Has limited mobility made it difficult for a loved one to get in and out of bed or from room to room? Are you the caregiver of someone who struggles to transfer on their own?
Ceiling lifts and floor lifts can make it safer and easier to transport those with limited mobility, minimizing the risk of injuries to both the individual and caregiver in the process. However, deciding between ceiling lifts vs. floor lifts can be a daunting task, considering costs and the unique layout of your home.
As a certified retailer and medical equipment supplier, Mission Health + Home can help you explore your options. Based in Rochester, NY, we assist individuals and families across Western and Central New York in choosing between ceiling lifts, floor lifts, and other home products.
In this article, we’ll specifically look at the differences and benefits of ceiling lifts vs. floor lifts and help you decide which is best for your home. If you’d like to schedule a free home assessment, contact the Mission Home team today!
Ceiling Lifts
Powerful, compact, and highly efficient, ceiling lifts minimize the need for manual lifting and maximize the safety of both the individual and caregiver. They carry and transport individuals in a sling attached to an overhead track system, reducing the caregiver’s exertion and enhancing the individual’s freedom of movement.
There are two kinds: Fixed and portable ceiling lifts. Both are considered safe and high-performing in their abilities to transport individuals and relieve caregivers.
However, depending on the individual’s unique mobility needs, caregiving situation, and home layout, one may be more beneficial than the other. We’ll explore the differences between fixed and portable ceiling lifts next.
Fixed Ceiling Lifts
A fixed ceiling lift system mounts to the ceiling and easily transfers an individual from one end of a room to the other. Some models feature longer tracks, making it possible to transport individuals to adjacent rooms. Highly versatile and powerful, ceiling lifts also handle higher weight capacities and feature raising and lowering options.
Do you require an open floor layout that’s easy to access and navigate? A fixed ceiling track system will free up floor space, minimize obstacles, and provide the individual more autonomy to transfer around a room.
They require professional installation, meaning they tend to cost more than portable ceiling lifts or floor lifts. However, if you plan on staying in your home for many more years, a fixed ceiling lift system is a cost-effective, long-term investment.
Portable Ceiling Lifts
Want to avoid a permanent installation because your loved one’s mobility needs are short-term or because you plan on moving? Do you and your loved one travel a lot?
Easily dismantled and reassembled, a portable ceiling lift system may be the better option in these situations. A portable ceiling lift is also helpful to those who must move between multiple rooms throughout the day. They’re easy to carry, assemble, disassemble, and tend to cost less than fixed ceiling lifts.
There’s more to deciding between portable vs. fixed ceiling lifts. The Mission Home team is ready to help you explore your options. Contact us today to schedule a free home assessment.
Floor Lifts
Are you on a tighter budget and interested in your options beyond portable and fixed ceiling floor lifts? Are there one or more caregivers assisting your loved one on any given day?
A floor lift may be a more viable option. Like ceiling lifts, floor lifts utilize slings to help hoist individuals above the floor and transport them from room to room. Floor lifts are fully portable and built on a set of wheels, making it easier to transfer individuals from one area to another.
Because they are fully portable, they are highly efficient and convenient for those with mobility needs who travel a lot or spend a lot of time outside the house.
They tend to cost less than portable and fixed ceiling lift systems. Because they take up more floor space, they are more suitable in one-story homes that feature open layouts and wide doorways.
Improve Your Loved One’s Mobility & Quality of Life
You deserve to feel confident in your choice of mobility solutions. Choosing between ceiling lifts vs. floor lifts can be challenging ‒ but you ultimately want to choose the solution that will not only improve your loved one’s autonomy and quality of life but preserve and enhance your safety as a caregiver.
What works for one individual may not work for your loved one. That’s why Mission Health + Home in Rochester, NY, is ready to assist you and help you navigate your options!
Are you located in Western or Central New York? Contact us today to schedule a free home assessment for ceiling lifts or floor lifts.