Disability Transfer Devices: Hoists, Elevators, Stair Lifts
Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 27 Jun 2026
Contents: Synopsis - Definition - Introduction - Main - Publications - Subtopics
Synopsis: Learn about hoists, ceiling and floor lifts, stair lifts, and wheelchair platform lifts that help disabled and senior individuals transfer safely and securely.
At a Glance
- 1 - Stair lifts are also called stair gliders, stair chairs, or chair lifts.
- 2 - A ceiling track hoist can be fixed to the wall when the ceiling cannot be used.
- 3 - Standing stair lifts suit people who cannot bend their legs and fit into narrow spaces.
- Topic Definition: Disability Transfer Devices
Disability transfer devices are the hoists, lifts, and related equipment used to move a person with limited mobility safely from one position or location to another, such as from a bed to a chair, into a bathtub, or onto a toilet. They cover a wide range of equipment built for different settings and needs, including stair lifts that carry someone up and down a staircase, overhead ceiling track hoists, portable and mobile floor hoists, wall-mounted lifts, and wheelchair platform lifts that raise a person between floors. The aim of these devices is twofold: to protect caregivers from the strain and injury that manual lifting can cause, and to give disabled people and seniors greater safety, comfort, and independence in their daily routines at home or in care environments.
Introduction
Hoists, Stair Lifts, and Platform Lifts That Support Safe Transfers for Disabled and Senior Users
Hoists and lifts for the disabled and seniors with mobility problems come in many types and sizes depending on their purpose, and the location they will be fitted, if permanent or semi-permanent. Care providers are faced with numerous challenges daily. A patient hoist is often required where there is a lift and transfer need. For example, to transfer a patient from a chair to a bed, into a bathtub or onto a toilet. There are several types of hoisting systems available on the market, and manufacturers worldwide are designing new hoists which make the lifting and transfer of patients an easier experience. Choosing a system designed with the carer and patient in mind is vital.
Main Content
Stair Lifts
Stair lifts are also known as stair gliders, stair chairs or chair lifts. They carry the disabled or the elderly gently and safely up the stairs. Ensure that the stair lift can swivel at the upper landing and turn away from the stairs to provide a confident and safe method to get off. If the stair lift comes with a remote control, it will assist the caregiver in case the individual cannot operate the controls themselves. There are generally two main types of stair lift - standing stair lifts and seated stair lifts.
There are different kinds of stair lifts to fulfill the needs of different people with different conditions and disabilities. They can be installed on almost any type of stairway, regardless of the length of the stairway. Whether the staircase is spiral or straight, a stair lift can be installed even in the toughest spots. They are largely intended for indoor use. However, there are lifts that have been specifically designed for outdoor use. The barrier of stairs can be removed by using a stair lift.
- Standing ones are those that can be used by people who have no problem in standing or walking but are unable, or experience difficulty in, bending their legs. These people include those with medical disorders that prevent them from bending their legs. This type of stair lift does not need a lot of space to be installed and therefore can be used in tight and narrow spaces with ease.
- The seated wheelchair stair lifts are those which are generally used by people who have a difficulty with standing for long periods, or are completely disabled and cannot stand at all (for example, people in wheelchairs).
Overhead Hoists
There are two types of overhead hoist, ceiling fixed track and portable track. A ceiling track hoist consists of a piece of rail/track which is permanently attached to the ceiling. The track can be fitted to timber joists if available, or chemical fixed into concrete ceilings. If for any reason the ceiling can't be used, it may be possible to fasten the track to the wall.
Portable Ceiling Lifts
These have a patient sling, motorized pulley system or motorized unit integrated with a removable battery-powered hoist. To support the patients as they are lifted in a reclining position or during gait training or unweighted walking, the ceiling lifts have a sling or harness. The overhead ceiling lift is attached with a multiple overhead track system to meet lifting needs. The track systems are available in various forms including freestanding/semi-permanent; single track - to move single route across multiple or single room; 2-strap - to move across doorways; and X-Y traverse track system - to move along the X and Y axis. The freestanding track system is an alternative for ceiling installed track system. The easy to hold and carry ceiling lifts are available in various load carrying capacities.
Mobile Floor Hoists
Floor hoists have been designed especially with the domestic care environment and patient in mind. Electric and hydraulic units are available.
Wall Lift Hoists
The wall lift has been designed especially for home use. They are inexpensive, versatile, and easy to install. The lift can be made portable with the use of additional wall brackets and is particularly useful in bathrooms where space can be at a premium
Wheelchair Platform Lifts
Ideal accessibility options for older and disabled people. Using these devices, these individuals can reduce the accessibility problems in their homes or offices and gain more freedom, mobility, and independence. These lifts are effective solutions which are designed to lift a disabled person or a senior with mobility difficulties from one floor to another while comfortably sitting in it. These can be operated either using electricity or hydraulics. Safety features that are commonly included in these lifts are emergency stop button, constant pressure control buttons, under-platform obstruction sensors, final limit switch, and anti-slip flooring.
Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team.
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