Using a patient lift for the first time can feel unfamiliar. There are several components to understand: the lift itself, the sling, attachment points, controls, battery system, emergency features, casters, and the space required for the transfer.
Before performing a transfer, the most important step is to read the current manufacturer instructions for your specific Hoyer lift and sling. Hoyer models do not all operate exactly the same way, and instructions such as caster-brake use can vary by model and transfer type.
Before the First Transfer
Do not make the first patient transfer the first time you inspect or operate the equipment.
Before using a Hoyer lift, become familiar with:
- The hand control or hydraulic controls
- Emergency stop
- Emergency lowering system
- Base opening and closing controls
- Rear caster brakes
- Sling attachment points
- Battery and charging system on powered models
- The lift's safe working load
Joerns instructs users to understand the operating controls and safety features before lifting a patient.
Read the Manual for Your Exact Hoyer Model
Hoyer patient lifts include passive full-body lifts, active sit-to-stand lifts, manual hydraulic lifts, powered lifts, and manual stand aids.
Their operating procedures are not interchangeable.
For example, caster-brake instructions can differ between models and transfer situations. Do not assume instructions learned on one Hoyer lift automatically apply to another.
Follow the current Joerns user manual supplied for your exact model.
Inspect the Lift Before Use
Joerns manuals require a daily or before-use inspection.
Depending on the model, this typically includes checking:
- Casters and wheels
- Base operation
- Mast and boom connections
- Spreader bar or sling attachment system
- Hand control and powered functions
- Emergency controls
- Battery condition on powered models
- Visible hardware and attachment points
If something appears loose, damaged, worn, or does not operate correctly, do not simply continue with the transfer.
Inspect the Sling Before Every Use
The sling is the connection between the patient and the lift, so it deserves the same attention as the lift itself.
Before every use, inspect the sling for:
- Tears or cuts
- Fraying
- Damaged stitching
- Worn loops or clips
- Damaged straps
- Other visible deterioration
Joerns warns against using a damaged sling.
Make Sure the Sling Actually Fits the Lift
A Hoyer sling is not automatically compatible with every Hoyer lift.
Different lifts may use:
- Loop-style sling attachments
- Securi3 clip-style attachments
- Classic cradle systems
- Active sit-to-stand sling systems
- Specialized bariatric sling configurations
Verify compatibility before attempting the first transfer.
Use our Hoyer Sling Compatibility Chart to identify sling families associated with your lift.
You can also use our Hoyer Sling Size & Compatibility Finder for additional sizing information.
Check the Safe Working Load
Every Hoyer lift has a specified safe working load.
The sling and other components also have their own rated capacities.
Never exceed the safe working load of the lift, sling, scale, cradle, spreader bar, or other component being used.
The complete system is limited by its lowest-rated component.
Prepare the Transfer Area
Plan the transfer before raising the patient.
Check the complete path between the starting and destination surfaces.
- Remove loose rugs.
- Move cords and other obstacles.
- Make sure the floor is dry.
- Confirm there is adequate turning space.
- Make sure the lift can fit around the starting and destination surfaces.
- Prepare the wheelchair, chair, bed, toilet, or commode before beginning.
Joerns specifically instructs users to plan lifting operations before beginning.
Secure Wheeled Destination Equipment
If the destination or starting surface is a wheelchair, commode chair, or another wheeled piece of equipment, secure it according to that equipment manufacturer's instructions.
Do not confuse the brakes on a wheelchair or commode with the caster brakes on the patient lift itself.
Do Not Assume the Hoyer Lift Brakes Should Always Be Locked
This is particularly important for first-time users.
Hoyer caster-brake instructions are model-specific and can also depend on the type of transfer being performed.
Some Hoyer manuals instruct users to leave the lift casters free during ordinary lifting so the lift can naturally find the correct center of gravity.
Other procedures, including certain floor transfers or the operating sequence of specific active-transfer devices, may require different brake use.
Follow the current Joerns manual for your exact lift rather than applying one brake rule to every Hoyer model.
Practice the Controls Before the First Patient Transfer
Before placing a patient in the lift, become familiar with the controls without a patient attached.
