Evidence Based Practice Reviews

The purpose of this factsheet is to support service providers and tradespeople with regard to the installation of ceiling hoists in the homes of older adults and people with mobility impairment. It summarizes available information about the potential effectiveness of ceiling hoists when installed in a private home to assist with lifting and transferring tasks. It also provides information about personal and environmental characteristics to be considered to maximise the usability of ceiling hoists.

Changes in vision and colour perception usually start in the 20s and get worse with ageing. Most people over the age of 65 have age-related problems with vision and mobility which may affect their independence. Ageing eyes are slower to adapt to changes in light and often more light is required to identify objects. People with Alzheimer’s disease often have added difficulties. Research suggests that the effective use of colour is one strategy that can be used to assist the visually-impaired person to be independent.

This checklist should be read in conjunction with the HMinfo Clearinghouse document “Industry Factsheet: Using colour and colour contrasts to improve accessibility and safety in the homes of elderly and visually impaired people”

This consumer factsheet aims to assist people in looking at the effectiveness of ceiling hoists and the benefits over other handling methods in lifting and transferring people with physical disabilities. This factsheet may assist with the decision-making of potential users in selecting a safe and effective transfer method. This factsheet was written from the evidnce based research paper, "The Effectiveness of Ceiling Hoists in Transferring People with Disabilities," also available on the www.homemods.info website.