Safe patient transfers

Ceiling track hoists provide a safe and comfortable method for transferring patients. A person can be positioned more easily using the ceiling track hoist, as they can be raised, lowered, turned, and traversed with no physical effort from the caregiver. This reduces the risk of injury to both patients and caregivers. A secure and stable hoist system will move clients smoothly and efficiently, minimising physical strain on the caregiver.

Increased efficiency

Ceiling track hoists are always accessible where you need them. This means caregivers are more likely to use them instead of a mobile hoist, which may not be immediately accessible. This results in faster and more efficient patient transfers, minimising the time and effort necessary for each transfer. Such efficiency can enhance productivity and reduce patient waiting times.

Lady being hoisted in a Care-ability CA701 sling with a ceiling track hoist.
Ceiling track hoist in a Changing Rooms bathroom (1)

Ceiling track hoist versatility

A ceiling track hoist is ideal for various care environments, from hospitals and care homes to private residences. With numerous hoist systems and accessories available, we can install tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of any care setting. Furthermore, you can use the same hoist can for transfers between the floor and chair, chair and shower stretcher, raised bath, or bed.

Space-saving​

Ceiling track hoists occupy minimal floor space, making them ideal for restricted areas such as toilets or small bathrooms where a mobile hoist might be challenging to manoeuvre. This can help improve accessibility and make it easier to provide high-quality care in challenging environments.

Improved client experience

A ceiling track hoist can lift higher than a mobile hoist and can, in most cases, be operated by a single person. It operates via a handset, leaving the caregiver free to assist the client at all times. This enables closer contact between the user and the caregiver, offering a more personalised and dignified experience than other solutions.

Clients report feeling more secure because they do not experience any sudden movements. The Freeway Transactive Xtra and Freeway TX Advanced models have ‘soft start’ as a standard feature, meaning that the hoist gradually builds up to its full speed and virtually eliminates jerking.

Cost-effective

While ceiling track hoists may require an initial investment, they can be a cost-effective long-term solution for patient transfer. By reducing the risk of injury and increasing efficiency, they can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for additional staffing or equipment. Ceiling track hoists are covered by a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), and Prism Medical UK is a government-approved provider of DFG-approved fixed equipment solutions. Find out if you could be eligible for a DFG grant.

An image of a caregiver and client, adopting a single-handed care approach using the Freeway TX Advanced and a sling to transfer the client from a bed.
Render of a potential ceiling track hoist install.

Ceiling Track Hoist Installation flexibility

Prism Medical UK also installs and maintains ceiling track hoists. Our engineers can install a simple straight-track or H-system in just a few hours. A more complex system can cover whole floors of buildings and allow transfer at any point. Our Major Projects team can support the delivery of large-scale or complex builds. They have also been involved in several Changing Places developments.

Improved quality of life

Installing a hoist can often allow a person to stay in or return to their home when hospitalisation or long-term care would otherwise be necessary. In some cases, the hoist offers an opportunity for greater independence. Both factors contribute to improved quality of life and well-being.

You may like to read “Ceiling Track Hoist Installation Case Story: Adapting for Accessibility and Family Care for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)“.

Ceiling track hoist installation tailored to your needs

With a wide range of installation components, we can create a customised system to suit your home or care facility. Our free consultation thoroughly assesses the client’s mobility requirements, the caregiver’s needs, and the environment. This ensures we recommend and install the ideal solution. Arrange your free assessment today.

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The Situation

Clare* was seeking advice and support for her mother, Helen*, who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). She was preparing for her mother to move into a specially designed garden room at their Wakefield home. To ensure proper care for Helen, they needed a suitable hoist to safely transfer her between the living area, bedroom, and bathroom. However, installing the hoist into a portable timber cabin presented a significant challenge, as the walls and ceiling could not support the loads created by a traditional ceiling track hoist installation.

The Approach

Our local assessor, Gary Swain, visited the family with the Authority’s Disability Projects Officer (DPO) to see whether we could install a ceiling track hoist within the prefabricated timber building. The family had recently installed the garden room to enable Helen to live freely in her own environment with the reassurance of having her daughter and family close by to provide round-the-clock support.

Although the annex was in good condition and installed securely on a concrete base, Gary quickly recognised that several significant issues would need to be addressed before installing a hoist.

  • The cabin’s structure (timber clad and mounted on a steel sub-frame, resting on a concrete base) was assessed as unsuitable to carry the load caused by a ceiling track hoist.
  • The ceiling height within the cabin was severely limited, meaning that transfers may be limited due to restricted height.
  • The assessment of the client’s needs indicated that a hoist with a 130kg capacity would be required.

The Plan

Working with the family, the projects officer, and external building contractors, Gary designed an internal steel frame to carry the hoist and client’s load. By creating a standalone frame anchored to the concrete base, Helen could hoist safely without loading and compromising the cabin’s structure.

It was also agreed that the cabin’s low false ceiling would be removed to provide extra height to allow the hoist to work effectively.

Gary provided a preliminary sketch (Figure 1) outlining the additional steelwork, electrical connection and hoist installation. He then worked with the supplier to ensure the new steelwork was fabricated to the correct dimensions and specifications to support the load and avoid corrosion or tarnishing.

Preliminary sketch for a ceiling track installation.
Figure 1 Preliminary sketch.

The Solution

A builder completed the work to add the new galvanised steel supports (Figure 2), remove the old ceiling, install the electrical supply, and restore the cabin’s interior.

 

Prism Medical’s specialist programme team coordinated the ceiling track hoist installation, meaning our hoist engineers could quickly follow once the primary works were finished. The hoist, which was also tested to meet all regulatory requirements, was installed in less than a day, enabling Helen to move into her purpose-built garden room close to her daughter and family.

Steelwork fitted for a track hoist.
Figure 2 The innovative steel framework provides a secure fixing for the hoist gantry and ensures that the cabin’s frame or cladding does not take any of the hoist's loading.

The Outcome

The design and installation of Helen’s new hoist required careful coordination between Prism Medical, the council, and the builder, with the family and carers involved at each stage.

Most importantly, Helen has been able to remain comfortable, cared for, and safe in her familiar environment within her daughter’s family home.

Weight testing the newly installed ceiling track hoist.
Figure 3 The newly installed hoist undergoing load testing in the freshly decorated bedroom area.

*Client names have been changed to protect the identity of the individuals.

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