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ceiling track hoists – what are the best models do you think

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  • May 1, 2012 at 3:17 pm #74378
    ceiling track hoists – what are the best models do you think

    Hi, Im investigating purchasing a ceiling track hoist – what models do people on here use and what’s you opinion of them? I want to be able to press the buttons and go up and down and traverse myself so I’d also be interested in how well the controls work for weak fingers.

    I know my local OT would have advice but at this stage I’m staying clear and I value people’s advice who actually use them!

    Cheers Louise

    criptic
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    May 1, 2012 at 5:06 pm #85384
    Re: ceiling track hoists – what are the best models do you t

    I have a Freedom 130 track hoist, its been very reliable over the years I’ve had it. I can’t press the buttons on the control as they are to stiff.

    Do you know what type of sling you’ll be using as this may determine or limit the types of hoist.

    Vicki
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    May 1, 2012 at 9:21 pm #85385
    Re: ceiling track hoists – what are the best models do you t

    I had one installed 2 yr ago. Used alot when my wife couldnt lift me when she was pregnant, but now finds just sliding me across sideways as she finds using it a hassle. lol. Its the same company as stannah. I got it through social services. One question comes to mind why are you purchasing this and not letting social services take care of it for you. Will save you about 2,000 pounds plus they will repair it and service it every year. :mrgreen:

    shazadh shazadh
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    May 2, 2012 at 3:27 pm #85386
    Re: ceiling track hoists – what are the best models do you t

    I’ve had a Spectra HS200 for about a year now. It’s been fine. The “buttons” are in fact touchpads, which are very easy to use, requiring only a light touch. I can easily operate them myself.
    http://www.disabilityequipment.com/tmh_sch.php

    We had to find the funds for it ourselves, as social services wouldn’t pay for it. Though one of their OTs did offer advice on it.

    petered
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    May 9, 2012 at 5:52 pm #85387
    Re: ceiling track hoists – what are the best models do you t

    Thanks – I asked my MD advisory team at my last MOT ;-) they said try out some slings and get some reps out but circumstances meant we had to plump for one having a list of ‘no good’ put aside. My main area of need is toilet transfers – so I wanted a sling that would keep my bum free. Going to go for the Liko Hygiene vest as it’s good for people with low muscle tone and who are stuck in a sitting position because of spine/leg contractures etc. (It’s a seated-seated transfer sling for single spreader bar). Will let you know how it goes in case any one finds it useful! Liko rep was very poor though in my area – not good at contact/communications!

    Got some reps coming in to demo some ceiling hoists that cope with tight spaces for the track. Unlike the brochures my bathroom isn’t the size of a house!

    Thanks for the info – if anyone has any more I’m still browsing for ideas :-)

    criptic
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    May 10, 2012 at 2:11 pm #85388
    Re: ceiling track hoists – what are the best models do you t

    Criptic, if you want to be able to use the hand controls of the hoist youself, make sure the hand controls are attached to a straight cable and not a curly one which will spring out of reach!

    amethyst
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    May 10, 2012 at 4:07 pm #85389
    Re: ceiling track hoists – what are the best models do you t

    @amethyst wrote:

    not a curly one which will spring out of reach

    good point :D

    criptic
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    February 28, 2017 at 1:47 am #147933
    Reply To: ceiling track hoists – what are the best models do you think

    The first alarm bell from the above is the fact you plan to use it solo – and may not have considered contingencies – if, for instance it jams and you end up stuck in the air !

    Since your post, I guess there will be many more models out there and my best advice is to get detailed brochures on as many different makes and models you can find. Spending the kind of money on them it’s really worth getting decent brochures – and if they won’t supply them, simply look elsewhere.

    While the basic principles are much the same different models will have different features or do things in a slightly different way – for example one might have waterproof controls, while others don’t. The carers that came to Mum seemed to pull the control cable out of the hoist rather often on lowering Mum – as they held the controller too close to her during lowering and the cable got trapped by the sling. New models come out quite frequently as they refine the hoists but beware the updates may make them worse!

    Take your time choosing, narrow it down to 3 and then get the reps to visit.

    Mike.

    pmailkeey
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