When a loved one can no longer stand or bear weight safely, a patient lift protects both the person being moved and the caregiver doing the moving. The two most common options for home care are ceiling lifts and mobile floor lifts (often called Hoyer lifts). Freestanding gantry lifts sit in between. Here is how they compare.
Ceiling Lifts
A ceiling lift runs on a track mounted to the ceiling. The motor glides along the track and lifts the person in a sling, typically from bed to wheelchair or bed to bathroom.
- Pros: nothing on the floor to push or maneuver, very smooth transfers, less physical effort for caregivers, ideal for frequent daily transfers.
- Cons: requires installation and a suitable ceiling structure, works only where the track runs, higher upfront cost.
Hoyer and Mobile Floor Lifts
A mobile floor lift has a wheeled base and a lifting boom. The caregiver positions the base under the bed or chair, attaches the sling, and lifts. Most current models are battery powered.
- Pros: no installation, can move from room to room, lower cost, available for rent.
- Cons: needs open floor space and clearance under beds, harder to push on carpet, takes more caregiver effort than a ceiling track.
Freestanding Gantry Lifts
A gantry is a free-standing frame that holds an overhead track without attaching to the ceiling. It offers the smooth overhead lift of a ceiling system with no construction, which makes it a good fit for renters or short-term needs.
Which Is Right for You?
- Choose a ceiling lift for several transfers a day over the long term, especially between bed and bathroom.
- Choose a mobile lift for occasional transfers, multiple rooms, or a short recovery period.
- Choose a gantry lift when you want overhead lifting but cannot modify the ceiling.
Mobile Lift Options in Our Showroom
If a mobile lift fits your needs, you can see several in person. Hydraulic models like the Hoyer HML400 are pumped by hand and never need charging, while electric models like the Hoyer Advance-E lift at the push of a button. If the person can bear some weight, a sit-to-stand lift may be a better fit than a full-body sling lift. See all models on our patient lifts page.
Don’t Forget the Sling
The sling matters as much as the lift. Full-back slings support the head and trunk, commode slings make toileting easier, and stand-aid slings work with sit-to-stand lifts. Make sure the sling is compatible with your lift and sized for the person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hoyer lift?
“Hoyer” is a brand name that’s become a common term for any mobile floor patient lift: a wheeled base with a boom that lifts a person in a sling.
Which costs less, a ceiling lift or a Hoyer lift?
A mobile floor lift usually costs less upfront because it needs no installation. A ceiling lift costs more but may be worth it for frequent daily transfers.
Can I rent a patient lift?
Call us to ask about short-term options. Browse our other rentals in Lexington too, including hospital beds and wheelchairs.
Weight capacity, sling type, room layout, and the caregiver’s strength all matter. Mobility Equipment of Lexington offers free in-home assessments to help families in Lexington and Central Kentucky choose the right system. Learn more about our patient lifts or call 859-523-0993.
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