A patient lift is a medical device that allows the care giver to safely transfer a patient without the assistance of another person. In addition, using a patient lift reduces the risk of accident or injury when transferring the patient from one area to another. The patient lift is either a manual type or a hydraulic lift type. The latter type is the one most often used in health care facilities and offers the easiest and most convenient method of transfer. There are also electric patient lifts, which offer even more convenience for patient and care giver.

Those who work in hospitals and nursing homes are often faced with lifting and transferring patients. Back injuries in these environments are occasionally the result of improper body mechanics while moving a patient. In addition, the strain of lifting a heavy, immobile patient can take it's toll, whether or not the health care worker uses proper body mechanics. Proper body mechanics involves using the legs effectively and evenly when lifting heavy objects. By using the patient lift, the burden of heavy lifting is eliminated.

A patient lift is also a convenient piece of equipment to have in the home when a family member needs to be moved from place to place. Family members are often hesitant to purchase a patient lift because they believe it will be too costly. What many people do not realize is that a patient lift can be rented on a temporary basis. This might be the right choice when the patient requires only temporary help in transferring from room to room, as when recuperating from a surgical procedure. If, however, the patient is chronically ill and will need long-term transferring help, purchasing the patient lift might be more cost effective

The attending physician generally decides which patient lift is most appropriate for the patient. In addition, a physical therapist or medical equipment representative can offer instruction to the care giver, family members and patient on how to operate the patient lift safely and in many different situations. Care givers will need to learn how to transfer the patient from bed to wheelchair and how to get him in and out of the bathtub safely. It is important to slowly acclimate the patient to the patient lift device because he may feel apprehension about using it initially.