When people think about home accessibility, stair lifts and residential elevators often come to mind first. But for individuals who need help moving between a bed, wheelchair, toilet or shower, another solution can make a life-changing difference: an overhead lift system.
Aimee Ferrarell of Access Elevator, Inc. recently joined David Hochberg on WGN Radio 720 to discuss how ceiling-mounted and freestanding lift systems can support safer transfers, reduce the physical strain on caregivers and help people maintain greater independence at home.
Overhead Lifts Are Not Just for Older Adults
Overhead lift systems can benefit people of many ages and abilities, including older adults, children and adults with disabilities, wheelchair users, veterans, amputees and individuals with paraplegia.
These systems can be especially valuable for parents caring for a child with a disability. A transfer that was manageable when a child was younger can become more difficult as that child grows. Over time, lifting without the proper equipment may become unsafe for both the child and the caregiver.
An overhead lift can provide a safer, more sustainable way to complete these essential daily movements.
Making Everyday Transfers Safer
Transfers happen throughout the day. A person may need to move from a bed to a wheelchair, from a wheelchair to the toilet or into the shower.
Without the right equipment, each transfer can place significant physical strain on the caregiver and create a risk of injury for everyone involved.
Caregivers often have to bend, reach or lift from an awkward position. If the individual cannot assist with the movement, the caregiver may also be supporting most or all of that person’s weight. Over time, this can contribute to serious back and muscle injuries.
An overhead lift system helps support the user’s weight and provides a controlled method of transfer. This can improve safety, reduce caregiver strain and create a more comfortable experience for the person being moved.
It can also provide continuity of care. If a family’s only caregiver becomes injured and is unable to assist with transfers, even basic daily activities can become difficult or impossible. The right lift system can help reduce that risk.
Supporting Greater Independence
Overhead lifts are not limited to situations involving a caregiver. Depending on a person’s abilities and the equipment selected, some systems can be operated independently.
For example, a veteran who is an amputee or a person with paraplegia may be able to use an overhead lift to move between a wheelchair, bed and bathroom without direct assistance.
That added independence can improve privacy, confidence and quality of life.
Freestanding and Ceiling-Mounted Options
Overhead lift systems can be designed around the user’s needs, the home’s layout and the desired level of flexibility.
Freestanding Gantry Systems
A freestanding gantry system typically includes two supports with a rail positioned above the transfer area. Because it does not need to be permanently attached to the ceiling, it can be a practical option for use over a bed or in another designated space.
Freestanding systems may also be moved to a different room or taken to a new home, offering flexibility for families whose needs or living arrangements may change.
Ceiling-Mounted Track Systems
A ceiling-mounted system can provide a more customized transfer path. A track may be installed over a bed, through a doorway and into a bathroom, allowing the user to travel between the bedroom, toilet and shower.
These installations can be more involved, especially when tracks pass between rooms or require modifications around doorways. However, a carefully planned system can create a smooth and highly functional path through the areas where transfers happen most often.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Overhead lift systems are specialized pieces of accessibility equipment. The lift, track, mounting points and surrounding structure must all be appropriate for the user, the home and the expected load.
A licensed accessibility professional can evaluate the space, recommend suitable equipment and determine whether a freestanding or ceiling-mounted system is the better fit.
Professional installation also helps ensure that the system is securely positioned and operates as intended.
What Does an Overhead Lift System Cost?
The cost of an overhead lift system depends on the equipment, the distance covered, the home’s construction and the complexity of the installation.
During the WGN Radio interview, Aimee explained that a basic freestanding gantry system may start at approximately $7,000. More customized ceiling-track systems can exceed $20,000 or reach $30,000 and above when tracks extend between rooms or structural modifications are needed.
These figures are general estimates discussed during the interview and should not be considered a project quote. A professional in-home evaluation is the best way to determine the appropriate equipment and current cost for a specific space.
Finding the Right Accessibility Solution
Every person, caregiver and home is different. The best accessibility solution begins with understanding where transfers take place, how frequently assistance is needed and whether the user may be able to operate the equipment independently.
At Access Elevator, Inc., we help families explore solutions designed to improve safety, mobility and independence at home. From freestanding overhead lifts and ceiling-mounted track systems to stair lifts and residential elevators, our team can help identify the equipment that best supports your needs.
Contact Access Elevator, Inc. today to schedule a consultation and learn whether an overhead lift system is right for you or your family.