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12 Helpful Devices to Lift the Elderly Off the Floor After a Fall

12 Helpful Devices to Lift the Elderly Off the Floor After a Fall

Lifting an elderly person off the floor after a fall improperly can cause additional injuries. Plus, how can seniors who are home alone get back up? These helpful devices lift elderly people off the floor after a fall and most can be used without needing caregiver assistance.
Helpful Devices To Lift The Elderly Off The Floor
Helpful Devices To Lift The Elderly Off The Floor
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Summary & Highlights

  1. Fall prevention, rather than fall recovery, is the best policy.
  2. Most of these fall-lifting devices may require caregiver assistance or need to be near the fall site to be used – always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
  3. Power-raising devices like the MAIDeSITe Electric Chair Lift, Raizer Chairs and the Mangar inflatable products are easier for seniors to use without caregiver assistance, but the more manual option will require significant upper body strength.

1. Electric Chair Lifts & Raising Chair Devices

Electric chair lifts and raising chairs are motor-operated lifting chairs to help fallen people reach an almost-standing position in just a few minutes. These chairs are generally battery-operated and the chairs Should be used with caregiver assistance for safety.

MAIDeSITe-Electric-Bath-Lift-product-fallPin

MAIDeSITe Electric Lift Chair

$399.85
as of 03/28/2024 6:01 pm

Here is a video of me demonstrating how to use the MAIDeSITe Electric Lift Chair to lift an elderly person off the floor to a seated position after a fall:

Fallen Senior? Lift Them Safely Using an Electric Lift


Here’s how to use an electric lift chair to help an elderly person get up after a fall:

  • First assess if they have any serious injuries before attempting to move them. Call 911 if needed.
  • If no major injury, bring the lightweight lift chair nearby and extend the transfer flaps out.
  • Carefully help the senior onto the middle of the lift chair and make sure they are balanced.
  • Use the hand controller to slowly raise the backrest and then lift the chair surface up.
  • Bring a regular chair or wheelchair next to the raised lift chair.
  • Assist the elderly person in transferring from the lift chair over to the regular chair.
  • Lower the lift chair back down and recharge it after use.
  • The lift chair provides a gentle, stable way to raise an elderly person up from the floor after a fall so they can be safely transferred to a regular chair or wheelchair. It helps avoid injury to caregivers from lifting.

In summary, the MAIDeSITe electric lift chair is a useful device that allows caregivers to safely lift an elderly person off the floor after a fall and transfer them to a regular chair without having to do any difficult manual lifting.

It works by gently raising the chair surface to bring the fallen senior to a height that allows for an easy transfer.

Patient Lift Device for Home, Elderly, Lift Chair for Seniors, Lift Assist Seat, Portable Lift Aid Safely helps lift Adults that Fall Get Up from Floor - Liftup Raizer MPin

Example: Raizer LiftUp Mobile Lifting Chair

from $2,299.00

Typically, these chairs have two parts – a seat and the backrest as separate device sections. The chair is assembled in place and under the user.

The seat is placed under the user’s knee and the backrest section of the device is placed under the back, where the backrest and seat snap together.

Once the seat and the backrest attach and secure together, a battery-operated motor raises the chair and the user to a standing posture.

This powered chair allows a single caregiver to safely and easily lift a patient from the floor, all with the touch of a button, to an upright seated position.

The most notable of these devices include the Raizer and Raizer II. Raizer and Raizer II are a line of raising chairs designed and made by Lift Up for seniors in falling scenarios.

Video: Using the Raizer Device to Lift an Elderly Person off the Floor at Home

Raizer for Private Users

Pros Of Using Raising Chairs For Lifting Seniors

  • Comfortable and safe to use
  • Portable
  • Users do not need to expend energy to use the product
  • Easy to set up
  • Cleaning-friendly

Cons Raising Chairs For Lifting Seniors

  • Requires assistance from caregivers to use
  • Seniors can only use the device on a hard surface
  • The lifting chairs are relatively heavy owing to the batteries and the motor system

2. Step Ladder Devices

This category of lift products is designed to gradually increase your height while sitting down without straining the back. Step ladders consist of several steps that make gradual lifting possible, with each step incrementally lifting the user’s height while seated.

After getting to the top step, the user then moves to a chair, wheelchair, or bed. Users simply slide back to get seated and recover from the fall when on the top step.

These products are designed with portability and ergonomics as crucial characteristics. As such, the step ladders can be moved anywhere needed. Crucially, seniors will find the device easy and comfortable to use.

Two of the best example of Step Ladder lifting devices include the ResQUp Self-Help Senior Lift and The Para Ladder Manual Lift (Model PL1000).

