Purchasing a ceiling lift or floor lift can be a daunting task especially if this is your families first purchase. Like buying a new car the features are endless and understanding all the options available is key to making an informed decision.
Lift products fall into two main categories: ceiling lifts and floor lifts. Both are designed to assist your loved ones with their everyday accessibility needs, but your decision to pick one over the other will be very situational.
A ceiling lift is a device that transports a loved one along an overhead track system, the lift works alongside a sling that holds the loved one securely during the transfer.
There are two main types of ceiling lifts: fixed and portable.
A fixed ceiling lift is a permanent fixture in the room and uses a track system mounted on the ceiling, the ceiling lift runs along the track during transfers. A fixed ceiling lift with an X-Y track system provides greater versatility with movement in two different directions. Ready to be used with no set up required, a fixed ceiling lift like our C-300 can provide loved ones with greater autonomy and takes up no space on your floor.
A portable ceiling lift like our P-440 uses a free-standing track system that needs to be set up and can be taken down with each use. It is easily portable and can be moved from room to room, used in different homes and is great for traveling while on vacation. Another advantage is that it can be completely dismantled with no permanent installation necessary.
Both ceiling lift types provide safe transfer of your loved one with very minimal force from a bed to a chair or commode, they can also be used to reposition in bed and are considered the most versatile solution for safe patient handling.
Your decision to pick a fixed ceiling lift over a portable one will depend on what your needs are.
Are you looking for a solution that you can take anywhere? Do you travel, vacation or spend a lot of time at your cottage? Are you planning to move anytime soon? Do you want to avoid a permanent installation in your home? Then a portable ceiling lift with a free-standing track system like our FST-300 sounds like the right choice for you.
Do you want to avoid constantly having to set up a track system to get your lift up and running? Is floor space top priority and would prefer a solution that is out of the way? Do you want total versatility that comes with an X-Y fixed track system? Is your loved one looking for an autonomous solution? A fixed ceiling lift with a track system sounds perfect for your home.
Floor Lifts offer the same transfer options as a ceiling lift but in a fully portable platform. The device consists of a frame built on castor wheels, a mast with a steering handle and a boom that safely raises and lowers the patient. Like a ceiling lift, a sling is used to hold the patient securely in place during the transfer.
Floor lifts can easily move room to room and are perfect for dining areas and hallways, they can also be moved out of the way when not in use. If you’re working within a budget a floor lift is a more cost-effective than a ceiling lift, our Carina350 floor lift is a perfect economical option. Floor lifts require more exertion and two people to operate, but if that’s not a concern for you then adding one to your home is a great choice for your loved one.
At the end of the day, you should feel confident knowing that the lift you choose will be making everyday life easier for not only your loved one but also the people that help them live a more accessible life. The decision is up to you and should be based on what the needs are for your family, home and loved one, whatever choice you make you’ll be improving their quality of life greatly.
Ready to speak to one of our mobility experts? Call us today 1- 888-637-8155 or request a callback.
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