Photo is provided with permission from Nottingham rehab

Hoists can be supplied for people who are being cared for at home provided there is enough space to use and store them. Hoists not only take up space but can be difficult to use on carpets. If the person has to use a hoist in more than one room of the house, they can be difficult to move around between rooms unless doorways are wide and there are no raised door thresholds between rooms. If a hoist is being supplied it must have the correct hoist sling and the sling must be the correct size and weight for the person it will be used with. All hoists are given a weight limit by the manufacturers. This weight limit cannot be exceeded.

No one should use any hoist unless they have been given training to do so. In general, the more disabled the person in the hoist, the more help will be required. Many hoists are designed to be operated by a minimum of two people. Hoists need to be checked and maintained regularly. Checks for wear and tear of the hoist sling should be done at each use. The person in the hoist may feel vulnerable and unsure of what is happening unless each stage of the manoeuvre is explained and the person is ready.