How to Safely Move a Patient Using a Hoyer Lift

A Caregiver’s Real-World Guide to Safe Transfers at Home

If you're a caregiver, whether for a family member, a partner, or in a professional setting, you know how physically demanding patient transfers can be. Helping someone move from bed to wheelchair, from recliner to toilet, or simply repositioning them after surgery isn’t just exhausting; it can be dangerous.

That’s where Hoyer lifts a step in. These patient lifting devices are designed to help you do one of the hardest jobs in caregiving: safely moving someone who can’t move themselves. But like any tool, using a Hoyer lift properly takes a little know-how.

At Canada Mobility Rentals, we’ve delivered and set up hundreds of these lifts across homes and care facilities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a safer way to lift a loved one, this guide walks you through everything we share with our customers, including how to move a patient safely using a Hoyer lift without causing injury (to you or them).

First, What Exactly Is a Hoyer Lift?

A Hoyer lift is a type of patient lift rental device that helps transfer someone who has limited or no mobility. These lifts use a sturdy sling and a frame, either manual or electric, to gently raise and move a person from one surface to another.

Whether you're lifting someone from a bed to a wheelchair or from a chair to a toilet, a Hoyer lift provides full-body support and takes the strain off your back, shoulders, and knees.

These devices are often rented by caregivers at home who don’t have a second person available to help or who simply want to reduce the physical demands of care. We’ve provided Hoyer lift rentals across Canada for everything from short-term rehab stays to long-term palliative care.

When Should You Use a Patient Lift?

Here are a few signs it might be time to consider a lift equipment rental:

• The person you're caring for cannot stand or support their own weight

• Transfers have become risky or uncomfortable for both of you

• You’re a solo caregiver with no physical help

• The patient is recovering from major surgery or a fall

• You need temporary support at home following a hospital discharge

Patient lifts are especially helpful in cases of paralysis, stroke, post-surgical recovery, severe arthritis, or neurodegenerative conditions like ALS or MS.

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Hoyer Lift Safely

Whether you’re using a manual or electric Hoyer lift, the process is mostly the same. At Canada Mobility Rentals, we go over this process with every client, but here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand how it works:

1. Get the Right Lift and Sling

Before anything else, choose a patient lifting device that fits the patient’s size, weight, and condition. Make sure the sling is the correct type (full body, divided leg, toileting, etc.) and in good condition.

Tip: We can help you determine the best fit based on your home space and the patient’s needs, and every Hoyer lift rental we offer includes safety checks and hands-on guidance.

2. Position the Sling

You’ll need to roll the patient gently from side to side to place the sling underneath them. This takes patience and care. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds to avoid discomfort.

3. Attach the Sling to the Lift

Connect each loop of the sling to the hooks on the lift’s boom arm. Double-check that all connections are secure, and even uneven loops can cause tilting or instability.

4. Begin Lifting Slowly

Using either the manual hydraulic pump or electric control (depending on your model), begin to raise the patient slowly. Watch their posture and comfort closely. Keep the sling centered and be sure the patient feels stable.

5. Transfer to the New Surface

Once lifted, gently roll or guide the lift toward the target surface, a wheelchair, toilet, or recliner. Keep the movement slow and steady. Once positioned, slowly lower the patient and help them adjust for comfort.

6. Detach the Sling or Leave in Place

Depending on the situation, you can leave the sling underneath the person for the next transfer or remove it entirely.

Safety Tips for Caregivers

Moving someone is always a delicate process, especially when they’re weak or healing. Here are some key safety tips we give all clients who rent a patient lift from us:

• Always lock the lift’s wheels when raising or lowering the patient

• Never pull the lift by the boom arm; always use the designated handles

• Keep communication open, let the patient know what you’re doing and when

• Don’t rush. The best transfers happen slowly and calmly

• Check the sling fabric and hooks regularly for wear or damage

• Make sure the lift fits the room; narrow hallways or furniture may limit maneuverability

Why Rent Instead of Buy?

For many families, renting a patient lift just makes more sense than buying.

Here’s why:

• Short-Term Use: After surgery or for temporary in-home care

• Trial Use: Not sure if it’s needed long-term? Try it first

• No Storage Stress: When you’re done, we pick it up, no need to store bulky equipment

• Expert Support: We don’t just deliver, we explain and support throughout your rental period

• Affordability: Hoyer lift rentals are available by the month at a fraction of the cost of purchasing :

• Monthly Rental: $300

• Included: Rechargeable battery pack and charger

And perhaps most importantly, you get peace of mind knowing you’re using a tool that’s clean, maintained, safe, and recommended by professionals.

Who Typically Uses Hoyer Lifts?

We’ve worked with all kinds of families and caregivers. Here’s a quick snapshot of who’s commonly renting lifts from us:

• A daughter caring for her stroke-survivor mom at home

• A spouse helping their partner recover from a hip replacement

• A nurse providing in-home palliative care

• A senior couple is trying to avoid assisted living by setting up safe tools at home

• A family hosting a disabled guest for the holidays

Wherever you are in your caregiving journey, a Hoyer lift rental can make life easier and much safer.

What to Expect When You Rent a Lift from Us

We’ve made the lift equipment rental process simple and caregiver-friendly:

1.     Call or Book Online

We’ll ask you a few quick questions and recommend the right equipment for your space and needs.

2.     We Deliver and Set It Up

We bring the lift to your home, assemble it, and show you exactly how to use it, no guesswork.

3.     Support Throughout

If something goes wrong or you just forget how to attach the sling, we’re just a phone call away.

4.     Pickup When You’re Done

When the need passes, we come to take the lift away. No stress, no tools, no heavy lifting on your part.

Final Thoughts from Canada Mobility Rentals

Caring for someone, especially at home, is both rewarding and incredibly hard. Tools like patient lifting devices exist for one big reason: to take some of that weight off your shoulders.

A Hoyer lift doesn’t just protect your back. It protects your time, your peace of mind, and your loved one’s dignity.

If you’re struggling with patient transfers, even occasionally, reach out to us. We’ll help you choose the right Hoyer lift rental, deliver it to your door, and walk you through it every step of the way.

Rent a Hoyer lift today and make every transfer easier, safer, and less stressful.

• Full setup, delivery, and in-home training

• Serving Vancouver and surrounding areas

• Let’s make caregiving safer together.