Overhead lifts are an excellent tool for assisting temporary or permanently disabled individuals and their caregivers throughout their day. These lifts allow a single caregiver to assist in moving a patient or family member alone without the need of a team to lift them. It is very important to keep these lifts in top working order so a routine of checks and maintenance will extend their life for years.

When it comes to general maintenance there are checks that should be taken each time the system is used. Most lift systems will have a lift maintenance counter that will help to remind you of the importance of regular checks to ensure the safety of all involved.

Additionally there are monthly and yearly checks that should be done as well to ensure the system is in proper working order for the long term.

Before Each Use

Conduct a visual inspection of the ceiling lift and track to be sure it is suitable for use. If any part of your visual inspection fails, do not use the lift. Check the following:

• Ensure the lift tape has no fraying
• Inspect the lift tape stitching, for no signs of fraying
• Inspect the sling for any signs of fraying, tearing or wear
• Ensure the air tubes are properly connected nor kinked or damaged
• Inspect the hand controller, testing all buttons
• Visually inspect the tracks
• Check for cuts, dents, or sharp edges on the carry bar
• Confirm that the end caps are in place

 Monthly Checks

There are several things that you should inspect every month as well. Make a thorough inspection of each of the suggested daily steps.

• Remove the sling from the lift.
• Inspect that the lift moves freely and smoothly around the entire track

 Yearly Check

Yearly checks should be done by qualified technicians. In the case of heavier clients, it is suggested that you conduct yearly checks semi-annually.

• All steps of Daily Use and Monthly checks should be observed
• A Ceiling Lift test should be passed and any repairs should be addressed and completed

Should problems arise or if you ever discover issues in your lift systems in any of the daily, monthly or yearly checks, you should immediately cease use and operation and contact your authorized dealer for service.

If you have any issues or concerns with your overhead lift please contact us, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

An overhead lift is a motorized lift that can be used in the home in order to transfer a person from one place to another, or simply be re-positioned with the assistance of an overhead track. These tracks can either be self-standing, making them portable, or they can be mounted on the ceiling of any room throughout the house. A sling is used in order to move the person from place to place or to make themselves more comfortable where they are. The patient is transferred in an up and down motion and can manually be moved from one side to another.

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After realizing how valuable these lifts were in assisting hospital staffs, they are now available for use at home, although a lot of people in need are unaware of their availability. Ceiling lifts make it possible for patients to be in the comforts of their own home instead of having to spend additional time in either a hospital or after care facility. The strain that is often experienced by a caregiver is greatly reduced with the use of an overhead lift and makes it easier to move the patient from place to place.

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Because of the fact that specific needs differ from one patient to the next, an assessment should be completed on the person in need before the purchase of an overhead lift to make sure they are getting a model that will be of benefit for their individual purposes. Different makes and models of overhead lifts differ in the capabilities and features that are offered. This need to be taken into consideration in regards to the needs of the patient.

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The type of sling used with the lift should match the needs of the person it will be used for. You will also want to keep in mind what the lift will be used for when choosing a sling. If the main purpose of the lift is helping the patient readjust or change their position while in bed, you might need the same type of sling intended for helping someone who specifically needs assistance with access to and from a bathroom. This is something you might discuss with a nurse or other health care provider in order to make sure the proper sling is being used.

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You will want to select an overhead lift model that includes an over speed governor to be sure that the lift is not being raised or lowered at unsafe speeds. An emergency lowering system is another feature that adds to the safety of the lift.