How to use a Hoyer Patient Lift to transfer a patient from their Wheelchair to a Bed

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The first step to any transfer is ensuring that you have the correct sling so be sure to check out our detailed sling selection guide before diving into these how-to videos. Today we're going to demonstrate how to safely transfer a patient from their wheelchair to a bed.

Start by locking the wheels on the patient's wheelchair, then fold the sling so that the smooth side will be in contact with the patient.

Ask the patient to lean forward and tuck the sling in behind them, all the way down to the patient's tailbone.

Next, pull the leg straps along the outside of the patient's legs making sure that the straps don't catch on any part of the wheelchair.

Position yourself in front of the patient and gently raise each of the patient's legs to pull the straps underneath and over the patient's legs.

You want the straps to be mid-thigh on the patient for the most comfortable transfer.

Finally, cross the legs straps, pulling one strap through the other, and you're ready to bring in your lift.

With the patient's wheelchair locked but not the lift, approach the patient with the lift, keeping the bar below the patient's line of sight so that you're not coming directly at the patient's face.

Connect your sling's loops to the lift bar, keeping in mind that the shorter loops will result in a more reclined position.

Before lifting, make sure that the patient is fully inside the sling and that the straps and loops are not caught on the wheelchair.

With one hand on the patient and one hand on the lift controls, slowly begin lifting the patient.

As the patient's wheelchair is locked in place while the lift is not, the lift will move toward the patient rather than jerking them out of their chair.

With the patient lifted, you can now move them easily towards the bed.

Rotate the patient so that they are parallel with the bed and push the lift until the patient is properly positioned before locking the lift in place.

With one hand on the patient and one hand on the lift controls, slowly lower the patient until they are lying on the bed.

Unhook the sling loops from the lift and move the lift out of the way.

To remove the sling, gently roll the patient to one side and roll one half of the sling up and tuck under the patient.

Gently roll the patient to their other side and remove the sling before returning the patient to a lying position.

That's how you effectively and safely transfer a patient from their wheelchair to a bed. Be sure to check out our other videos for more tips and techniques on patient transfers.

[starclone]

This vidio was perfect... It's explains everything I need to know, for the safty, and well being of my patients... No one has ever explained it to me as clearly... Thank you so much !!!!

[markaki]

Best teaching video, greatly appreciated

[topdawg]

Ty so much I sure hate feeling stupid but I admit it we need you ty now I know how this works my dad is depending on me

[johnfrasca]

your particular rendition and translation of how to transfer was most informative and educational thank you, good job!! I am a patient with Ms I've been doing the sling thing for about 3 years now, It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy ^%$#$#@@!

[sgrace]

All these current different lifts are great and all but I wish someone would somehow design a lift to move to the left and right from the top bar for home use so you could lower someone into a pool or tub.

[glomusic]

I use the Wecare brand patient lift chair. Works like a magic

[priscillanorton]

From where do you obtain the harness?? Anyone?

[KC-drcg]

I like the music a lot. Can the lift be used to roll a patient 10 -15 ft .. back and forth from the bedroom to the living room on a frequent basis

[ilonggaofwinthemiddleeast]

I did this alone to my patient..and its hard specially transfer from Commode to bed..

[whereloveblossoms]

This is for demo purpose however not sure about American protocol but In UK we have to have TWO CNA to one person when using any Hoist lift system! Even for demo purpose should have two CNA.

Also be aware that many people who are likely to need some type of hoist lift often have Arthritis and other Physical Conditions that make it really hard to get the Base of the sling under the hips and bum area - the sling show you have to get the Sling right under the Bum for Safety reasons.. but a Cosy Sling is much more effective and safer for more vulnerable and more physically restrictive mobility.

[MrKarmapolice]

Mine is manual and my dad can’t move his left side much at the moment after his stroke and he weighs 275.

[anitaabraham]

I am looking for a lift. How can I get details

[nitefox]

Nobody said anything about not closing the legs on the lift...It is my understanding the lift legs should be open, not closed...where I work they close the legs of the lift before turning the lift and their reasoning for this is it won't fit under the bed unless they close the legs. I argue NOT to close the legs at least when turning the patient...I don't think that is a good idea because it narrows the base of support of the lift plus the patient can swing back and forth tipping the lift over..but since it isn't outlined here...well, who knows safer vs unsafe? As usual they use "a patient" who is not representative of who we are lifting at work. Ivory Tower Model

[kathy]

TURN OFF THE BACKGROUND MUSIC. OMG....it is so annoying!!

[jeffwells]

The "music" is very annoying and interferes with the the instructions!

[drunkardpeople]

Good device. But it seems not cheap.
My mum got left hand side paralytic stroke and her weight is 240 lb. At least 15 times lifting for urinate and always have to apply emena for defecation.
So, I got weight lost less sleep period and seriously low back pain. It'd happened to me 14 months ago.

[chumadoshi]

Well, patients are usually 10x in size

[enochsmith]

What is the process if the person is 450 lbs 5 foot and 3 inches