“The Handi-Move ceiling lift speaks for itself”

Thirty years ago, Dany Van Cutsem broke his neck in a car accident and ended up in a wheelchair. All these years, his wife, Janick De Saedeleer, had been lifting him manually from his wheelchair into bed, onto the toilet and into the shower. Following further surgery on his hip, a permanent lifting solution was needed. Google provided the answer: a patient lift. Enter Handi-Move.

Testing

Janick De Saedeleer: “Lifting systems were uncharted territory for us. After seeing photos online, we contacted Handi-Move to find out whether such a lifting system would also be the best solution for Dany. We then tested a number of hoists at the showroom in Ninove. The ceiling rail system with a ceiling-mounted motor and Body Support emerged as the most suitable option.”

Made to measure

“Handi-Move then came to our home to assess whether any modifications to the property were needed. We’ve fully adapted the house to Dany’s needs, including furniture and appliances at the right height, and a passenger lift to the first floor. After 30 years, we know better than the architect how our house needs to be adapted,” laughs Janick. “A Handi-Move rail system is now fitted to the ceilings of the bedroom and the bathroom. Wim Vanbiervliet from Handi-Move designed that ceiling system specifically for us and closely supervised all the details during the installation.”

Electric traverse rail

Wim Vanbiervliet: “In Dany and Janick’s specific situation, a rail system with an electric traverse and connector proved to be the ideal solution. This enabled Dany to move around anywhere in the room. Combined with the ceiling motor and the Body Support, Dany can move around both independently and with Janick’s assistance. When assessing a home, we always recommend the lifting system that best suits the client. And we also support them throughout the course of the work. I went to take measurements twice to make sure the walls hadn’t been built too high.”

Quickly accustomed

Dany Van Cutsem: “After a few months, I’d already got used to being lifted with the Body Support and the ceiling-mounted motor. The system is intuitive to use, and it feels very safe. The hoist works quickly and the Body Support is very hygienic. Janick helps me with transfers and personal care. We’re done in the bathroom in half an hour. We work it out together! It gives me a sense of freedom that I want to hold on to for as long as possible.”