Practical Information about Passive Hoists

• What is a Passive Hoist?
• What do you use a Passive Hoist for?
• How to use a Passive Hoist??
• Types of Passive Hoists?
• Lifting straps for Passive Transfer
• Passive Travel Hoists
• The difference between an active and passive hoist
• What to look out for when buying a passive hoist
• Reimbursement of passive hoist

What is a passive hoist?

The passive hoist is designed to support people who do not have sufficient muscle strength and control on their own during a transfer. It is referred to as a passive hoist because the carer is not really able to assist and thus ‘passively’ undergoes the transfer.

A passive hoist should have sufficient height to lift the user safely high enough. Most passive hoists are mobile, but a ceiling hoist on a rail also offers a passive transfer. In fact, all a passive hoist does is lift or lower the caretaker in a controlled manner and transport the caretaker from one place to another. A passive hoist can also be equipped with an (electric) tilting suspension. Then, the user can also be positioned from lying to sitting and vice versa.

How to use a passive hoist?

Operating a passive hoist is not difficult, but it does require some practice. Don’t experiment yourself, but ask a nurse or occupational therapist to help you so you learn responsibly. Also, make sure the lift is appropriate for the person you need to lift. Always check that the maximum load weight fits the carer.

A full transfer normally requires the following steps:

Types of passive hoists (Versions)

Several classifications can be thought of when discussing the types of passive hoists. The first classification is into mobile passive hoists and fixed hoists. Fixed hoists can be wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted. We will leave these fixed hoists aside further.

Within the mobile hoists category, you have roughly the classification into passive translating hoists and passive rotating hoists. Translating hoists are also called column hoists. Examples of a column hoist are the Molift Partner. The advantage of translating hoists is mainly that the distance between the column and the yoke is the same at every height. This allows a patient to be positioned very precisely. This is possible because the yoke moves up and down in the column. Also, a translating passive hoist can usually lift higher and heavier than a passive rotating hoist.

Passive translating hoists are mainly used in institutions dealing with very different and sometimes complicated transfers. A disadvantage is that these hoists are somewhat larger and heavier, so can be used less flexibly. This is where rotating hoists excel. These are simpler and therefore lighter to build. This makes them more flexible and manoeuvrable. But because here the yoke hangs from an arm, which is pushed up or lowered by an actuator, the distance to the mast is different in each position. In a high position close to the mast and in a low position far away from the mast.

Passive hoists can also be classified by type of yoke. The simple hoists use a balance yoke. It can be a 2-point yoke, the so-called ‘clothes hanger’, or a 4-point spreader yoke. Such a spreader yoke offers a bit more comfort during a transfer, as the user has a bit more space under the yoke. There are also special yokes for transporting a patient in a lying position. These often have 8 suspension points.

Lifting slings for a passive transfer

A passive hoist comes with one or more lifting slings. The choice of a lifting sling is very personal. Of course, there are various types and sizes to consider. But there are also differences in the materials used. For more background information, take a look at our article on lifting slings. Here briefly the most essential points:

• The main types are standard transfer sling, bath sling or mesh sling, in-situ sling, toilet sling or hygiene sling
• Don’t make the mistake of choosing the same size as your clothes or another lifting sling by default. Sizing is important with lifting slings, because too small is not comfortable and too big is unsafe. And every brand of lifting sling has slightly different measurements. One manufacturer’s size L is another’s size M.
• A lifting sling is subject to wear through use and washing. Some materials wear out faster than others, so if a sling has to be replaced earlier than you are used to, it does not mean it was a bad sling.
• Inspect your lifting slings regularly for wear and tear. If in doubt whether you can still lift safely with it, it is better to replace the lifting sling.

The Toilet Sling

Finding a comfortable toilet sling is often the most difficult task. Especially with toilet slings, it is really custom-made to find a combination of a lifting sling that offers sufficient support and is also comfortable. The problem with toilet slings is that you want a large open surface, so that a toilet visit and a cleaning can take place easily. But that means there has to be a lot of grip on a relatively small surface for a safe transfer. This can be done by design, but also by the choice of materials. It is often a trial and error method to find out which toilet sling and size is comfortable. Conec Care is happy to engage in that quest with you.

Choice guide travel lift

Again, the Molift Smart is the best option in all cases, except if the capacity needs to exceed 150kg or if the lifting height is not sufficient. But other travel hoists can be a good substitute in certain circumstances. However, you should always check that the hoist of your choice fits the space of your means of transport. At Conec Care, we differentiate our advice according to the following situations, and a different advice fits each situation.

1. Occasional transport

The hoist is folded for transport to the destination, unfolded there and folded again after 1 or more weeks for transport home. In these situations, any folding hoist will do. Of course, one hoist is more pleasant and easier to use, but when there is so little need to fold, ease of use is not a decisive factor. Reliable travel hoist are available from €1495.

2. Transport in stages

As in 1, but several stages of several days in the travel period. In this situation, we still advise you to look out for a hoist that is a bit more practical with folding and transporting. This will avoid mistakes, damage and ‘frustration’. But an alternative to the Molift Smart may also suffice in this case.

3. Folding in or out daily or even several times a day

You travel by motorhome or hike every day. Or you need to fold the hoist for storage after each use. In that case, I really advise you to see if it is feasible to buy the Molift Smart, possibly with payment in instalments. Unless such a trip only happens on rare occasions. If it still doesn’t work out, an alternative can always be found, but you will inevitably make concessions.

