The Best Hoyer Lifts of 2024

Caregivers – whether professionals like nurses and home health aids or loved ones like spouses and children  –  are at risk for serious injuries. Lifting a patient without a device like a Hoyer lift can be dangerous, and musculoskeletal problems like neck and back injuries are the leading reason for missed days of work for those who work in healthcare environments. In fact, the rate of overexertion injuries in healthcare workers is twice as common as it is for workers across all industries. Preventing injuries is crucial, and having the right lifting equipment makes all the difference.

Many caregivers turn to patient lifts –  commonly referred to as Hoyer lifts –  to alleviate strain and reduce the likelihood of caregiver and patient injuries. These lifts look similar to the engine lifts traditionally seen in car repair shops. Other lift styles abound, with options that are installed in the ceiling and intended to move patients with limited to no strength, or more active designs that require some patient participation. Caregivers have many types and brands to choose from, but the thought of spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a lift can be intimidating. 

We’ve written this guide to help caregivers understand the patient lift market. Below you’ll find details on some of the best Hoyer lifts as well as other patient lift options. You’ll also find educational information on how lifts work and how to buy a lift and sling that fit a patient’s needs and budget.  

Hoyer Lift Basics

Hoyer is technically a brand name, but many people use the term “Hoyer lift” to refer to any patient lift, including those made by other companies. In the following section we’ve split patient lifts into three basic categories, with an explanation of each, so that you can understand their differences. We’ve also provided additional information on the slings used with these devices. 

Floor Lifts

The Hoyer lift – also frequently referred to as a floor lift, passive lift, or patient lift –  is a tall pole (mast) with a U-shaped base and an overhead horizontal bar (arm) with hooks (a cradle or spreader bar) on top. A patient sling, often sold separately, is suspended via loops or metal clips attached to the spreader bar via its hooks. The patient in the sling is raised, lowered, and moved side to side with the moveable horizontal arm that is operated via a hydraulic system. 

All Hoyer lifts look similar, but there are some key differences. Some of them are powered by a battery or a wall plug, while others have a large lever that needs to be repeatedly pumped by hand to operate the hydraulic system. Power lifts usually provide a smoother ride for the patient than a manual lift, but they are significantly more expensive. 

Overhead Lifts

Overhead lifts perform the same job as the more traditional Hoyer lifts described above and also require no work on behalf of the patient. However, overhead lifts have a different design and feature a motor on a track rather than movable arms and poles. The motor can be attached to a track installed on the ceiling or to a large freestanding track that arches above the patient with its legs on either side of the patient’s bed or chair. Both designs feature a sturdy cable that extends downward from the motor to clip to the patient’s sling. With both styles of overhead lift, the motor can move the patient from side to side as well as up or down.

Overhead lifts are usually installed over a bed to move the patient from the bed to a chair or commode. However, some patients may install extended ceiling tracks so they can move from one room to another, though this is uncommon and expensive. A more cost-effective option is to buy freestanding overhead lifts fitted with wheels that can be moved from room to room with relative ease.

Active Lifts

Also known as sit-to-stand lifts, these lifts are much different than both passive lifts and overhead lifts. They require the patient to have some strength and the ability to participate in the transfer process. Active lifts employ a sling that straps around the middle of the torso, rather than enveloping the whole trunk. The lift can be electric or manual, and it uses the sling and hydraulics to pull the patient’s body upwards into a “transfer position” while the patient faces the lift. 

Once in the transfer position, the patient’s feet are on a small platform and the knees are slightly bent, resting firmly against knee pads. The torso is supported by the wide sling around the waist and under the arms, and the patient leans comfortably back against the sling.

Anyone using an active lift needs the following:

• At least some ability to grip bars with hands
• A strong neck and back
• The ability to sit independently at the edge of a bed
• Knees that can bend well and legs that can tolerate some pressure

Slings

Slings are essential to the lift’s function and come in many shapes, sizes, and options. Most slings keep the patient in a seated position with the legs hanging outside of the sling, though there are exceptions.

