Patient hoists play an essential role in modern healthcare by helping people with limited mobility move safely and comfortably. Whether transferring someone from a bed to a wheelchair, assisting with bathing, or supporting rehabilitation, the right patient hoist improves safety, dignity and independence while reducing the physical strain placed on carers.
Across New Zealand, patient hoists are used every day in hospitals, aged care facilities, rehabilitation centres, disability support services and private homes. Occupational Therapists (OTs), physiotherapists, nurses and caregivers regularly recommend patient lifting equipment to reduce the risk of falls and manual handling injuries while making everyday transfers easier for everyone involved.
If you are looking for quality lifting equipment, browse our complete range of Patient Hoists & Sling Lifters designed for hospitals, aged care facilities and home care throughout New Zealand.
Types of Patient Hoists Used in Healthcare
Different healthcare environments require different lifting solutions. The most suitable hoist depends on the patient’s mobility, weight, available space and frequency of transfers.
1. Ceiling Hoists
Ceiling hoists are permanently installed lifting systems that travel along an overhead track. They are widely used in hospitals, disability accommodation and residential aged care because they minimise manual handling while freeing up valuable floor space.
Benefits
- Minimal manual lifting
- Excellent for frequent daily transfers
- Improves caregiver safety
- Comfortable patient transfers
- Saves floor space
Best suited for
- Hospitals
- Residential aged care
- Disability housing
- Long-term home care
2. Mobile Patient Hoists (Floor Hoists)
Mobile patient hoists are one of the most popular lifting solutions in New Zealand because they require no permanent installation. Mounted on lockable castor wheels, they can easily be moved between bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas.
Our range of Person Transfer Solutions includes portable lifting systems suitable for home care, hospitals and rehabilitation centres.
Benefits
- No installation required
- Easy to move between rooms
- Battery-powered lifting
- Suitable for temporary or permanent care
- Ideal for home use
3. Portable Patient Hoists
Portable patient hoists are designed for carers who need maximum flexibility. These lightweight lifting systems can often be folded for transport and stored when not in use, making them ideal for travelling or providing care in multiple locations.
View our Portable Patient Hoists suitable for aged care, disability services and hospitals.
Ideal for
- Private homes
- Community healthcare
- Travelling carers
- Temporary rehabilitation
4. Stand Assist Hoists (Sit-to-Stand Hoists)
Stand assist hoists help individuals who can still support some of their own weight but require assistance standing up safely. Rather than fully lifting the patient, these hoists encourage active participation during transfers.
Benefits
- Encourages rehabilitation
- Supports muscle strength
- Promotes independence
- Faster transfers
- Less physical effort for carers
5. Bath Hoists
Bath hoists help individuals safely enter and exit a bath while reducing the risk of slips and falls. They are commonly used in hospitals, aged care facilities and private homes where bathing assistance is required.
6. Pool Hoists
Pool hoists allow people with reduced mobility to safely enjoy hydrotherapy and recreational swimming. These specialised lifting systems are manufactured using corrosion-resistant materials for long-term durability in aquatic environments.
7. Bariatric Patient Hoists
Bariatric hoists are designed for individuals who require higher lifting capacities than standard patient hoists. Reinforced frames, wider bases and heavy-duty lifting mechanisms provide additional safety during transfers.
Common applications
- Hospitals
- Bariatric care units
- Residential aged care
- Private homes
8. Vehicle Transfer Hoists
Vehicle transfer hoists make travelling easier by assisting with transfers into and out of cars, SUVs and accessible vehicles. These systems reduce heavy lifting while improving independence.
Our Portable Vehicle Hoist provides a lightweight, foldable solution for safe transfers during travel.
Ceiling Hoists vs Mobile Hoists
| Feature | Ceiling Hoist | Mobile Hoist |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Permanent | No installation required |
| Floor Space | Excellent | Requires floor space |
| Portability | Fixed | Highly portable |
| Daily Transfers | Excellent | Very Good |
| Rental Homes | Limited | Excellent |
Choosing the Right Patient Hoist
Before purchasing a patient hoist, consider:
- The person’s mobility level.
- Their weight and Safe Working Load (SWL).
- Whether they can assist during transfers.
- The available space in the home.
- The number of transfers required each day.
- Whether portability is important.
- Compatibility with the correct sling.
Many people also combine their lifting equipment with specialised Wheelchair Lifts when accessible vehicle transport is required.
Benefits of Using Patient Hoists
- Reduces caregiver injuries.
- Improves patient comfort.
- Reduces fall risk.
- Promotes dignity and independence.
- Safer manual handling.
- Suitable for hospitals, aged care and home care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common patient hoist used in New Zealand?
Mobile patient hoists remain the most popular because they require no installation and can be used throughout the home or healthcare facility.
Are ceiling hoists better than mobile hoists?
Ceiling hoists are ideal for frequent daily transfers, while mobile hoists provide greater flexibility between rooms.
Can patient hoists be used at home?
Yes. Many patient hoists are specifically designed for home care and are commonly recommended by Occupational Therapists.
Do patient hoists require servicing?
Yes. Regular servicing helps ensure safe operation and extends the lifespan of the equipment.
Find the Right Patient Hoist
Whether you are caring for a loved one at home, selecting equipment for an aged care facility or fitting out a healthcare organisation, choosing the correct lifting equipment is essential.
Browse our complete range of Person Transfer Solutions, Patient Hoists & Sling Lifters, Portable Vehicle Hoists and Wheelchair Lifts to find the best solution for your needs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Patient Hoist?
Complete the enquiry form below and one of our mobility specialists will contact you with expert advice and, if requested, provide a no-obligation quotation.