4. Flying or other transport where weight and dimensions are essential

Actually, there is no really good alternative to the Molift Smart in this case. Also because it can be packed in a suitcase approved for flying and in planes there is often a weight limit of 32kg. Should it still not be feasible to buy a Molift Smart, the Carry is an interesting option. Here, you can separate the mast from the base without tools and split the weight into 2 parts. Transporting a split hoist is not very practical, but ‘necessity breaks law’.

5. Lifting capacity higher than 150kg or higher lifting height is required

In this case, the Molift Smart is not an option. Its maximum capacity is 150kg and due to its compact design, the lift simply cannot lift higher. In both cases, the Carry 185 is the best option. An excellent hoist that has sufficient lifting height in most cases and can lift people up to 185kg. With some practice it is easy to fold and includes a strap to secure the arm to the mast. And if necessary, safe and easy to split without tools.

The difference between an Active and Passive hoist

Some people do not quite know the distinction between an active hoist and a passive hoist. They then ask for an active lift, while they have a passive transfer in mind, or vice versa. This is why we always ask about the circumstances so that we can give better advice. Consequently, we often have to correct the request for help.

A passive hoist has already been described in detail in this article. Such a lift is called passive because the person being lifted with it does not help, is passive during the transfer. An active hoist is actually a stand-up aid. This hoist helps people, who do have some standing function, get up and sit down again. These people can stand wiIt is good practice in the Netherlands not to use a heavier aid than necessary. Even if a person can still help very little, this activation is very important in maintaining the muscle strength present. To perform an active transfer successfully and safely, the user needs the following:th assistance, but lack the strength or coordination to make the standing up or sitting movement. The active hoist helps them make the movement and the user helps as much as possible during the transfer.

It is good practice in the Netherlands not to use a heavier aid than necessary. Even if a person can still help very little, this activation is very important in maintaining the muscle strength present. To perform an active transfer successfully and safely, the user needs the following:

• Sufficient standing function
• Sufficient trunk balance
• Sufficient arm and shoulder function
• Sufficient ability to hear, interpret and follow instructions

If one of these 4 is not sufficiently present, then a passive transfer is probably safer and more efficient. But it may also be that the use of just another type of active lift or lifting sling can suffice. Look here for more background information on assistive devices for an active transfer.

What should you look out for when buying a passive hoist?

There seems to be a lot to choose from when looking for a passive hoist. But in fact, this is not so bad. First, decide what is important about the lift and how you want to use it. Consider:

• Height and weight of user
• Characteristics of user (trunk stability, pain, etc.)
• Where to use (home, institution, on-site, combination)
• How often the lift is used and how, for which solution
• If you are looking for a travel lift, how often does the lift need to be folded, will it be flown?
• What is the budget?

From the answers to the above questions, a picture emerges from which we can properly determine what kind of hoist is best for you. Depending on the situation, there are more or fewer options. But you can rest assured that if you choose a product with a good build quality, it doesn’t matter so much whether you choose option A or B. In the end, it is often a choice on details. Which hoist you like best, which company you feel most confident with, which hoist fits your budget best.

Of course, it is tempting to look primarily at the price. And in essence, a hoist of less than €1000 will do the same as a lift of €4000 or more; lift you from A to B. The only question is, how long will the hoist do that, how comfortable and safe is such a transfer for the carer, even in the long run, and is the hoist repairable if something goes wrong? A more expensive hoist often has more luxury, but the quality of the components and materials used obviously also plays a role, plus post-purchase support. A more expensive hoist is not always a better hoist, and a cheap hoist is not always a bad choice.

Then there is the service level of the supplier. How transparent is the company? Do you get tailor-made advice? Can you try out the hoist on a trial basis? Are hoists that are not standard stock discussed? What can be agreed on after-sales service?

Reimbursement Passive Hoist

If you need a hoist, you may be eligible for reimbursement for it. There is a great tool on the resource guide to see if you may be eligible for reimbursement.

The following questions are essential in determining whether you can get a reimbursement and who to apply to:

• Do I need the lift for longer or shorter than 6 months?
• Do I have a medical indication from a practitioner?
• Have I had previous reimbursement for a passive lift?

If the need for a passive hoist is shorter than 6 months, you can apply for a reimbursement from your health insurance. This is only possible if you have a medical indication. Without this indication, the health insurance will not reimburse you. Unless you have supplementary insurance and the policy conditions state that you do qualify for reimbursement.

If you need a passive hoist for a longer period of time, it will depend on where the device is deployed to determine where you may be able to get reimbursement. For example, if you need the lift for school or work, the UWV is your point of contact. If it is intended to enable you to continue living independently at home for longer, then the WMO within your municipality is the point of contact. If you are staying in an institution, the institution will take care of an application, which can be submitted to the WLZ, the WMO or your health insurance, depending on your situation.

As a rule, you cannot receive reimbursement for a device for which you have already had reimbursement. So for example, if the WMO reimbursed a ceiling lift and you now want a passive travel lift, you normally have to pay for the travel lift yourself. However, there are exceptions, so in any case, check first whether you are still eligible for reimbursement.

Buy a Passive Hoist

Conec Care is a specialist in passive hoists. We have selected hoists that can be used safely for many years. We only work with reputable European manufacturers, who are accountable for their product and where we are helped to solve any problems quickly and competently. We have an extensive range of various types and brands of passive hoists. Of course, we have our preferences, but if another type or brand is more appropriate, we can often supply it.

Conec Care has a relationship and agreements with several manufacturers in Europe. If you have a particular type in mind, we will first see if a model from our preferred manufacturers is a suitable alternative. Our preferred manufacturers are currently Molift and  SLK. Check our webshop and if your preferred model is not listed, let us know so we can see how we can still help you.