12 Best Patient Lifts for Home Use (2022)

It can be difficult to adjust when a loved one begins to lose mobility. As a caregiver, you have to balance the challenge of helping your loved one move safely throughout the house and keeping yourself safe while doing it.

Lifting a person with limited mobility from place to place can be stressful and dangerous. Medical lifting devices are a great caregiver tool that can help lower the risk of injury.

Below is our list of the top 12 best models of patient lifts for home use, broken down into four main categories.

Manual Hydraulic Lifts

• Hoyer Hydraulic Patient Lifter

• Invacare Manual Hydraulic Lift

• Medline Hydraulic 400 Lift

Powered Lifts

• Invacare Reliant 450 Battery-Powered Electric

• Hoyer Advance Portable Electric

• Liko Viking Patient Lift (Medium, Large, & Extra Large)

Sit-to-Stand Lifts

• Invacare Get-U-Up Hydraulic Stand-Up Patient Lift

• Hoyer Elevate

• Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid by ArjoHuntleigh

Bariatric Lifts

• Proactive Medical Protekt Power Lift 600 HD

• Hoyer Heavy Duty Power Patient Lift

• Invacare Reliant 600

Manual Hydraulic

What is a manual hydraulic patient lift?

A manual hydraulic patient lift is operated with a hand pump or foot pedal and uses hydraulic fluid as the force to lift the patient in a sling connected to the framework of the lift. A hydraulic lift does require a bit of physical effort from the caregiver.

Benefits of a manual hydraulic lift:

• lightweight

• more affordable

Drawbacks of a manual hydraulic lift:

• less durable than an electric lift

• fewer functions & features than an electric lift

• may require more practice to operate

Top 3 Best Manual Hydraulic Lifts for Home Use

1. Hoyer Hydraulic Patient Lifter 

The Hoyer Hydraulic Patient Lifter’s compact size makes it perfect for homes that don’t have a lot of space to maneuver. It’s simple to assemble and can be disassembled easily for storage and transport. It features an ergonomically placed pump handle that can be used from either side, which is a plus for home caregivers, especially in tight spaces. Its u-shaped adjustable legs make it easier to fit through narrow doorways and allow for a variety of lift options from different heights. The extended reach allows caregivers to pick up patients from the floor.

Specifications:

• Product weight: 116 lbs

• 400 lb capacity.

• Width: 24" - 40.5"

• Length: 43.5"

• Warranty: 1 year

• Price: from $896

Learn more about the Hoyer Hydraulic Patient Lifter.

2. Invacare Manual Hydraulic Lift

The Invacare Manual Hydraulic Lift is a good option for someone looking for a lightweight at-home lift. At just 68 pounds, it is easy to move throughout the house and maneuver in smaller spaces. The rotating hydraulic handle can be used from either side, which adds extra convenience for home caregivers.

Specifications:

• Product weight: 68 lbs

• 450 lb capacity

• Width 22” - 42.55”

• Length: 46.75"

• Warranty: 3 years for lift, 1 year for hydraulic pump

• Price: from $830

Learn more about the Invacare Manual Hydraulic Lift.

3. Medline Hydraulic 400 Lift

The Medline Hydraulic 400 Lift adds the extra versatility and stability of a 6-point cradle to their sling. This gives caregivers different sling-style options to suit the location and position of the patient as well as allowing the patient to be more comfortable.

Specifications:

• Product weight: 80 lbs

• 400 lb capacity

• Width 22” - 42.55”

• Length: 42”

• Warranty: 3 year limited warranty

• Price: from $625

Learn more about the Medline Hydraulic 400 Lift.

Powered Lifts

What is an electric/powered patient lift?

Powered lifts are ideal for caregivers who want a lift that is simple and easy to use. Powered lifts run on battery power or are plugged into an electrical outlet and require no physical work from the caregiver. They are operated using easy-to-read digital control panels or a remote. Though more expensive than manual lifts, they tend to last longer and include models that can hold more weight.