ResQUp Self Help Senior & Elderly Lift Fall Assist Device (Graystone)Pin

Example #1: ResQUp Self-Help Senior Lift

from $419.00

This series of steps allows seniors to gradually raise themselves back to a seated position from which they can stand up. Of course, they will need arm strength to do so.

Simple in design and function, the ResQUp Self-Help Senior Lift is a lightweight, portable, and easy-to-use lift ladder designed and optimized to meet senior citizens’ needs.

With no assembly necessary or complicated mechanisms, you can rely on the ResQUp lift ladder to help seniors under your care self-lift to a chair, bed, or wheelchair with ease and comfort.

The lift ladder allows individuals to self-lift using their hands or elbows without exerting their back and/or using a lot of leg strength. The slow, systematic, and gradual lifting process reduces the chances of aggravating any knocks one might have gotten upon falling.

Video: Using the ResQUp Device to Help a Senior Up at Home

ResQUp, In Home Fall Recovery

Pros Of The ResQUp Self-Help Senior Lift

  • A portable design that allows caregivers to take it anywhere in the house.
  • Fold up design gives the product a compact design for easy storage.
  • Perfect for lifting a person to a chair or bed and lowering the user to the floor.
  • Ergonomic design.
  • A shorter distance between the levels makes it easier to use if an individual does not have ample upper body strength.

Cons Of The ResQUp Self-Help Senior Lift

  • User exerts their upper body – the user needs ample upper body strength.
  • Impractical for seniors who live alone.
The Para Ladder Manual Lift (Model PL1000)Pin

Example 2: The Para Ladder Manual Lift (Model PL1000)

Durable steel constructed series of ladder steps that allow seniors to gently work themselves back to a seated height to transfer to other furniture and then stand.

The Para Ladder Manual Lift is a step ladder for fall recovery designed for people with a strong upper body. It has a three-level step ladder design and distinctive padded raised handles on either side of the ladder.

The raised ladder gives users more leverage for faster lifting. This assistive device’s raised handles make standing up after a fall a tad easier without enduring transfer-related injuries or exacerbating any injuries.

Moving the step ladder with a rigid yet lightweight aluminum frame is easy. Moreover, the device folds a compact size that reduces the space required for storage.

Pros Of The Para Ladder Manual Lift

  • Lightweight aluminum frame.
  • Collapsible design for compact storage.
  • Portable.
  • Ladder steps make it easy for users to rest while ascending.
  • Can use the device for both standing up and descending.

Cons Of The Para Ladder Manual Lift

  • It requires users to have enough upper body strength to use the product.
  • Difficult and sometimes impossible to use the living alone.

3. Mechanical Lifting System

Mechanical lifting systems are one of the easiest systems for older adults to use if they are alone when they fall. These systems use hydraulics and are usually electrically powered to lift the person off the floor.

Once the elderly person has ensured they have no injuries from their fall, they crawl or scoot over to the unit. Then they readjust themselves to a sitting position on the platform and activate the machine to lift them up.

The lift system is a good alternative if an elderly person does not have the arm strength needed to use the step ladder systems. As long as they can reach a seated posistion, the lift will do the rest of the work.

These systems will not lift them to a full standing position. They usually lift them 20 to 4 inches off of the floor. However, this height is usually enough to transfer to chair, couch, or mobility device.

Also, these lifting systems are larger and bulkier than other options. And, of course, they need to be readily available if a fall occurs. Some older adults may not want a piece of equipment like this in the living room, for example.

One of the most popular products in this category include the IndeeLift Human Floor Lift for Fall Recovery.

IndeeLift People Picker Upper | PPU 300 | Patient Lift – Lift Assist Device, Fall Recovery, Transfer Aid | Heavy-Duty Weight Capacity 300lb - Seat Can Be Raised 21" - Sit to Stand Electric Human LiftPin

Example: IndeeLift Human Floor Lift for Fall Recovery

from $1,295.00

This powered lifting device for the elderly works like a utility dolly with a powered raising seat. Designed to be used independently.

Pros Of Using A Lift System

  • Comfortable to use
  • Easy and straightforward to use
  • Most older adults can use the system independently
  • Versatile – they can help you get to a wheelchair, chair, bed, or even toilet.

Cons Of Mechanical Lifts

  • Large and bulky
  • Must be kept close to probable fall locations
  • Difficult to store

4. Inflatable Emergency Lifts

Inflatable emergency lifts are lifting assistive devices that use air-inflation methods and tools to lift a fallen person. The chairs are designed with internal rings for exceptional rigidity. Consequently, the devices are optimized to help seniors rise from a fall and sit down.

Using the device for lifting purposes involves moving the machine next to the individual, then rolling it under the senior, and positioning the device correctly. The final step is using an air compressor to inflate the chair to a seated level.