Some common sling styles are designed specifically for the following:

• Bariatric patients
• Petite patients
• Amputees
• Disposable/single-use needs
• Commode use
• Patients who need extra back and neck support
• Patients who use active lifts

Materials commonly used for slings include: 

• Polyester
• Mesh
• Padded, quilted material
• Sturdy single-use material

How We Chose the Best Hoyer Lift Companies

In order to select the best Hoyer lift, caregivers need to narrow their search to only the best Hoyer lift companies. Below, we explain the three main criteria we used to select the companies included in this guide.

Lift Variety

• We looked for companies that offer a variety of lift models to fit different size homes and suit a range of patient and caregiver abilities. 
• We only included companies that offer styles from at least two of the three major categories of lifts: floor lifts (also called Hoyer lifts or passive lifts), active lifts, and overhead lifts. 
• Many of the companies on our list have both manual and powered models in each category.

Sling Options

• Slings are often sold independently of lifts because sling designs are quite variable. We, therefore, opted to include companies on our list that have a large selection of sling styles. 
• The companies we included have slings in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. There are even disposable slings, bariatric slings, pediatric slings, and slings with full back and neck support.

Industry Experience

A lift is a major investment for most patients, so it’s important to find one from a company with a proven track record. We’ve only featured companies that have at least a decade of experience. Shopping from companies with a long history gives you an opportunity to look at customer reviews that indicate how well the product functions over time.

The 8 Best Hoyer Lift Brands of 2024

Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare

Most Industry Experience

The original Hoyer brand lift was designed by the quadriplegic Ted Hoyer and his associate Victor R Hildemann. This lift design, which may have been based on the earlier concept of an engine lift, was patented in 1958. The patient lift became so useful that the Hoyer name grew to be more recognizable than the generic term “adjustable base invalid lift” which Hoyer originally filed the patent application under. This innovative brand is still well known, and its lifts are now manufactured and distributed by the respected medical equipment brand Joerns Healthcare. 

Customers who are looking for a lift brand with a thoroughly proven track record will find Hoyer by Joerns an excellent option. Joerns brings over 125 years of industry experience to the already impressive history of the Hoyer lift. The company, which is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is trusted throughout North America and Europe to provide a diverse range of high-quality medical equipment to institutions and retailers. 

Overview of Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare

Below is an overview of the different lift models that are a part of the Joerns Healthcare’s Hoyer brand. Additional lifts are also available and can be found on the Joergens Healthcare website.

Prices vary significantly depending on whether or not a built-in scale is included with your Joerns Healthcare Hoyer lift. Some dealers may only stock models with a scale, while others may only stock models without. Yet others may offer both options. For overhead ceiling lifts, the cost of installation may also be substantial.   

Pros and Cons of Hoyer by Joerns Healthcare Patient Lifts 

Lumex by Graham-Field

Most Affordable Active Lift

Lumex, which makes patient lifts and other mobility aids, is just one part of the Graham-Field company. Besides Lumex, Graham-Field owns eight other companies and sells a grand total of about 50,000 individual products. The Graham-Field company was founded in 1946, and in recent years it has modernized the way it runs its manufacturing and distribution centers. The brand has focused on making itself more environmentally friendly, installing LED lights, instituting recycling policies within its factories, reducing paper waste, and more. Lumex products are made in Georgia, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

Lumex lifts generally sell at the lower end of the price spectrum. For caregivers and patients who want to incorporate an active lift into the care routine, Lumex can be an especially smart buy. This brand offers among the lowest cost options for active power lifts, retailing for as much as $3,000 less than similar power active lifts from competitors. 

Overview of Lumex Hoyer Lifts

Below is an overview of the different lift models that are a part of Graham-Field’s Lumex brand. Additional lifts are also available and can be found on the Graham-Field website.

Pros and Cons of Lumex Patient Lifts 

Drive Medical 

Most Affordable Overall

Drive Medical is one of the most well-known brands of durable medical equipment. Many individuals may already be familiar with Drive Medical thanks to its popular lines of wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, and many other mobility aids. The brand has been in business for more than 20 years, and it has also recently acquired another company, DeVilbiss Healthcare, that has roots in the healthcare innovation of the mid-1800s. Drive Medical, which has headquarters in New York, has facilities around the world and a global customer base. 

