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Person Transfer Solutions NZ — Types of Hoists, Lifters & Transfer Aids Explained
Mobility care in New Zealand is evolving, driven by an ageing population, a growing preference for home-based care, and a stronger focus on safety and dignity. At the centre of this change are person transfer solutions — the equipment that helps move people safely between beds, chairs, wheelchairs and other surfaces. This guide explains the main types of patient hoists and transfer aids, who each suits, and how to choose the right one.
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Person transfer solutions are specialised products designed to support the safe movement of people with limited mobility. They minimise physical strain, reduce the risk of injury, and help transfers happen with greater comfort and dignity. Common types used in New Zealand include:
A mobile hoist is a free-standing, wheeled lifter that raises a person in a sling and moves them between surfaces — used when someone cannot bear their own weight. They’re the flexible choice for home care where a ceiling track isn’t practical. See our portable patient hoist and patient lifting machine.
A stand-assist hoist helps a person who can bear some weight and hold on, but needs support moving from sitting to standing. It encourages the user to participate and supports independence. See our sit-to-stand manual lift.
A transfer chair moves a seated person through tight spaces like hallways and bathrooms. The key difference from a standing hoist: a transfer chair moves someone in a seated position, whereas a standing hoist raises them up to standing. See our electric patient transfer chair and hydraulic commode transfer chair.
These accessories support specific transfers: slings carry a person within a hoist; slide sheets reduce friction when repositioning someone in bed; transfer boards bridge two surfaces for a seated slide. A full-body walking sling supports standing and gait practice.
Getting in and out of a car is its own challenge. A vehicle wheelchair hoist helps transfer a seated user into a vehicle, and a boot lifter loads the wheelchair or scooter afterwards.
| Type | Best for | Weight-bearing needed? | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile (floor) hoist | Full lift; bed/chair/commode transfers | No — full lift | Portable patient hoist |
| Stand-assist / sit-to-stand | Sit-to-stand for partial weight-bearers | Yes — partial | Sit-to-stand lift |
| Transfer chair | Moving a seated person through tight spaces | No — stays seated | Electric transfer chair |
| Slings & slide sheets | Carrying within a hoist; repositioning | No | Walking sling |
| Vehicle transfer hoist | Getting in/out of a car | No | Vehicle hoist |
As mobility needs increase, so does the demand for safer transfer methods. People with reduced strength or balance often need help with everyday movements, and carers face real physical risk when transfers are done by hand. The right equipment reduces strain on the back, shoulders and joints, lowers the risk of falls, and makes movement more controlled — at home, in hospitals and in aged care. Many modern devices also let the user participate rather than being fully lifted, which preserves dignity and builds confidence.
The most important question is whether the person can bear weight: if they can partially stand and hold on, a sit-to-stand aid keeps them active; if they can’t, a mobile floor hoist provides a full lift. From there, consider the type of transfer (bed-to-chair, sit-to-stand, repositioning, or into a vehicle), the available space and floor type, and how often it will be used. An occupational therapist can assess and recommend the right equipment, and our team can help match a product to that assessment.
Manual lifting is one of the most common causes of injury in caregiving, and transfer equipment is only safe when used correctly. Always use the right product for the person’s mobility level, fit and check the sling before lifting, make sure the user is secure, and move steadily. Both the carer and, where possible, the user should be shown how to operate the device safely before regular use.
The main types are mobile (floor) hoists for a full lift when someone can’t bear weight; stand-assist or sit-to-stand hoists for people who can partly support themselves; transfer chairs that move a seated person through tight spaces; and ceiling or gantry hoists that run on a fixed track. Slings, slide sheets, transfer boards and transfer belts are accessories used alongside them.
A mobile floor hoist fully lifts a person in a sling and is used when they cannot bear their own weight. A sit-to-stand hoist is for someone who can bear some weight and hold on, helping them move from sitting to standing
