Moves)
You don't always need a powered lift. Smaller mobility transfer aids can help when the person can assist but needs guidance and stability.
Common examples include:
- Transfer or walk belts: Provide stability for assisted standing or turning.
- Lift cushions: Air-powered cushions to help raise someone safely from the floor or a low surface with less strain on the carer.
- Transfer boards: Allow a seated slide between surfaces, like from a wheelchair to a bed, if the person can help.
Slings and Standing Slings
A sling is a critical piece of equipment, and it must fit correctly. You need to choose the right sling type, size, and attachment style for both the person and the hoist system. If you're unsure, first decide on the type of hoist (full lift or sit-to-stand), then select the compatible sling style and size.
How to Choose the Right Transfer Lift for Home Care
Before you buy any equipment, think about your actual situation. This quick checklist will help you choose a lift that works in your space — and in the way you provide care.
Assess the person's ability
Can they support weight on their legs? Can they follow simple instructions? Can they sit upright safely?
Example: If someone can take some weight through their legs and follow instructions, a stand assist lifter (also called a sit-to-stand lift) might be ideal. It helps them stay active and makes standing or pivoting from bed to chair safer. If they can’t bear weight or sit upright, a full-body hoist with a supportive sling will offer a safer solution.
Consider the transfers
Which moves do you need help with — bed to chair, chair to toilet, or into a shower chair?
Example: For frequent transfers between bed and wheelchair, a mobile floor hoist gives flexibility to move around the home. For tight bathrooms, a compact standing lifter or ceiling track hoist may work better since it takes up less floor space.
Check your home layout
Look at doorway widths, bathroom space, flooring type, room to turn the lift, and furniture placement.
Example: In small rooms with narrow doorways, a foldable hoist saves space and avoids tricky manoeuvres. For larger open areas with smooth flooring, a mobile hoist on castors may be more practical.
Check the weight limits
Every hoist and sling has a Safe Working Load (SWL). Make sure it can safely support the person’s weight.
Example: A bariatric user will need a heavy-duty hoist with a higher SWL and wider sling to ensure safe, comfortable transfers.
Think about frequency
How often will you use the lift — once a day or many times? Frequent transfers can increase fatigue, which affects safety.
Example: For occasional use, a manual hydraulic lifter may be sufficient. If you transfer several times a day, an electric-powered hoist reduces strain and works more smoothly.
Consider the carer
How many people will help — one or two? How confident are they using this kind of equipment?
Example: A powered lifter with joystick control is easier for a single carer to operate. If two carers usually assist, a manual hoist may be manageable and more cost-effective.
Transfer Aid Safety and Lift Device Maintenance Basics
Safety at home depends on good habits: using the right equipment together, checking it before each use, and keeping it properly maintained.
Follow these basic steps:
Before each use
- Inspect the sling, straps, and clips for wear, fraying, or damage.
- Never mix slings and hoists unless the manufacturer says it's safe.
Ongoing maintenance
- Follow the manufacturer’s servicing schedule.
- Keep a record of all service checks.
If something seems wrong
Stop using the equipment immediately if anything looks damaged or feels unstable. Have it checked by a professional before you use it again.
NDIS and My Aged Care Transfer Aids
If you're looking for transfer aids through the NDIS or My Aged Care, we recommend speaking with an occupational therapist (OT) first. An OT can help ensure the product you choose is the right fit for the person, your home, and your specific transfer needs, and can also provide reports to support funding applications under either program. For more help with NDIS purchases, please visit our NDIS support page.
Shop Patient Lifting Equipment
Browse our full range of lifts and transfer aids or if you need help choosing the right type for your situation, please contact us for personal advice.