Among the best inflatable lifting chairs on the market include Mangar Elk Emergency Lift and the Mangar Camel Emergency Lift.

While the Camel and Elk use the same raising mechanism, the Camel offers extra support via its inflated backrest. The Camel’s backrest makes it easier for seniors to use the assistive device independently of caregivers.

Pros Of Inflatable Lifting Chairs

  • Encourages independent living, which is important for the elderly
  • Ample lifting capacity – it can lift a maximum load of about 320 kg from the floor
  • Suitable for use indoors and outdoors
  • Comfortable and easy to use
  • Reduces the strain on the legs and backs
  • Portable
  • Storage friendly as it uses little storage room

Cons Of Inflatable Lifting Chairs

  • Costly
  • Slow lifting process
ELK Lifting Cushion with Compressor 24.4 X 4.5 X 10.2 Inch MPCA070400 1 EachPin

Mangar Elk Inflatable Emergency Lifting Cushion

from $1,762.90

This series of inflatable cushions are battery-powered and slowly lift a fallen elderly person off of the floor. Can be operated by the senior or a caregiver.

Mangar Camel Emergency Lifting Portable Cushion for Elderly Adults - Comfortable, Relaxation, Lightweight, Inflatable Chair Fully WaterproofPin

Example #2: Mangar Camel Lift Inflatable Patient Lifter

from $2,850.00

This portable, battery-powered lifting device can be used anywhere by caregivers or independently. Features an inflatable back for maximum support.


5. Transfer Vest Fall Recovery

The transfer vest fall recovery device is designed to help caregivers lift the elderly more safely and comfortably. Vests, such as the Smart Lift and Lift Vest provide grab-points where the caregiver can lift the elderly safely.

Pros Of Transfer Vests

  • Reduces injury risks, mostly hand, arm, and shoulder injuries
  • Cost-effective assistive device
  • Aside from lifting seniors off the floor, these assistive devices are also used to transfer to the bed, chairs, toilet, and bathtub.

Cons Of Transfer Vest

  • Only usable in instances when caregivers are available. Its use necessitates the assistance of at least one caregiver or ideally, two.

6. Pull Up Hand Lifting Assists Standing Aid

The pull-up lifting standing aid is a handle-bar designed to help caregivers lift the elderly under their care safely without pulling or tugging their hands.

This assistive device has molded hand grips on opposite ends. So, the caregiver grabs one end of the device while the fallen person grabs the other end device, thereby allowing the caregiver to lifts them gradually and comfortably.

When lifting an older adult from a fall using this system, it eliminates painful and undignified pulling and tugging, uncomfortable underarm lifting, or tugging the shoulders or the arm.

Crucially, the caregiver provides the assistance needed without positioning the back of their elderly loved into an awkward position. Examples of the hand lifting assistive device include Lift Assists Standing Bar with No-Slip Grip Handles

OVIFM Lift Assists Standing Aid-Handicap Bar with None Slip Grip Handles, Portable Lift Aid to Transfer Elderly, Senior, Bariatric, Patient or Disabled Assists Caregiver or Nurse As Seen On TV -PurplePin

Example #1: Lift Assists Standing Aid-Handicap Bar

from $17.96

This portable lift device eliminates painful pulling and tugging on the arms and shoulders which can pull a caregiver off balance and cause injury to the senior. Use this device to safely exit chairs, recliners, sofas and cars and to provide additional assistance in bathroom settings.

With an intricate design, the Lift Assists Standing Aid-Handicap Bar provides caregivers and the elderly a comfortable, easy to use, and hygienic means of offering lifting aid. It comes with 4.3 inches non-slip ergonomic handles.

The lifting aid is manufactured using composite materials, giving it lightweight properties while retaining sturdiness and longevity. Crucially, it eliminates uncomfortable and painful tugging and pulling.

Pros

  • Can use in a wide range of environments
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Ergonomic and comfortable
  • Non-slip grip reduces chances of slippage

Cons

  • Seniors cannot use the device unassisted
  • The elderly need ample strength to use the device
Pull ME UP (Pull ME UP 2 Hands)Pin

Pull ME UP 2 Hands Lifting Device

$17.49
as of 03/28/2024 6:01 pm

The Pull ME UP has a simple oval shape with two non-slip grips on opposite ends for the elderly and the caregiver to use.

It has a simple design, and lightweight construction makes the device highly portable. The senior holds one end and the caregiver the other end. With the caregiver as the leverage, the elderly individual pulls themselves up.

Pros

  • Eliminates the squeezing and pulling of the arm or shoulder grasping
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Easy to use
  • Hygienic

Cons

  • The elderly must use their upper and lower body strength
  • Seniors in need of help cannot use this assistive device on their own

In Conclusion

Assisting the elderly get on their feet after a fall should not involve tugging and pulling. There is a myriad of lifting systems and methods that can aid the caregiver and the elder rise to the feet. Of course, the best thing to do is have a fall prevention program in place to reduce the chance of a fall.

