Guide to Choosing the Best Hoyer Lift

In 2021, nearly 40 million informal caregivers provided in-home care to a disabled or ill individual. Because many of these care recipients have mobility limitations that make simple actions, such as moving between a bed and chair, difficult, caregiver injuries are common. Hoyer lifts can streamline the care routine and reduce the risk of injury by providing a simple, safe method for transferring someone in and out of their bed, bath, toilet or wheelchair. They may even help aides lift someone who’s fallen. 

To get the full benefit of a lift, it’s crucial to choose the right model for your needs. However, because several types of Hoyer lifts are available, picking one can be complicated. This guide is designed to help navigate available options so you can make a smart purchasing decision. It covers the types of Hoyer lifts, the factors to consider before renting or buying a unit, and what financing may be available to help pay for the equipment.

Step 1: Identify Your Needs

Care requirements differ from person to person, and identifying your needs is the first step to choosing a suitable Hoyer lift. To assess what you’ll need from a lift, ask the following questions:

• How much mobility does the individual have?
• Are the individual’s mobility limitations short-term (due to an injury or surgery) or permanent?
• How much does the individual weigh?
• Where will I be using the lift?
• How many people will be available to operate the lift?
• How high does the lift need to raise the individual to successfully transfer them?
• What’s the ceiling height in the room where the lift will be used?
• How much can I comfortably spend on a lift?
• Will my insurance plan cover some or all of the cost of a Hoyer lift?

It may be helpful to consult your doctor or physical therapist before deciding on a Hoyer lift. A knowledgeable medical professional can help assess your needs and make appropriate recommendations.

Step 2: Choose a Type of Lift

Several types of Hoyer lifts are available, and there are key differences between models. Before choosing the best Hoyer lift for you, it’s helpful to understand the distinguishing characteristics of each model.

Manual Freestanding Hoyer Lifts

A freestanding Hoyer lift consists of a tall pole with an overhead arm and a sturdy base. The individual being transferred sits securely in a sling, which is attached to the overhead arm by hooks or a spreader bar. Using a hydraulic system, this arm can safely raise, lower and move the person. Manual lifts typically include a level that must be pumped by hand to operate the unit.

Powered Freestanding Hoyer Lifts

Powered freestanding Hoyer lifts are similar to manual models in appearance and function, but they feature motors powered by rechargeable batteries or wall outlets. These mechanized models typically have push-button controls and deliver a smoother ride than manual models. However, most power units include a manual lever to use in the event of a power outage. Some units may be designed for safe single-person operation.

Ceiling-Mounted Hoyer Lifts

Ceiling-mounted models operate using a rail system that’s permanently installed on a ceiling. These tracks may be mounted in several rooms for transport over longer distances and can be used with interchangeable slings. Ceiling-mounted units are typically user-friendly, don’t take up floor space and charge when not in use. They’re often suitable for single-person operation.

Sit-to-Stand Hoyer Lifts

Sit-to-stand lifts can help individuals who have difficulty rising from a seated position. Manual and powered options are available. These units require active participation from the individual being transferred, and users typically must be able to:

• Follow simple directions
• Sit up without assistance along the side of a bed
• Support some of their body weight while standing.
• Hold onto a bar using at least one hand

However, some units may be used with slings to accommodate individuals with minimal weight-bearing capabilities.

Bariatric Hoyer Lifts

Freestanding and ceiling-mounted Hoyer lifts are available as bariatric models, which can safely transfer individuals who exceed the weight limit of standard Hoyer lifts. Depending on the model, units can accommodate individuals weighing between 500 and 1,000 pounds. They feature powerful motors, reinforced sling hookups and adjustable base legs that increase the device’s stability, and they may be used with slings of different sizes.

Step 3: Evaluate Costs

Hoyer lifts can be costly, and for many individuals, price is a major consideration when buying a device. Insurance may pay for some or all of the expense, especially if a doctor deems a lift medically necessary. However, if your policy doesn’t cover Hoyer lifts, it’s helpful to understand how much you may have to pay out of pocket, and prices can vary considerably by the type of lift.

