What is the Difference between a Manual and Electric Patient Lift? — Threshold Therapeutic, LLC

Power Lifts

Power lifts are operated by, you guessed it, power – more specifically, electricity. These lifts plug into a standard outlet to charge and must be unplugged while in use. Most will hold a charge for the duration of the day, depending on how much the lift is used. Power lifts operate by use of a remote control that is connected to the unit. The remote can be operated by the caregiver, or by the patient if they are able. The primary benefit for use of a power lift is that it eases the burden on the caregiver by removing the physical exertion that is required with the manual lift. The ride for the patient is also much smoother, as there is no stopping and starting with each crank of a lever.

One trade-off to consider, however, is that power lifts are larger and heavier than manual lifts. This means that the device will be bulkier and heavier for the caregiver to maneuver the patient once they are in the lift. If you have hard floors, this may not be as much of an issue, but on carpeted surfaces, this can be more difficult. This may also be a concern for people who do not have much space to maneuver in the room the lift will be used in. You must also be careful to make sure that you keep the lift charged when not in use. All power lifts have a manual safety mechanism built in in the event the battery goes out, but it is not always easy to operate and only works to lower the patient if they are in the lift when the battery dies. The safety mechanism will not allow you to lift someone if the battery dies or if there is no power. As mentioned before, the battery life of a power lift is sufficient to last during the day, so you just want to ensure that it charges overnight.