Does a Ceiling Hoist Need to Be Fixed to the Ceiling?
No, it doesn’t.
Wall-mounted tracks, bracket-mounted tracks and mobile gantry systems provide alternative installation options, making ceiling hoists worth considering for many existing homes.
For occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) involved in home modifications, this means a ceiling hoist shouldn’t automatically be ruled out because of concerns about the ceiling, renovations or installation cost.
Can a Ceiling Hoist Be Installed Without Major Renovations?
In the example above, this ceiling hoist was installed using a wall-mounted solution with a transition gate door connector to provide a bariatric transfer solution.
For many homes, there are options that don’t require extensive renovation work.
The right installation depends on the client’s transfer requirements, the layout of the home and the building structure.
Where traditional ceiling mounting isn’t suitable, tracks may be mounted to walls or brackets.
Mobile gantry systems can also provide an overhead lifting solution without permanently fixing tracks to the home.
These modern tracking options give OTs and PTs more flexibility when considering a ceiling hoist for home use.
Looking Beyond the Upfront Cost
When comparing transfer solutions for a client, it can also be useful to consider more than the initial equipment and installation cost.
• Long-term considerations may include:
• Carer safety and manual handling
• Ease and efficiency of transfers
• The level of assistance required
• The number of carers required for transfers
• The client’s changing mobility needs
• The suitability of the solution for long-term use at home
For some clients, an overhead transfer solution may provide practical long-term benefits compared to other transfer methods.
Considering the client’s current and future needs can help determine the most appropriate solution for their home.
Luna® X5 Ceiling Hoist for Home Care
The Luna X5 ceiling hoist is a flexible patient lifting solution that can be paired with different tracking systems to suit the client, their home and the required transfer pathway.
It can support a range of transfers, including bed-to-wheelchair, wheelchair-to-commode and bedroom-to-bathroom transfers.
Most importantly, the Luna X5 isn’t limited to one type of ceiling installation.
Luna X5 Ceiling Hoist Tracking Options
Depending on the home and transfer requirements, the Luna X5 ceiling hoist can be used with a variety of tracking configurations.
Ceiling-Mounted Tracks
Where the building structure is suitable, tracks can be permanently mounted to the ceiling.
Wall-Mounted Tracks
Where ceiling fixing isn’t suitable, wall-mounted ceiling hoist tracks can provide an alternative without mounting the track directly to the ceiling.
Bracket-Mounted Tracks
Bracket-mounted tracks provide another option where the building structure or room layout makes conventional ceiling mounting difficult.
Embedded Tracks
For new builds or home modifications where renovation work is already underway, embedded tracks can provide a discreet, integrated finish.
2-Post Mobile Flex Gantry
A 2-post Flex Gantry provides an overhead lifting solution without permanently fixing the track to the ceiling or walls. It can be useful where structural modifications aren’t practical or a more flexible solution is required.
4-Post Mobile Flex Gantry
A 4-post Flex Gantry provides another freestanding tracking option where permanent ceiling or wall installation isn’t suitable.
With these different configurations, the suitability of a ceiling hoist isn’t determined by the ceiling alone.
Considering a Ceiling Hoist for Your Next Home Modification Project?
If you’re an occupational therapist or physiotherapist assessing transfer solutions for a client, don’t rule out a ceiling hoist because you think it will require major renovations or must be fixed directly to the ceiling.
In this example above, the ceiling hoist was installed using a wall mounted e-track solution a transition gate door connector.
Modern tracking systems provide more options than traditional ceiling installations, and the Luna X5 ceiling hoist can be configured to suit a wide range of home environments and transfer requirements.
Unicare can help assess the home, review the required transfer pathway and recommend an appropriate ceiling hoist and tracking configuration.
Planning your next ceiling hoist project? Contact Unicare for your next ceiling hoist quote, site assessment or installation.