Drive Medical is one of the most commonly available lift brands from online independent mobility retailers. Not satisfied with being widely available, Drive Medical also makes sure that its prices are affordable. This brand has some of the lowest cost patient lifts on the market, especially in its manual lift line. Caregivers who need a budget-friendly option and who are able to operate a lift by hand will appreciate how accessible Drive products are for their budgets compared to other brands.  

Overview of Drive Medical Hoyer Lifts

Below is an overview of the different lift models that are a part of Drive Medical. Additional lifts are also available and can be found on the Drive Medical website.

Pros and Cons of Hoyer by Drive Medical Patient Lifts 

Invacare 

Most Transparent Pricing

With retail settings in about 100 countries and with roughly 3,400 employees around the world, Invacare is one of the largest producers of home healthcare goods. The company began as part of Technicare in Cleveland during the 1970s, but it split off into its own brand following a merger of its parent company with Johnson & Johnson. Originally focused on wheelchair production, Invacare has always sought to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities. By expanding into producing patient lifts, Invacare increased its ability to help those even with the most limited mobility. 

Most Hoyer lift brands on our list don’t sell directly to customers. Instead, they sell to third party dealers who then turn around and sell to customers. Consequently, most makers of lifts don’t list their own suggested retail prices on their websites. Invacare, however, does. On Invacare’s website, it’s easy to see how the company itself believes its lifts and slings should be valued. Customers can use Invacare’s transparent pricing suggestions as a starting point, comparing retailers’ costs to Invacare’s suggestions.

Overview of Invacare Hoyer Lifts

Below is an overview of the different lift models that are offered by Invacare. Additional lifts are also available and can be found on the Invacare website. 

Pros and Cons of Invacare Patient Lifts

Handicare

Largest Sling and Accessory Selection

Handicare, a durable medical equipment company based in Stockholm, Sweden, serves customers in about 20 different countries. The company was founded in 1986 by three men who were in a rehabilitation center due to paralysis. Since that time, Handicare has not stopped innovating for the benefit of patients just like its founders. With an emphasis on accessibility and patient handling, this company serves more customers with in-home care needs than it does hospitals and other institutions. 

For customers looking for slings and accessories that meet specialized needs, Handicare is the go-to brand. Handicare keeps its sling line inclusive with extra large and extra small options as well as options for amputees and other people with unique needs. The accessory line includes technologically advanced machine maintenance accessories as well as basic but functional items like padding for potentially hazardous metal bars.   

Overview of Handicare Hoyer Lifts

Below is an overview of the different lift models that are offered by Handicare. Additional lifts are also available and can be found on the Handicare website. 

Pros and Cons of Handicare Hoyer Patient Lifts 

Medline

Best Quality Assurance

The company Medco was founded in 1966, and it eventually morphed into the brand we now know as Medline. Originally focused on producing scrubs for healthcare workers, Medline branched out to offer a wide range of products and services to help hospitals meet patient needs. The modern version of Medline now offers care solutions to both individual consumers and to hospitals and other institutions. In addition to making numerous patient lifts, Medline consults with hospitals to help them reduce care costs and improve efficiency. 

Despite now being a large company with offices across 17 countries, Medline doesn’t stray from its roots of quality and customer care. This is one of the only companies in the industry that takes the time to transparently lay out its community values, responsible business practices, and quality assurance methods in a way that’s easy for consumers to understand. On its website, Medline unambiguously states that if a product has a problem, help with an exchange or a refund is just a call away. 

Overview of Medline Hoyer Lifts

Below is an overview of the different lift models that are offered by Medline. Additional lifts are also available and can be found on the Medline website. 

Pros and Cons of Medline Hoyer Patient Lifts 

Hill-Rom

Best Sling Guide

Hill-Rom, founded in 1929, began with the simple but unusual idea that hospitals should be more like homes. The company initially worked to supply home-like wooden furniture to patient rooms. Decades later, Hill-Rom has acquired several other medical supply brands. Hill-Rom continues to blur the lines between home care and hospital care by bringing medical technology into homes through brands like Liko, Viking, Galvo, and more. Hill Rom’s patient lifts are used worldwide by both professionals and families to supply patients with the safest transfers possible.