Depending on your model, practice:
- Raising and lowering the boom
- Opening and closing the base
- Steering with the designated push handle
- Applying and releasing the rear caster brakes
- Using the emergency stop
You should know which control performs each function before beginning an actual transfer.
Know Where the Emergency Controls Are
Powered Hoyer lifts include safety features designed to help if normal operation is interrupted.
Depending on the model, these can include:
- Emergency stop
- Electrical emergency lowering
- Mechanical emergency lowering
- Redundant controls on the control box
The exact system varies by model.
Locate these controls and understand the manufacturer's instructions before the first transfer rather than trying to identify them during an emergency.
Make Sure an Electric Lift Is Charged
If you have an electric Hoyer lift, check the battery before beginning.
Do not begin a transfer with a known low or depleted battery.
Charging systems and battery instructions vary between Hoyer models, so use the charger specified for your lift and follow the applicable Joerns charging instructions.
What Does the Patient Experience?
A powered passive Hoyer lift raises and lowers the patient while the sling supports the body.
The experience is different from being manually lifted by another person.
Communicate throughout the transfer so the patient knows when the lift is about to move, stop, raise, or lower.
Stop if the sling position, attachment, equipment operation, or patient position does not appear correct.
Passive Lift vs Sit-to-Stand Lift
One of the most important things for a new Hoyer owner to understand is the difference between passive and active lifting.
Passive Full-Body Lift
A passive lift supports the patient in a full-body sling and does not require the patient to stand during the transfer.
Examples include:
Active Sit-to-Stand Lift
An active lift is intended for an appropriately assessed patient who can participate in standing and bear some weight.
Examples include:
These are different equipment categories and use different sling systems and operating procedures.
Why the HPL450 Is Popular With First-Time Hoyer Owners
The Hoyer HPL450 is a versatile full-body electric lift used in both homecare and professional environments.
Joerns lists several features that can make the HPL450 practical for regular use:
- 450 lb safe working load
- Electric raising and lowering
- 6-point cradle
- Large ergonomic push handle
- Powered-base or foot-operated base configurations
- Optional patient scale
However, the HPL450 is not automatically the correct lift for every first-time buyer. Lift selection should be based on the required transfer type, patient needs, sling system, available space, capacity, and equipment compatibility.
Other Hoyer Lifts for Home Use
Different home environments may benefit from different Hoyer designs.
Hoyer Advance-E 340
The Hoyer Advance-E 340 is a compact passive lift with lightweight aluminum construction and a no-tools folding design.
It can be useful where portability and storage space are important.
Hoyer HPL402
The Hoyer HPL402 is a 400 lb electric patient lift from the Hoyer Classic family.
Hoyer Presence Pro 500
The Hoyer Presence Pro 500 provides a 500 lb safe working load, powered base, Smart Monitor technology, and a broad lifting range.
Common First-Time Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the lift before reading its manual
- Assuming all Hoyer lifts operate the same way
- Using an incompatible sling
- Choosing sling size based only on body weight
- Failing to inspect the sling before use
- Ignoring the safe working load of individual components
- Automatically locking the lift casters without checking the model instructions
- Beginning before the destination is prepared
- Trying to move the lift by pushing on the boom, mast, patient, or sling instead of the designated handle
- Continuing to use equipment that appears damaged or operates abnormally
Your First-Use Equipment Checklist
- Read the current manual for the exact lift.
- Read the instructions supplied with the sling.
- Verify lift and sling compatibility.
- Verify sling size and safe working load.
- Inspect the lift.
- Inspect the sling.
- Check the battery on powered models.
- Locate the emergency controls.
- Become familiar with the hand control.
- Prepare and clear the transfer area.
- Secure wheeled starting or destination equipment as required.
- Check the model-specific caster instructions.
- Plan the transfer before beginning.
Hoyer Sling Resources
Sling compatibility and sizing are two of the most common questions for new Hoyer owners.
Need Help With Your Hoyer Equipment?
Call 877-33-HOYER or email support@myhoyerlift.com for help identifying compatible Hoyer slings, batteries, chargers, replacement parts, accessories, or the correct Joerns manufacturer documentation for your Hoyer lift.
Always follow the current Joerns user manual and sling instructions for the specific equipment being used.
