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Where do you need to use this lift?
If in a home: What rooms within the home? In a bathroom? In a bedroom? In a family room? Between multiple rooms? What type of flooring do you have? Carpet? Is there space available to operate a rolling patient lift and space to store it when not in use? Evaluate all potential tight areas. Does the bed have clearance under it for the legs of a rolling lift if necessary? What do you know about your ceiling construction?
If in a facility: In a ward? Between multiple rooms? What is the current injury rate for caregivers?
Describe the patient.
What is the patient's weight and height? What is their condition -- things that might relate to lifting them? Do they need head support? Do they need access to a commode? Do they have sensitive skin? Any restrictions to bending? Do you ever need to lower patient to or lift patient from the floor for therapy or after a fall? Is the patient always assisted?
Who are the caregivers?
How strong are they? (Do we have a 120 pound caregiver caring for a 200 pound patient?) They will need to become familiar with the operation of the new lift.
What types of lift movements does patient need to be able to accomplish?
Bed to Chair or Toilet or Tub or Floor and back? Chair to Bed or Toilet or Tub or Floor and back? To/from floor for therapy or in case patient has fallen? Sit to Stand? Repositioning the patient in their chair or bed?
Any special needs/restrictions/ applications?
Gait Training? Rolling or otherwise re-positioning the patient in bed? Patient unable to sit? Want to use to visit family members or travel using hotels?
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