How to Use a Sit-to-Stand Lift

Using a sit-to-stand or stand-assist lift is a great option for older adults who can bear some of their own weight and participate fairly actively in their care. To use a sit-to-stand lift, you will need the lift, an appropriate sit-to-stand sling, and a power outlet if using a plug-in electric patient lift.

How to Use a Sit-to-Stand Lift Step by Step

1. Check the patient lift and sling to make sure that they are in good working condition, the seams on the sling aren't damaged, and the patient lift wheels move freely.
2. Have the patient begin in a seated position on the edge of a bed or chair.
3. Wrap the center of the sling around the patient's back so that the upper straps come out just under the patient’s arms.
4. Bring the narrower sections of the sling around and under each of the patient's thighs, towards the middle.
5. Hook the straps onto the attachment points on the patient lift.
6. Ask the patient to grab onto the hand grips and put his or her feet on the footplate of the patient lift.
7. Adjust the knee pads so that they rest just under the patient's kneecaps.
8. Pump the lever (hydraulic models) or press the button (powered models) to raise the patient to a standing or semi-standing position.
9. Wheel or pivot the sit-to-stand patient lift over to the surface to which the patient is to be transferred (a manual wheelchair, power chair, or transport chair) or raise the patient to a standing position, remove the footplate so that the patient's feet rest on the floor, and help the patient transfer to their mobility device if they use a mobility scooter, rollator, or cane.

Who Can Use a Sit-to-Stand Lift?

Sit-to-stand patient lifts are for patients who:

• Have good torso and upper-body strength
• Can hold up their neck and head
• Can hold on to the grips with at least one hand
• Are 25-75% weight bearing in their legs, ankles, knees, and feet
• Are cooperative

If all of these criteria are met, a sit-to-stand lift can be a cost-effective, lightweight option for supporting the patient to stand or for providing additional stability for dressing, toileting, and bathing.

Older patients who are non-weight bearing, do not have a strong torso, or are uncooperative usually require a full-body patient lift—either a free-standing lift or a ceiling (overhead) lift. In contrast to sit-to-stand lifts, full-body lifts are able to lift the patient's entire body weight with the help of a U-shape or full-back sling.

Two Main Sit-to-Stand Patient Lift Types

The main two types of sit-to-stand lifts are manual (hydraulic) and electric. Hydraulic patient lifts use pressurized fluid and a lever to lift the patient with a minimum of effort from the caregiver. Electric or powered patient lifts have a battery or power outlet connection and are operated by pressing a button.

Generally, manual lifts are recommended as mobility devices for seniors whose caregiver has the strength to operate the lever, and powered lifts are recommended for bariatric patients and patients with caregivers who can't operate a hydraulic lever. Mobility equipment suppliers will generally carry at least one type of lift. At Mobility Plus in Denver, we offer powered lifts for maximum convenience and ease of use.

Sit-to-Stand Lift: A Great Option for Many Older Patients

As you can see, learning how to use a sit-to-stand lift is fairly straightforward. The lift should always be selected in consultation with the patient’s physician and therapy team and only used by someone who has been trained in its use.

Once the patient and caregiver become familiar with the lift, the patient will be able to transfer between surfaces, stand and dress with support, and potentially even maintain or improve his or her physical strength.