Patients and caregivers who shop from Hill-Rom will appreciate how easy the company makes it to explore the available sling options. Customers can enter the patient’s weight range, physical abilities, and lifting needs into an interactive online “smart” sling guide. In real-time, the guide uses the information to produce a list of slings that are most likely to fit the patient. This feature makes shopping for a sling easy despite the numerous options.

Overview of Hill-Rom Hoyer Lifts

Below we created an overview of the different lift models that are offered by Hill-Rom. Additional lifts are also available and can be found on the Hill-Rom website. 

Pros and Cons of Hill-Rom Hoyer Patient Lifts 

Bestcare

Best Overhead Lift

Bestcare, a mobility company with headquarters in Norcross, Georgia, was founded in 1993. The company is now closely affiliated with another medical equipment company, Medline, but it maintains its own line of products. Since its inception, Bestcare has diversified its collection of mobility products by branching into both consumer-grade and institutional-grade versions of patient lifts, not to mention many other forms of transfer aids. This company’s production values include the belief that machines should be made with as universal parts as possible. Bestcare strives to make many of its lift parts compatible with one another and even with other brands. This brand also puts an emphasis on comfort features and affordability.  

The most advanced lift option that Bestcare sells is its Luna Lift, an overhead lift design that boasts full room coverage. For caregivers who are concerned that most available lifts are too limiting, bulky, and difficult to move, Bestcare offers an excellent choice thanks to its innovative overhead track system. 

Overview of Bestcare Hoyer Lifts

Below we created an overview of the different lift models that are offered by Bestcare. Additional lifts are also available and can be found on the Bestcare website. 

Pros and Cons of Bestcare Hoyer Patient Lifts 

How to Get Financial Assistance for Hoyer Lifts

There are many financial resources available for those who need a Hoyer lift. Patients can work with Medicare, Medicaid, or Veterans Affairs to cover part of all of the cost of the lift. Private insurance can sometimes cover the costs as well. Finally, there are many disease-specific foundations that provide grants for Hoyer lifts and other equipment that helps patients live easier with their condition.

Hoyer lifts are typically considered ‘durable medical equipment’, or DME. These types of items can be rented or purchased with various forms of insurance covering part or all of the cost. Below, we’ll discuss the coverage options commonly available to seniors for DME.

Medicare Coverage for Hoyer Lifts

Medicare offers coverage for durable medical equipment (DME), including Hoyer lifts. A prescription is needed and coverage is only available for basic systems. As with all Medicare Part B coverage, patients must pay their deductible before having 80% of the cost of their lift covered by the program. Medicare might determine that you may only rent the equipment in certain circumstances.

When obtaining durable medical equipment through Medicare, an accepted supplier is required. Use the Medicare supplier search tool to find companies that supply Hoyer lifts and are covered by Medicare.

Medicaid Coverage for Hoyer Lifts

Medicaid coverage for durable medical equipment (DME) can be used for covering part or all of the cost of a Hoyer lift. Every state has different waiter programs for DME and these programs can change over time, so be sure to check with your state’s Medicaid program for more information.

Money Follows the Person Program

In addition to the above waivers, Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person Program (MFP) can help cover the cost of a Hoyer lift. This program is designed to help reduce the need for patients to stay in nursing or community facilities by providing funds to go towards the tools needed for them to live at home or with loved ones. The MFP page offers more detailed information on the program and how to apply.

Veterans Resources for Affordable Hoyer Lifts

Veterans Affairs provides coverage for a wide range of durable medical equipment. Veterans who need a Hoyer lift must already be a member of VA Healthcare (those who are not members can apply here). Members can then apply for durable medical equipment by supplying the VA with a doctor’s prescription. 

To apply for VA Healthcare:

• Check your eligibility for VA healthcare. Most veterans with honorable discharge status will qualify for coverage.
• Gather relevant information, including your Social Security Card, your military discharge papers (DD214), current insurance information (private coverage, Medicare, and Medicaid), and your most recent household tax returns.
• Fill out VA Form 10-10EZ to apply for coverage. Alternatively, you can apply with assistance by contacting your local Veterans Services Organization. 