Benefits of an electric/powered lift:

• simple to use

• less physical effort required from the caregiver

• long-lasting and durable 

Drawbacks of an electric/powered lift:

• more expensive

• not as portable

Top 3 Best Electric/Powered Lifts for Home Use

1. Invacare Reliant 450 Battery-Powered Electric Lift

The Invacare Reliant 450 Battery-Powered Electric Lift is one of the best-selling patient lifts for in-home use. Two 24-volt batteries and a battery recharging station are included with this lift, and it has a low battery alarm which takes the guesswork out of when to recharge the battery. This lift also has a manual emergency lowering device for emergency situations.

Specifications:

• Product weight: 106 lbs

• 450 lb capacity

• Width 26.5” - 41”

• Length: 48”

• Warranty: 3 years for lift, 1 year for electronics

• Price: from $4,196

Learn more about the Invacare Reliant 450 Battery-Powered Electric Lift.

2. Hoyer Advance Portable Electric Lift

The Hoyer Advance Portable Electric lift is a great electric-powered at-home lift option for smaller spaces. It’s lightweight and easily disassembles for maximum portability, which is a huge plus for an electric lift. It also has a unique swan neck design that allows for greater maneuverability around larger obstacles and its narrow base allows it to easily navigate tight doorways and hallways.

Specifications:

• Product weight: 69 lbs

• 340 lb capacity

• Width 21.7” - 45”

• Length: 41”

• Warranty: 2 years for parts

• Price: from $2,356

Learn more about the Hoyer Advance Portable Electric Lift.

3. Liko Viking Patient Lift (Medium, Large, & Extra Large)

The Liko Viking Patient lift comes in three sizes to meet all patient needs - medium, large, and extra large. It is easy to assemble and comes with an instructional DVD for step-by-step assembly guidance. This lift also features a battery that is eco-friendly. The large and extra large models can accommodate 550 - 660 lbs, respectively and both come with a scale.

Specifications (Medium Lift)

• Product weight: 77 lbs

• 450 lb capacity

• Width 27.2” - 43.3”

• Length: 48.4”

• Warranty: 3 years for lift, 3 months for batteries

• Price: from $4,121

Learn more about the Liko Viking Patient Lift (Medium).

Specifications (Large & Extra Large Lifts)

• Product weight: 69.7 lbs

• 341 lb capacity

• Width 27.4” - 42.1”

• Length: 53.5” (large) and 56” (extra large)

• Warranty: 3 years for lift, 3 months for batteries

• Price: from $6,531

Learn more about the Liko Viking Patient Lift (Large & Extra Large)

Sit-to-Stand Lifts

What is a sit-to-stand patient lift?

Sit-to-stand lifts are great for moving patients who have partial mobility but need assistance getting up from a seated position. They come in both power and manual models and are usually more compact than regular patient lifts, making them ideal for getting around the house.

Benefits of a sit-to-stand lift:

• small base to easily pass through doorways and hallways

• comes in both manual and electric-powered options

• allows patients with limited mobility to continue standing and walking

• gives patients the ability to walk without assistance after being helped to stand

Drawbacks of a sit-to-stand lift:

• cannot be used unless a patient meets mobility criteria

• does not support the patient’s full body-weight

• most do not lift patients from the floor

Top 3 Best Sit-to-Stand Lifts for Home Use

1. Invacare Get-U-Up Hydraulic Stand-Up Patient Lift

The Invacare Get-U-Up Hydraulic Stand-Up Patient Lift is a great option for caregivers who would prefer a manual lift as opposed to a larger electric or battery power lift. This lift is compact and can maneuver through smaller homes. It also features soft, contoured leg pads that allow the legs to be adjusted in different positions.

Specifications 

• Product weight: 88 lbs

• 350 lb capacity

• Width 23” - 37”

• Length: 40.5” 

• Warranty: 3 year for lift, 1 year for hydraulic pump

• Price: from $1,476

Learn more about the Invacare Get-U-Up Hydraulic Stand-Up Patient Lift.

2. Hoyer Elevate

The Hoyer Elevate is a sit-to-stand lift with an added range of motion to accommodate different patient needs. This lift is compact and easy to maneuver in tight places. It also features a safety belt and adjustable knee pads for maximum patient comfort. The Smart Monitor display gives you relevant lift information and reminds you when service is needed.