Your choice of the assistive device and method will depend on your needs and circumstances. It is common for injuries (especially shoulder and back) to arise when caregivers lift the elderly without assistive devices.

Caregivers need to invest in an assistive device that helps lift an elderly from the floor without risking other injuries to negate such injuries.

Source:

https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

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Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

With over 20 years of experience and certifications as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®, Scott Grant provides reliable recommendations to help seniors maintain independence through informed product and service choices for safe, comfortable living.

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13 thoughts on “12 Helpful Devices to Lift the Elderly Off the Floor After a Fall”

  1. Phil Song

    I don’t know just how much that can help my mom especially when she’s home by herself , she’s falling a lot lately it’s got us all worried, and it’s expensive we don’t know which one is the best choice.

    • Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

      Hi Phil – thanks for your comment. The intention of this article is to provide help for caregivers who need to lift a fallen senior. The ladder devices can be used by a senior home alone as long as there is no serious injury that would keep them from accessing it. It’s tough to provide a product to help a senior who is alone when they fall because the equipment would need to be near them at all times. Since the bathroom is the most common place for falls, you may want to install handrails in the bathroom in multiple locations?!?

  2. Andy Harper

    $2000 is NOT affordable for someone on a fixed income!

    • Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

      Hi Andy – I understand – and share – your frustration with costs of some medical equipment. The best course of action of course is to prevent falls in the first place so that devices like these aren’t needed. But, if a senior falls and the caregiver doesn’t have the strength to lift them off the floor. These devices could be a life saver. – Scott

  3. Carolyn

    The costs of some of these devices are out of the range that most elderly can afford. Both the raizer and the inflatable lift are about $1,600 each. It’s hard to believe that similar devices couldn’t be manufactured at a fraction of that price. I don’t agree with the conclusion that there are a myriad of lifting systems available.

    • Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

      Hi Carolyn – Sorry for your disappointment. I, too, am disappointed that these devices cost as much as they do. But this is what I had to work with. You also should understand that due to the nature of these devices, there is some liability for the manufacturers so I am sure some of the cost is due to testing and development to make sure they are safe. The unfortunate reality is that anything considered a medical device is going to be more expensive than a non-medical equivalent.

  4. Tarrlita

    I bought a second hand bath lift chair and my mum can get herself up off the floor all by herself.

  5. Jill

    Good article. Hopefully someday someone comes up with an affordable idea for getting off the floor independently.

  6. Laura T.

    There are so many different fall situations. Seniors can greatly help themselves by developing upper body strength while they can and to the extent possible by focused physical training. I am 70 and I am currently exercising daily…something I never had much time to do while working, but now am motivated. I have fallen in different places, once in my rose garden, on some stairs in my yard and in the house. Exercising my core and my arms greatly helped me to get back up. I was completely alone when I experienced these falls. I know that I will never NOT exercise because it’s so important to my independence. It’s never too late to start. And weight-bearing exercises helps bone density too. Just do it!

  7. Shelby Olsen

    Some comments from Laura T. are good advice if you are a healthy senior. I have issues with my shoulders and I have respiratory issues. But, I am doing some small exercises. My husband, who does fall, however, has a replaced knee, bad shoulders, and diabetes which has debilitated his balance due to far advanced neuropathy. He has tried a few different stretching exercises and I do massage on his feet and legs; but it doesn’t seem to make much difference, When he falls, I have great difficulty picking him up because he is about 100 pounds heavier and a foot taller than me. Since he no longer can kneel without great agony, this is even more stressful.
    I think that some of these things could help us. I know that the electric lifts would be great, but they cost over 2,000 dollars. Medicare only covers them if someone is bedridden. I am going to investigate some of the other helps. We are low income, so we need to find something that we can afford. I appreciate your work on this article. There are so many different options here. Thank you!

  8. Bonnie T

    Thanks so much for your article. My son has been immobile for about 6 months and tries to get out of bed by himelf. Occassionally, he falls and he weighs to much for me to pick him up. I found your website and found the best solution for us. I think you provided alot of alternatives with good descriptions of pros/cons. We ended up with the MADEeSITE, ordered it and it works great for our needs. It’s fairly portable and while expensive, not as costly as some of the other alternatives. I appreciate not having to do this blindly and I didn’t have to return and try other products. Thanks!

    • Scott Grant

      Hi Bonnie! Thanks for sharing this incredible testimonial! I love getting feedback like this and knowing that my recommendations are making the differences in the lives of real people! The MAIDESitE is a great choice. –Scott

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