Additional Financial Resources for Hoyer Lifts

Beyond Medicare, Medicaid, and VA coverage, there are more options for covering the cost of a Hoyer lift. Some programs offer financial assistance, while others may be able to offer Hoyer lifts for free. 

Nonprofit Organizations 

There are many nonprofits that offer discounted or free durable medical equipment. Organizations like Goodwill frequently receive medical equipment, and contacting local stores can guide you to the equipment you need. Additionally, many disease-specific foundations offer grants to help patients obtain equipment and medicine to help fight their disease. Research foundations that focus on helping patients live more comfortably with their ailment, and see if they have a grant program available.

Every state has a variety of nonprofits that specialize in helping connect people in need with inexpensive DME. We created the table below to help you get started connecting with medical equipment banks and other related services in your state.

Private Insurance

Private insurance sometimes covers durable medical equipment, including Hoyer lifts. Contact your private insurer or employer to inquire if a Hoyer lift is covered, if purchase or rental is covered, and what percentage is covered. You will likely need to pay a deductible before insurance coverage takes care of part of the purchase or rental.

Payment Plans

Due to the high cost of Hoyer lifts, most suppliers understand the difficulty a patient may have in paying for their products outright. Many companies offer payment plans, allowing patients to pay for the lift over a few months or even a full year. In some cases, these payment plans may even feature a 0% interest rate. Be sure to look at the financing page of a supplier’s website to see the types of options and rates they offer.

Buyers Guide: How To Choose A Hoyer Lift

There are many different lift types to choose from; however, there are a few steps caregivers and patients should take before making any final decisions or purchases. Following the five steps below will help ensure both patients and caregivers have found the very best lift for their unique circumstances. They can then purchase a lift with confidence. 

Step 1: Check in with the Patient and Their Healthcare Team

It’s crucial that you communicate with both the patient and his or her healthcare team before buying a Hoyer lift. Take the time to clearly explain your physical limits and why you need to purchase a lift for caregiving. If the doctor agrees that a Hoyer lift is necessary, ask him or her to give you any suggestions on which style or features will benefit the patient best.

In addition to communicating your needs and concerns, listen to the patient’s perspective. Being moved by a machine may seem unstable to the patient, even though in reality it could be much safer than moving them without a lift. Let the patient know that the first few times you use a lift it may be bumpy or frightening because it will be new to both of you. Be encouraging by emphasizing that it will be better after the learning phase, and listen carefully to see if the patient has any concerns about the safety and function of particular lift styles. Proceed with caution and medical advice if the patient has any phobias related to heights or confinement. 

Step 2: Consider Your Financial Options

The price of Hoyer lifts ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the brand, design, and extra features. In any case, you may not have to pay the whole cost of a lift out of pocket. Below you’ll find details on a few financial assistance avenues that you can explore. Getting answers to financial help inquiries often takes time and paperwork, so start looking into your options early on in the buying process.

Medicare

Medicare covers Hoyer lifts as “Durable Medical Equipment” (DME) under certain conditions and with a prescription from a Medicare doctor. Medicare dictates strict definitions of “need” for prescribing and will only pay for the most basic manual lifts. It may help to be extremely specific about any pain, unsteadiness, dizziness, or other safety concerns that you have when lifting the patient. The more detail the doctor has, the more accurately she or he can assess how great the need is. 

If a Medicare doctor prescribes a Hoyer lift, you’ll be liable for 20% of the item’s cost, plus any deductible you have under Medicare Part B. Additionally, Medicare only covers lifts from certain suppliers. To find a Hoyer lift supplier, it’s best to use the Supplier Directory provided on the official Medicare website. In some cases, Medicare may require you to rent rather than buy a lift.

Medicaid

If the patient is enrolled in Medicaid, inquire if you have coverage for DME. Medicaid coverage varies by location, so you’ll want to speak with the experts in your area. For those who have been in a nursing home or other institution and who want to return to home care, a local Money Follows the Person (MFP) program may be able to provide assistance. Follow the link to find out if your state participates in this type of program. 

Insurance

Private insurance coverage varies dramatically from plan to plan, and getting a straight answer from a provider on the coverage of lifts may take some time and patience. Still, it’s worth looking into the possibility. Keep in mind that insurance can often be used in combination with Medicare.  Like Medicare, insurance may require that you rent rather than buy.