Specifications 

• Product weight: 127 lbs

• 440 lb capacity

• Width: 24.8” - 39.1”

• Length: 40.8” 

• Warranty: 2 years for mechanical and electrical components, 5 years for structural components

• Price: from $5,355

Learn more about the Hoyer Elevate.

3. Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid by ArjoHuntleigh

The Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid is a foot-operated lift great for patients with partial mobility. Its unique design and innovative features allow for greater patient comfort and autonomy. The device is very compact, giving the user a wider range of motion than traditional lifts and easier navigation through narrow doorways and hallways. This lift’s pivoting seat makes it particularly efficient at making smooth transfers.

Specifications 

• Product weight: 65 lbs

• 400 lb capacity

• Width 26” - 35”

• Length: 37” 

• Warranty: 1 year warranty

• Price: from $2,975

Learn more about the Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid.

Bariatric Lifts

What is a bariatric lift?

Bariatric lifts are heavy-duty lifts designed specifically for bariatric patients or patients who have a total body weight of over 300 pounds. These lifts are extra durable to accommodate higher weights, with a wider framework and base for maximum comfort. They come in both manual hydraulic and electric/powered models, although powered models are usually preferred as they offer greater stability and less physical effort is required from the caregiver.

Top 3 Best Bariatric Lifts for Home Use

1. Proactive Medical Protekt Power Lift 600 HD

The Proactive Medical Protekt Power Lift 600 HD is an electric lift that can accommodate up to 500 pounds. It weighs just 94 pounds, making it the lightest bariatric lift on our list. The base extends almost two feet, giving it extra stability. This lift also features a weight limit warning and automatically switches off if it detects an overload. A safety buzzer will also sound three times if it becomes overloaded. The easy-to-read LCD display screen includes a battery level icon which takes the guesswork out of figuring out when the battery needs to be recharged. This lift can also lift patients from the floor.

Specifications 

• Product weight: 94 lbs

• 500 lb capacity

• Width 24.9” - 42.9”

• Length: 37” 

• Warranty: 3 years for frame, 2 years for electronics

• Price: from $1,449

Learn more about the Proactive Medical Protekt Power Lift 600 HD.

2. Hoyer Heavy Duty Power Patient Lift

The Hoyer Heavy Duty Power Patient Lift is an electric-powered lift that comes with rechargeable batteries. It has a weight capacity of 700 pounds. This lift has several included convenience features, including a built-in scale and base legs that open and close with the push of a button. There are also several different grip options that can be selected for maximum comfort.

Specifications 

• Product weight: 150 lbs

• 700 lb capacity

• Width 27.5” - 46.2”

• Length: 56”

• Warranty: 5 years for structural components

• Price: from $4,243

Learn more about the Hoyer Heavy Duty Patient Lift.

3. Invacare Reliant 600 Heavy-Duty Power Lift

The Invacare Reliant 600 comes in both manual and powered models. Both types of lifts have a weight capacity of 600 pounds and a wide 360-degree padded swivel bar. A wall-mounted battery charging station is included and a low battery alarm will sound when charging is needed. A fully charged battery gets an average of 150 lifts.

Specifications 

• Product weight: 115 lbs

• 600 lb capacity

• Width: 29.5” - 39.5”

• Length: 47”

• Warranty: 3 years for lift, 1 year for electronics

• Price: from $6,111

Learn more about the Invacare Reliant 600 Heavy-Duty Lift.

How to choose the right lift for your home

When choosing a medical lift, consider your needs as a caregiver and the needs of your patient. How mobile is your patient? What are the most common scenarios in which they need to be lifted? Will I need to bring the lift outside the home? After narrowing down the type of lift that makes sense for your needs, search online for patient and caregiver reviews to get a sense of what real people are saying about their experiences with different types of patient lifts. Once you’ve selected a lift, make sure to practice using the lift in different areas of the home to get used to how to operate it correctly.

Limited mobility can be challenging for both patients and caregivers, but with the help of medical lifts, the task of transferring your loved one can be performed relatively stress-free.