Frequently Asked Questions
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GENERAL:
Are lifts covered under Medicare?
Medicare considers electric lifts to be a luxury and therefore only manual/hydraulic lifts such as the Genesis 400H qualify for a 15-month capped rental reimbursement.
Can an Apexlift lift a person from the floor?
Yes, all of our lifts are designed with a low profile to allow for safe and easy lifting from the floor. Not all lift manufacturers can state this.
How do I know which lift will work best for my situation?
Several factors must be considered before selecting the best lift. Weight of the patient and any special physical conditions such as muscle control and upper body strength levels are important determinants. Also what type of lifting tasks are required and are there space limitations? Our experts can assist in selecting your best lift solution.
What is the difference between a floor lift and a stand assist lift?
Floor or total lifts are used when patients cannot bear weight on their legs and can offer minimal assistance during the lift and transfer (more dependent). These lifts are also used when transferring a patient from room to room. Stand assist lifts are used for pivot transfers from a bed to chair or commode and vice versa. Stand assist lifts are only advised for patients that can bear weight on at least one leg and have some upper body strength (less dependent).
Why is the number of points on the spreader bar important?
We use 6-point spreader bar attachments because we believe that 6 connecting points to the spreader bar is safer than traditional 2 or 4 point hookups. In addition with our 6 point system the patient girth is spread over a wider area ultimately allowing for a much more comfortable lifting experience.
Should the casters be locked during the lift process?
It varies by lift type. The casters should be unlocked when using standard lifts in order for the lift to move slightly during lifting to maintain perfect patient balance over the base. This is a safety precaution. Conversely it is recommended that casters be locked while lifting a resident with a stand assist lift.
Is it ok if we occasionally lift someone who is slightly heavier than the safe working load limit?
No. Never lift someone if his or her weight is in excess of the stated safe working load limit!
Genesis 400 Series Lifts
What makes this lift so unique?
There are several features that are unique:
- No tools required assembly
- May be quickly converted from hydraulic to electric
- Dealers can bill Medicare for the 400H and cash sale the 400K Electric Kit
- Light enough to fit in the trunk of a car
- Ships with a free high quality universal sling
- The 400E Electric has the lowest MSRP in the industry
STELLA STAND ASSIST LIFTS:
What is this lift used for?
A stand assist lift is used to pivot transfer a patient from the edge of the bed to a chair or commode and vice versa. It reduces back injuries to caregivers because they no longer have to bend over and pull the patient up.
Can it be used on any patient?
No. The patient must have some upper body strength to hold on and grasp the lift handles. They also must be capable of bearing weight on at least one leg.
Why not just use a regular lift?
Using a stand assist lifts allows for faster transfers of patients versus traditional lifts. In addition weight bearing and standing prevent bone loss and strengthens muscles. Involving the resident in the process promotes overall health.
Some patients with larger mid sections have difficulty using these lifts?
In these situations we recommend the use of the Apex Buttock Strap along with the standard sling to assist with the initial lift. A toileting sling on a stand assist lift can also be very helpful with residents who have sensitive back pain issues.
Isn’t this lift just for nursing homes?
In the past the price of such lifts made it difficult for people to buy for their homes. Plus competitive lifts often are complicated and difficult to operate. The Stella stand assist lift is very affordable and easy to operate therefore many people now can have the benefit of this type of lift at home.
BRIANA BEDSIDE LIFT:
When should this lift be considered?
The Briana is designed for limited space where floor lifts will not maneuver in confined areas. Because the lift sits alongside and behind the bed it takes up little if any floor space and the boom swings out of the way when not in use. Alternative ceiling lifts are permanently installed and much more expensive than the Briana.
Can the Briana be moved?
The lift itself may be moved slightly while in place on its caster system to achieve proper positioning. However the lift is not designed to be mobile and must be disassembled prior to being moved. There are no tools required for assembly or disassembly.
ALTON TUB LIFT:
What is the purpose of this lift?
Traditional floor lifts do not allow for the pivot of a patient over the edge of a tub and into the water safely. Ceiling lifts are an expensive and permanent alternative. The Alton lift allows for easy tub transfers from a chair and takes up very little space. The Alton is also much less expensive than other lift alternatives.
Will the Alton work with all types of tubs?
The Alton is designed with a variable position cross brace that not only works with traditional tubs but fits most special shaped tubs or spas as well.
Does the installation require drilling or modifying my tub?
No. The Alton rests on its own caster system and requires no holes or room modifications for a safe installation.
Will water cause a problem with the motor mechanism?
No. The motor and control components are completely sealed and water proof.
SLINGS:
How do I select the proper sling?
Do not underestimate the importance of correct sling selection. Patient weight, height and special physical conditions all are key factors. In addition the type of lifting tasks planned will have a bearing on which sling to use. Call our experts for assistance with this important process. Proper sling selection is critical in assuring a safe and comfortable lift.
What is the difference between a universal sling and a full body sling?
A universal sling has a “U” shape and split leg design. This style is much easier to apply when patients are in a chair or bed. A full body sling requires much more effort and patient movement in order to apply or take off the sling. Both will provide a safe lift however.
When should a mesh sling be used?
Mesh slings are excellent for bathing applications because they dry quickly. Also when patients may remain in the sling after transfer mesh slings allow breath ability and are lighter than full fabric slings.
Which sling is best for amputee patients?
The padded hammock sling is best because of its overall comfort and the fact it eliminates pressure points found with other sling styles.
Which sling is best when a patient has limited upper body and/ or head control?
Apex has mesh and padded fabric slings available with full head support for situations such as this.
What is the advantage to having 6 sling loops versus 2 or 4?
The more loops attached to the lift the safer the lift will be. In addition a 6-point hook up spreads the girth of the patient out rather than squeezing them into a smaller area. This makes for a far more comfortable lifting experience.
Why is the Apex Sani sling the best option for toileting?
Unlike other toileting slings the Apex Sani is not just a sling with a hole cut in it. This sling is specially designed with lumbar and under arm padding for comfortable lifting. More importantly the entire perineal area is exposed to allow for easier clothing adjustments. Patients prefer the dignity such a sling provides and caregivers find them much easier to work with.
How is the Apex Stand Assist sling superior to other such slings?
This sling has been designed with extra lumbar and under arm padding. The wide back has a non-slip inner material to stop the sling from riding up. Cross belt padding increases the comfort level. The sling also has a unique cross over black strap which keeps the sling perfectly positioned during the lift. Also our slings are made in four custom sizes for best fit whereas most competitors offer a one size fits all. Professional caregivers agree that this is a superior stand assist sling to eliminate injuries found when competitive belt type slings are used.
What does Invacare compatible mean?
These slings are made to the same weight, size, color and specifications as the Invacare brand and are safe to use on Invacare or other types of lifts providing they are used in accordance with the user instructions provided. Apex has priced these slings to save you money!
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