Nonprofit Organizations

If the patient has a particular condition that limits their mobility, look for disease-specific foundations that provide financial assistance to those with the condition. You may also want to find out if there’s a particular organization in your area that provides DME or home improvement assistance to those with mobility concerns.  

Payment Plans

Many large medical equipment dealers partner with banks or other companies to offer payment plans. Payment plans from Affirm and Paypal are especially common online. A payment plan may help you afford a lift when you don’t have the full amount upfront but you do have a reliable monthly income. Keep in mind that payments vary based on credit and other factors. Additionally, a payment plan may cost you more in the long run due to interest. 

Step 3: Ask the Right Questions on Lift and Sling Features

Whenever possible, obtain guidance from doctors or experienced occupational therapists on what kind of lift and sling the patient needs. If you have consulted experts but still feel like the choices you have are too broad, the following questions may help you narrow your options:

• Weight: Is the patient’s weight within the safe working load for the lift and sling? 
• Space: How will the shape of the lift work in the room(s) you intend to use it in? Will you need to move furniture, carpet, or other potential hazards to allow for easier movement? Is the space more suited to an overhead lift or a floor lift?
• Tasks: What is the purpose of the transfers being made with the lift? Will the lift be used for transport to a chair, for using a bedside commode, or for some other purpose? Will you need multiple slings for different tasks? Does the lift need to be able to reach a person on the floor?
• Abilities: Is the patient able to hold up his or her neck and head? Does the patient need extra support from a high back sling, or does the patient have specialized needs due to amputation, spasticity, or other conditions? Do you as a caregiver have any limitations that will make a manual lift impractical? Should the patient be using an active “sit to stand lift,” or does the patient need a passive lift that requires no work on his or her part? 
• Extras: How interested are you in adding extras to your basic lift and sling setup? Will you want a digital scale attachment to monitor the patient’s weight? Do you think padding for some of the bars is a necessary safety precaution? Would you like your lift to have a digital display, extra batteries, extra charging ports, or any other accessory?

Step 4: Shop Multiple Retailers 

Very few patient lift manufacturers sell directly to customers and those that do often sell over the phone rather than online. In most cases, you’ll end up purchasing through a third-party dealer, either online or in person. In addition to online stores that exclusively sell mobility products, you’ll also find lifts at online marketplaces like Walmart and Amazon. It’s possible that the particular lift model you want will only be available at one or two locations, but in many cases, it will be offered at several different stores.

If you’re able to find your desired model at several locations, consider the following factors in addition to the base cost when making your choice:

• Shipping: Is shipping free, a flat fee, or variable by location? How much does it raise the cost? You may need to call the retailer to calculate shipping without checking out.
• Sling: Slings can cost anywhere from about $30 to a few hundred dollars. Do any of the companies offer a low base price and a free sling? Would the free sling work for the patient? Does buying the lift at one retailer and a compatible sling at another save you any money?
• Customer Service: How much help from customer service do you need? Consider whether you’d like to see a lift in action at a showroom before buying. Also consider whether the company cooperates with Medicare or other forms of insurance (if applicable).
• Assembly: Some lifts can be assembled without tools, others require minimal tools, and some require significant installation. For instance, you may need to hire someone to install the tracks of a ceiling lift. If so, enquire about the cost of this with the manufacturer or dealer.  You may want to get a quote on installation for multiple ceiling lifts to determine which is the best deal overall. 

Step 5: Get Training and Read the Manual

Before selecting a lift, it’s important to make sure that proper training resources are available.  An occupational therapist, a nurse, a home health aid, or some other healthcare professional should be able to assist you. Ask for a recommendation from a doctor if you’re not sure who to consult for training. Using the lift on someone without a disability before you use it on the patient may be helpful. It’s going to take some time to learn how to use the controls and slings with ease.

In addition to getting some hands-on training from a professional, you should also read the manual and watch any how-to videos with care. These materials can help you understand the limitations of the machine that may not at first be obvious. They can also help you understand how to charge and keep the lift in good working condition.

Frequently Asked Questions