• Freestanding manual Hoyer lifts: A manual unit is typically the most affordable type of Hoyer lift, with prices averaging between $400 and $500. However, you may have to purchase a sling separately.
• Freestanding powered Hoyer lifts: Power lifts are considerably more expensive than manual units, with an average cost around $3,000.
• Sit-to-stand Hoyer lifts: You can expect to pay at least $1,000 for a sit-to-stand lift. However, hospital-grade models can run as high as $5,000 or more.
• Ceiling-mounted Hoyer lifts: The price of a ceiling-mounted lift can vary widely depending on the model and the extent of the track. Lift packages typically range in price from $2,000 to more than $5,000, and you may need to purchase tracking, slings and supports separately. Installation can add on an average cost of $5,000 to $14,000.
• Bariatric Hoyer lifts: Bariatric models tend to cost more than standard units of the same type. Freestanding, powered bariatric lifts typically cost somewhere from $2,500 to upwards of $6,000.

The Cost of Slings

Some Hoyer lifts come with slings, but if not, you’ll need to factor in the cost of purchasing one. Sling prices typically range from about $40 to several hundred dollars, depending on the size, material, brand and construction.

Step 4: Explore Financing Options

You may not have to pay the full price of a Hoyer lift. Many insurers cover some or all of the price of a unit if a doctor prescribes it, and in some areas, grants may be available to help qualified individuals pay for the equipment. Here are a few ways you may be able to get help paying for a Hoyer lift.

• Original Medicare: If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B, your insurance may cover 80% of the Medicare-approved cost of a manual Hoyer lift. However, a plan-approved physician must prescribe it, and it must be purchased or rented through a qualified supplier.
• Medicare Advantage: Although Medicare Advantage coverage varies by policy and provider, these plans legally must provide the same minimum coverage as Original Medicare. That means at least 80% of purchase or rental costs may be covered if a doctor prescribes the device. However, some MA plans may pay for a larger percentage of the cost or reimburse you for equipment that isn’t covered by Original Medicare, such as motorized lifts. If you’re enrolled in an MA plan, you may want to reach out to your insurer for plan-specific coverage information.
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage varies by state. However, some state programs cover the purchase or rental of medically necessary durable medical equipment, such as a Hoyer lift. Medicaid beneficiaries should reach out to their local Medicaid office for additional information.
• Medicaid Waivers: In some areas, Medicaid waivers provide additional coverage to qualified beneficiaries. The Home and Community-Based Services waiver may help individuals with functional limitations stay in their homes by paying for assistive devices such as Hoyer lifts. Individuals with disabilities who qualify for a nursing home level of care may also be eligible for Medicaid’s Long-Term Services and Supports waiver, which covers assistive equipment that can help an individual receive care in their home. Information about Medicaid waivers can be found on the government’s State Waivers List.
• Private insurance: Coverage through private insurance varies by provider and plan, but some policies may cover medically necessary equipment, such as Hoyer lifts. A representative from your insurance company can help you understand the options available through your specific plan.
• Veteran grants: Veterans, particularly those who have service-related disabilities, may qualify for grants that help pay for assistive equipment. For example, the Specially Adapted Housing Assistive Technology Grant helps veterans pay for home modifications, such as the installation of a ceiling-mounted lift. Qualified veterans may reach out to their local VA office for information on available assistance and how to apply.
• Manufacturer’s financing: If you buy a Hoyer lift directly from the manufacturer, financing options, such as monthly payment plans, may be available.

Buying vs. Renting

If you can’t afford to purchase a unit and your insurance won’t cover the cost, many medical suppliers offer rental options. Prices vary by model, rental duration and your location, and prices typically range from $25 per month for a basic manual model to more than several hundred dollars for a heavy-duty unit. Some companies may also require a security deposit.

Renting may also be an ideal option for individuals who need a Hoyer lift for short-term use, such as after an injury or surgery.

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