Invacare Hydraulic Hoyer Lift (Model 9805): A Godsend for Disabled Caregivers

Synopsis:

The Invacare 9805 hydraulic Hoyer lift is a godsend for the disabled and their caregivers. With a lift capacity of 450 pounds, this will suit the needs of almost all patients. Compared to past Hoyer lifts, which were bulkier and clunky, the Invacare 9805 hydraulic Hoyer lift’s slim design requires a relatively small space while still maintaining a large amount of lift amount, capable of lifting the heftiest of people. With the added feature of the lift’s legs being able to be spread open like a butterfly, the balance of this lift is great.

The lift requires the use of a sling sold separately. The lift has a padded hanger Swivel Bar which hangs down from the lift and has hooks on either end. A three-ended chain hooks on to two holes on the sling (one at the top, one at the bottom) and one big hoop fits on to the hanger bar hook. Then it’s repeated on the other side. Then you grab the handle and crank it up and down, lifting the person up about an inch with each pull on the handle.

The pump handle utilizes a hydraulics mechanism which helps ease the amount of strength require by the caregivers. Not sure of the exact force needed to pull the pump handle but I’d estimate it at ten to fifteen pounds of pull. It depends on the weight of the patient.

I first tried a Hoyer lift back in the late 1980s. It was huge and difficult to maneuver, with or without me in it. The sling had the bulk chains connected to it so they’d need to remain around me on the seat at my sides. It was too much of a hassle so we returned it, thinking we’d never get one again. That is until 2005.

In 2005, I and my family moved into a house. In the process, my uncle, who was responsible for lifting me into my wheelchair and onto the bed and back again, opened up an ulcer. He needed to be admitted into the hospital to recover. For the first time, he wasn’t there to lift me. It was just me and my mom. I stayed in the chair that first night and my other uncle’s girlfriend came over the next day. They helped me get into bed that night albeit awkwardly. We called my medical supplier and ordered a Hoyer lift that first day. It was shipped over the next day and I used it to get into the chair that day. The lift needed some time to get used to but if was strong and I felt safe while up in the air.

After a few uses, we got the hang of it. But, then in early 2006, I got a new wheelchair. This chair has a large metal plate underneath it, which makes rolling the lift legs under the chair impossible. I was very worried that the lift wouldn’t be able to be used. Then, I remember the butterfly legs! We opened them up and the chair fit conveniently between the lift legs. The lift is so versatile!

We had a sling with an opening for use on a commode, which needs no explanation. We later got a solid sling which works a lot better in the chair because the edges of the hole sling cuts into the thighs.

Another great thing about the lift & sling is that the chains can be completely detached from both, for convenient storage and remaining out of the way as needed.

A handle bar is attached to the lift for easy movement. Although it’s best to try not to move the lift while someone is in it, due to stability issues, it can be done. When doing so, the lift should be moved slowly and cautiously. Do not let the person sway too much and if the lift starts to tilts, quickly restabilize the lift. It’s best to have two caregivers be on hand, one to maneuver the lift, one to keep the patient positioned stably.

A quick run-down of features:

Padded swivel bar
Push handle
Lightweight but durable chrome-plated construction
Easy disassembly
360 degrees patient rotation without side-to-side sway
Six-point swivel bar easily adapts to all sling styles and positions
20in – 64in range allows for patient to be picked up from lying position on floor
Pump handle can rotate from side to side
Offset mast and boom style provide better lift path

Technical Specifications:

Base Length: 46.75″
Base Width: Open: 42.25″ Closed: 22″
Caster Options: Front: 5″ Rear: 5″
Overall Height: Maximum @ sling hookup: 64″ Minimum @ sling hookup: 20″ Base height: 6.5″ (clearance)
Product Weight: 68 lb
Product Weight Capacity: 450 lb
Shipping Product Weight: 85 lb

Negatives:

I’ve a few negative comments about this product.

Firstly, it’s not as stable as it claims to be. It is adequately stable when the patient faces the boom bar with it positioned between their legs. This is the proper use but it doesn’t work as well for us. When the boom is positioned between my legs, it is difficult to disengage. It’s also difficult to get into that position from the bed. So, we usually put both of my legs off to one side of bar. It’s not too unstable but does require a slight bit more caution. The slim design has its advantages but also its disadvantages. The butterfly leg feature does compensate for the stability.

Secondly, the sling bothers me. If I’m just lifted without someone guiding my legs, my legs droop forward. With some shaking during movement of the lift, I slowly start to slide off the lift. Normally, the patient puts one of his arms between the two chains on either side like you would on a playground swing. That would add more balance. But I can’t do this, so I fold my arms across one another.

Conclusion:

This is a great product for lifting disabled people. It is beneficial to prevent muscle strain on caregivers and offers adequate stability for safety. But, note that it’s best used with two caregivers but can be done with one.

Check with most medical suppliers or on Google to find medical equipment stores which carry this lift.