How to Safely Use Patient Lifters in Aged Care and Hospital Settings

Manual handling injuries are still one of the biggest causes of lost time and stress for care staff. Patient lifters (hoists) are designed to reduce that risk and support safe, dignified transfers – but only when they’re used correctly.

This simple guide is for aged care and hospital teams who want to standardise safe practice around mobile and ceiling lifter transfers.

1. Start with the care plan and clinical assessment

Before you reach for a lifter, confirm that it’s the right choice for that person and the task at hand.

• Check the resident’s or patient’s care plan and mobility assessment.
• Confirm the type of transfer (bed to chair, chair to commode, floor lift, repositioning).
• Note any clinical considerations: pain, fragile skin, agitation, contractures, lines/tubes, pressure injury risks.
• Make sure you have the right number of staff for the task as per policy.

If anything has changed clinically since the last assessment, pause and seek advice from a suitably qualified health care professional.

2. Choose the right sling and attachment

The sling is just as important as the lifter itself.

• Match the sling type to the transfer & the resident or patients physical ability: full body, hygiene/access, standing, amputee etc.
• Check size against your facility’s sizing chart – an incorrect size can be unsafe and undignified.
• Inspect the sling for wear, fraying, broken stitching or missing labels.
• Confirm the safe working load (SWL) for both sling and lifter is appropriate for the person’s weight.
• Use the correct attachment points or loops as per your facility’s standard and sling instructions. Loop with compatible spreader bar & clips with pivot frame.

If a label is unreadable or the sling is damaged, remove it from service and follow your facility’s process.

3. Prepare the environment

A quick environmental check reduces risk for both staff and the person being transferred.

• Clear clutter from the transfer path – chairs, trays, IV poles, footstools.
• Check the floor surface is dry and level.
• Position the bed or chair height to support good staff posture, safe sling fitting, and close to the equipment being transferred from.
• Ensure brakes on beds, chairs, wheelchairs and commodes are on and stable where appropriate.
• Have all equipment ready: sling, lifter, commode, wheelchair, support cushions, call bell.

Think: “Can I move freely and safely around the lifter and the person?”

Remember: "It is a transfer tool, not a transport tool."

4. Communicate with the person and your co-worker

Clear communication improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.

• Introduce yourself and explain what will happen step by step.
• Use simple, reassuring language and check understanding.
• Agree on verbal cues with your co-worker (for example: “Ready, lifting on 3”).
• Involve the person where possible – encourage them to help with head, arm or leg positioning if safe.

If the person is distressed or resistive, stop and reassess. Forcing a transfer increases the risk of harm.

5. Fit the sling safely

Always follow your facility procedure and the sling’s instructions, but general principles include:

1. Roll or assist the person to the side safely.
2. Tuck the sling well under the body, aligning top and bottom with the shoulders and coccyx as appropriate (depending on the sling style).
3. Roll back and repeat on the other side, ensuring the sling is flat, smooth and not twisted.
4. Bring leg sections under the thighs as recommended (crossed or separated, depending on the sling design and policy).
5. Protect skin integrity, especially around heels, sacrum and under thighs.

If fitting the sling causes pain or distress, pause and seek clinical advice.

6. Attach to the lifter and perform the lift

1. Open the lifter’s base legs as per manufacturer guidance for a stable stance.
2. Position the spreader bar centrally over the person’s chest/pelvis, not over the face.
3. Attach sling loops to the hooks, or clips to pivot, checking each is secure and symmetrical.
4. Raise the boom until there is tension in the sling straps, and before the person is lifted off the support to check:
   • comfort and position
   • no slipping or excessive leaning
   • all attachments are correctly secured.
5. Once safe, continue the lift slowly, maintaining eye contact and reassurance.
6. Move the lifter smoothly to the destination, avoiding sudden stops and sharp turns.

Keep your own posture safe – neutral spine, avoid twisting, and walk the lifter rather than dragging it.

7. Lower, reposition and remove the sling

• Lower the person slowly into the chair, bed or commode.
• Check that hips are at the back of the chair and feet are supported.
• Detach loops one at a time while the person is fully supported by the surface.
• Remove or tidy the sling as per your facility policy (some slings are left in place; others must be removed).
• Ensure the person has call bell, water, and personal items within reach.

8. After the transfer – equipment care and documentation

• Return the lifter to its designated charging/storage point.
• Wipe down equipment in line with infection prevention and control requirements.
• Report and tag any faults immediately.
• Document the transfer if required, especially if there were difficulties or changes in function.

Regular refresher training and equipment audits with your equipment partner can help keep manual handling safe, consistent and compliant across your facility.