The Hoyer Up is a manual active transfer device designed for patients who can stand unassisted or with minimal assistance and can actively participate in the standing and transfer process. It is intended for short indoor transfers between surfaces such as a bed, chair, wheelchair, toilet, or commode.
Preparation Checklist
- Confirm that the patient is appropriate for an active standing transfer and can participate in the movement.
- Clear the transfer path and make sure the floor is level and free of obstacles.
- Inspect the Up, rear caster brakes, knee pad, swing-away seat pads, footplate, mast, and frame before use.
- Make sure the seat pads are swung open before approaching the patient.
- Open the Up’s legs when additional clearance is needed around wider chairs, commodes, or other furniture.
- Position the patient’s feet fully on the footplate and ensure the knees rest comfortably against the knee pad.
- Explain the transfer process to the patient and confirm that they are comfortable before beginning.
- If a sling has been deemed necessary following a risk assessment, confirm that it is the correct compatible style and size.
Standard Assisted Standing & Transfer Sequence
- Position the Hoyer Up directly in front of the seated patient.
- Place the patient’s feet correctly on the footplate and position the knees comfortably against the cushioned knee pad.
- Apply both rear caster brakes once the patient is correctly positioned.
- Ask the patient to grasp the crossbar and prepare to raise themselves into a standing position, providing assistance as required.
- Keep the patient’s knees in contact with the knee pad throughout the standing process.
- Once the patient is standing, rotate the swing-away seat pads into the seated position behind the patient.
- Ask the patient to carefully lower themselves onto the seat pads, providing assistance as needed.
- Confirm that the patient is comfortable and fully supported before releasing the rear caster brakes.
- Move the Hoyer Up carefully to the destination using the designated push handle.
- At the destination, position the Up directly in front of the target surface and apply both rear caster brakes.
- Ask the patient to grasp the crossbar and stand, providing assistance as required.
- Rotate the seat pads out of the way to create a clear space behind the patient.
- Assist the patient in lowering themselves onto the destination surface in a controlled manner.
Hoyer Up Brake Safety
Unlike many full-body Hoyer patient lifts, the Hoyer Up uses its rear caster brakes during the standing portion of the transfer.
Joerns instructs caregivers to apply both rear caster brakes after the patient’s feet and knees are correctly positioned. Once the patient is safely seated and fully supported on the Up, the brakes are released before moving the device.
At the destination surface, apply the Up’s rear caster brakes again before assisting the patient to stand and transfer off the device.
Brakes on Wheelchairs, Beds & Commodes
When transferring to or from a wheeled or movable surface such as a wheelchair, commode, or bed, Joerns instructs caregivers to make sure the brakes on that equipment are also applied to prevent unintended movement during the transfer.
Patient Suitability
The Hoyer Up is intended for patients who can stand unassisted or with minimal assistance and can contribute effort to the standing and transfer process.
It should not be used for self-transfers. Joerns specifies that the patient must always be assisted by one or more caregivers.
A full and thorough patient-specific risk assessment should be completed before using the Up.
Swing-Away Seat Pads
The Hoyer Up uses padded swing-away seat sections rather than suspending the patient in a full-body sling during normal use.
The seat pads are rotated out of the way while the patient stands. Once the patient is upright, the pads rotate back into position so the patient can lower themselves onto a stable seated surface for transport.
Adjustable Base
The Hoyer Up has a mechanically adjustable base operated by foot pedals. Press the left pedal to open the legs and the right pedal to close them.
Opening the base can provide additional access around wider chairs, armchairs, commodes, and other furniture.
Optional Standing Sling Support
The Hoyer Up is designed to perform sling-free active transfers for appropriate patients. However, Joerns states that a Deluxe Standing Sling with clips may be used when a patient-specific risk assessment determines that additional support or reassurance is needed.
The optional sling attaches to the dedicated clip attachment points using the Securi3 clip system. Always use a compatible sling and follow the fitting instructions supplied with that sling.
Do not substitute a standard loop-style standing, transport, or full-body sling simply because it appears similar. Sling compatibility must match the Up’s attachment system.
Moving the Hoyer Up
Maneuver the Up only using the designated push handle. Joerns instructs caregivers not to apply sideways force to the base or frame when steering the device.
When loaded, move the Up only at a slow walking pace. Do not push it over wet, rough, uneven, or debris-covered surfaces, and do not force the loaded device over obstacles that the casters cannot easily roll across.
440 lb Safe Working Load
The Hoyer Up has a safe working load of 440 lb (200 kg). Never exceed the safe working load of the device or any optional sling or accessory being used.
Daily Safety Checks
- Confirm that the Up moves freely on its casters.
- Confirm that both rear caster brakes engage and release correctly.
- Check that the legs open and close correctly.
- Make sure the mast locking knob is installed and secure.
- Check that the knee pad is secure and moves as intended.
- Inspect the swing-away seat pads for free movement and excessive wear.
- Inspect the sling attachment points for wear if an optional sling may be used.
- Inspect the frame and base for cracks, damage, or distortion.
Related Hoyer Patient Lifts
- Compact powered sit-to-stand option → Hoyer Journey
- Higher-feature powered sit-to-stand option → Hoyer Elevate
- Portable full-body passive lift → Hoyer Advance-E 340
- Higher-capacity full-body passive lift → Hoyer Presence Pro 500
Need Help With Your Hoyer Up?
Call 877-33-HOYER for help identifying compatible accessories, optional sling support, replacement parts, or the correct Joerns manufacturer resources for your Hoyer Up.
