““Handi-Move patient lifts have been in use at Antoniushaus for over 25 years””
Antoniushaus, Hochheim, Germany
“People at the heart of everything” is the promise made by the Antoniushaus network to every student, resident and member of staff. Antoniushaus has continued to move towards greater inclusion, and the demands placed on its staff have evolved accordingly. It offers different residential models: some for people who are able to live relatively independently and others for those who require more extensive assistance.
Antoniushaus has been in existence for more than 100 years and gives people with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to have a home, live their lives and participate in society. For over 25 years, Handi-Move mobile hoists with slings have been used there to reduce the strain on both staff and residents. In 2019, a second residential home for adults opened in Hofheim.
In 2021, Haus Franziska, a home for 24 adults with disabilities headed by Birgit Nitzschke-Mader, was added and immediately equipped with Handi-Move mobile patient lifts ‘2600’ (Victor). The experience gained over the preceding decades had been consistently positive. Ms Nitzschke-Mader, her colleague Larissa Kremser and two residents shared their experiences with us.
“We are very satisfied with Handi-Move’s hoists and slings. The quality is excellent. Operation is safe, simple and intuitive—you immediately understand how everything works. The Victor handles very well and is quick to manoeuvre. The new electric leg-spread function is fantastic too; it makes things much easier. Incidentally, the older patient lifts are still in use and continue to work reliably.
“At the same time, you can clearly see how much has been improved over the years,” says Ms Nitzschke-Mader.
She has worked at Antoniushaus for 18 years and has extensive, positive experience with Handi-Move:
“Another point that should not be overlooked is that Mr Menges from Handi-Move always responds very quickly, even when something unexpected comes up or something needs to be replaced. He is always friendly and approachable, and always looks for the best solutions for our residents and for us.”
Markus Reichenbach, Technical Manager at Antoniushaus, is also very satisfied. He has worked with Handi-Move for many years. The high quality of the equipment and the reliable service provided by Jürgen Menges and Augustin Mare of Handi-Move are particularly important to him, as they help ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly.
The new Active lift (model 2620) was here to stay
When the new Active patient lift (model 2620) was launched, Antoniushaus was one of the first care facilities where Mr Menges presented it. Ms Kremser tested the lift:
“We used it to help a resident weighing around 120 kg into a standing position. It worked so well that we immediately wanted to keep the Active hoist, and we were allowed to! Residents stand very securely in it and feel comfortable. The sling does not hurt under the arms, and the entire movement is more comfortable.
“The new slings with hook-and-loop fastenings are also extremely practical.”
A new Active patient lift (model 2620) was subsequently ordered for the main building as well.
A valuable insight and a heartfelt thank-you
Handi-Move sales partner Jürgen Menges would like to thank Ms Nitzschke-Mader, Ms Kremser and, in particular, residents Maria Gratzki and Frank Kögler for taking so much time for us. A friendlier or more open welcome would be hard to imagine. We look forward to many more years of working together.
From left to right: Larissa Kremser, Antoniushaus; Jürgen Menges, Handi-Move; Augustin Mare, Handi-Move; Birgit Nitzschke-Mader, Head of Haus Franziska; and Frank Kögler, resident at Haus Franziska.
Larissa Kremser with resident Maria Gratzki.