“Portable ceiling lifts as a hallmark of quality in care facilities”

Mobile patient lifts are used in many care facilities to support care staff. When this testimonial was recorded, the “Haus zum Fels” residential care home in Heilbronn had been open for one year. Its care concept incorporated a range of innovative features designed to provide high standards of quality while remaining cost-effective.

These included the installation of a Handi-Move ceiling track system for portable ceiling lifts in each of the home’s 87 residents’ rooms and in one assisted bathroom.

Making mobilisation easier

Transfers from the bed to a wheelchair or shower chair, as well as transfers to the bathroom for washing, showering and toileting, can now be carried out more quickly and comfortably.

The holistic care concept at “Haus zum Fels” aims to help residents out of bed whenever possible, enabling them to participate in daily life. The simple and straightforward operation of the portable ceiling lifts makes this easier for care staff and encourages them to mobilise residents more frequently.

The system is a distinctive feature of the care home and is appreciated by residents, care staff and management alike. The German statutory accident insurance association, which had recently visited the facility, also regarded it as a valuable form of support.

Frank Becker, Manager of the care home, explains:

“Compared with mobile hoists, ceiling lift systems offer many advantages that support high-quality, safe and time-efficient working practices. They make it easier to work in residents’ rooms while taking up virtually no floor space."

“There is no longer a mobile hoist positioned between the resident and the caregiver operating it. During a transfer, the caregiver can stand in front of the resident and guide them safely with their hands.

“This ensures that both eye contact and direct physical contact can be maintained throughout the transfer, providing additional physical and emotional reassurance. Mobile hoists no longer obstruct corridors, rooms or assisted bathrooms, nor do they take up valuable space. Potentially hazardous obstacles are therefore eliminated.”

Ms Herth, Head of Nursing, and her colleagues are equally pleased. The ceiling lifts not only save time and physical effort; they also enable the care team to maintain a closer connection with the people they care for during transfers.

One compact motor for multiple care areas

The rail configurations of Handi-Move ceiling lift systems can be tailored precisely to the layout of the building and the care requirements of its residents. The tracks can reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible to a mobile hoist. They can also incorporate curves and changes of direction using points and traverse rails. The track system can even cross doorways, while wall-mounted installations are also possible.

When combined with portable ceiling lifts, these track systems are particularly cost-effective because a single motor can be used with several different rail systems. The compact, easy-to-handle motor weighs only 8 kg. It can be moved quickly and easily from one location to another, hooked into the track and put into use immediately.

During the planning stage for “Haus zum Fels” in Heilbronn, the management team worked closely with Jürgen Menges, its regional Handi-Move partner, to develop the most appropriate solution.

The experience of Handi-Move’s partners, together with the quality of its products and services, has proved invaluable.

From left to right: Frank Becker, Manager of “Haus zum Fels”; Jürgen Menges and Jan Scheuermann, members of the local Handi-Move team. From the initial consultation and installation to user training and ongoing service, Handi-Move customers have their own dedicated point of contact.