A Guide to Transfer Equipment: Understanding Hoists, Standing Aids and Transfer Boards

When a loved one comes home from hospital with a new piece of moving and handling equipment, it can feel a little daunting. You might be told that they need a hoist, a standing aid or a transfer board, without having much time to understand what it does or why it has been recommended.

You may wonder whether your relative will always need the equipment, whether it means they have lost their ability to stand, or whether there is anything you can do to help them regain their mobility.

The good news is that transfer equipment comes in many different forms, each designed to support people with different levels of mobility, strength and independence. Some equipment provides almost all the support needed to move someone safely, while other devices encourage a person to stand, take an active role in their transfer and practise movements that may help maintain or improve their function.

At Physio at Home, we regularly support people who are recovering following a hospital admission, managing a long-term condition or experiencing a gradual reduction in mobility. Understanding the equipment being used can help families feel more confident, recognise when something may need reviewing and support their loved one to remain as active as is safely possible.

This guide explains the main types of transfer equipment you may encounter at home, what they are designed to do and what to consider when using them.

1. Full-body hoists: When someone cannot stand safely

A mobile hoist is commonly used when a person cannot stand or take enough weight through their legs to transfer safely. It uses a lifting mechanism and a specially designed sling to support the person as they are moved, for example, from a bed into a chair, wheelchair or commode.

One commonly used model is the Oxford Midi 180 Classic Lift. Mobile hoists have a wheeled base that can be positioned around the bed, chair or other transfer surface. The sling is attached to the hoist, and the lifting mechanism raises and lowers the person in a controlled manner. The hoist is designed to do the lifting, so the person does not need to be able to stand up themselves.

Depending on their abilities, they may still be able to assist with positioning, holding their head up or following instructions.

For someone who has very limited mobility, a hoist can be essential. It can enable them to get out of bed, sit in a comfortable chair, spend time with family and participate in everyday activities that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. It can also help carers carry out transfers without manually lifting the person's body weight.

However, using a hoist does not mean that movement and exercise are no longer important. When someone spends long periods in bed or sitting in a chair, they can gradually lose muscle strength, joint movement, balance and confidence. This is known as deconditioning. The amount of movement a person can safely manage will depend on their condition, but where possible, maintaining an appropriate exercise routine and encouraging participation in everyday activities can help preserve function.

A hoist and an exercise programme are not alternatives to one another. For some people, the hoist will remain the safest way to transfer while their physiotherapy focuses on maintaining joint range, muscle activity, sitting balance and any remaining ability to stand.

A hoist often needs two carers to operate safely.

Different types of hoist sling

The sling is just as important as the hoist itself. Different slings provide different levels of support, and the correct type depends on the person's posture, movement, comfort, skin condition and the transfer being performed.

Full-body slings

A full-body sling provides extensive support around the body and is often used for people who cannot stand or support themselves sufficiently during transfers. Depending on the design, it may support the head, trunk, pelvis and thighs. Many standard slings are removed after the transfer, once the person has been positioned safely in their chair or bed.

In-situ or leave-in slings

Some slings are designed to remain in place beneath the person while they are sitting or lying down. These can be helpful for people who require frequent hoisting, as the sling does not need to be removed and repositioned after every transfer.

Certain in-situ slings have additional padding or a design intended to improve comfort when sitting. However, not every sling is suitable for prolonged use beneath someone, and leaving a sling in place may increase the risk of pressure or skin damage if it is not designed for that purpose. The care plan and manufacturer's instructions should always be followed.

Toileting or access slings

Toileting slings are designed to provide access for personal care and toileting while the person is supported by the hoist. They generally leave more of the body accessible than a full-body sling, but this means they provide less support in some areas.

They are not suitable for everyone. A person may need sufficient trunk control, sitting balance and the ability to maintain a safe position within the sling. Their suitability must be assessed carefully, particularly if they have poor core strength, reduced awareness or difficulty maintaining their posture.

The sling must always be compatible with the hoist and appropriate for the particular person and transfer. A sling that looks similar to another may provide a very different level of support.

2. Ceiling-track and gantry hoists

A mobile hoist is not the only option for someone who needs full hoisting support. Some homes use a ceiling-track hoist, which travels along a track fitted to the ceiling, or a gantry hoist, which uses a freestanding frame to support the track.

These systems can be particularly useful when someone requires hoisting over the longer term. Because the lifting unit travels along a track, there is no need for a carer to push a mobile hoist across the floor. This can be especially helpful on carpet, in smaller rooms or where manoeuvring a mobile hoist is difficult.

Ceiling-track systems can also allow transfers between specific areas, such as a bed and a chair, or between a bedroom and an adjoining bathroom, depending on the track layout. A gantry may provide an alternative where permanent ceiling installation is not practical.

However, these systems are not suitable for every home or every person. The layout of the property, structural requirements, available space, transfer needs and the person's individual circumstances all need to be considered. An Occupational Therapist (OT) can assess the situation and advise whether a ceiling-track or gantry system is appropriate.

A ceiling track hoist can make things easier for carers and can, in some cases, reduce the need for a second carer, but this needs to be assessed and depends on the patient's ability.

3. Standing aids: Supporting someone who can still participate

Unlike a full-body hoist, a standing aid is designed for someone who retains some ability to participate in standing. Depending on the model, the person may need to push through their legs, hold a support handle, maintain some trunk control and follow instructions.

Standing aids can help someone move between a bed, chair or commode while allowing them to take a more active role in the transfer. They may also provide opportunities to practise standing as part of a rehabilitation programme.

It is important to understand that not everyone who can stand briefly is suitable for every standing aid. Some devices offer substantially more support than others, and the person's ability to bear weight, control their knees, maintain balance and tolerate standing must be assessed.

Stand aids often require two people, but can be operated with one care, this would need to be assessed on a person-by-person basis.

The Oxford Journey stand aid

The Oxford Journey Stand Aid is a commonly encountered standing aid in community care. It has a foot platform, knee support and handles that the person can hold while being assisted to rise from sitting. Once standing, the device can support a transfer to another seated surface.

It is often used when a person can participate in rising to stand but needs assistance and additional stability to do so safely. It can be particularly useful for routine transfers between a bed, chair and commode.

The Oxford Journey can be used with different types of sling, including standard and more supportive designs. The choice matters because the sling helps support the person's trunk during the transfer.

Standard standing slings

A standard standing sling provides support around the trunk, generally helping the person remain secure while they rise and during the transfer. The person still needs to contribute to the movement and be able to tolerate the demands of standing.

Oxford Deluxe Standing Sling

The Oxford Deluxe Standing Sling provides support around the person's trunk during assisted standing transfers. It is designed for people who can actively participate in standing, take some weight through their legs and maintain sufficient control of their lower limbs. Although the sling supports the upper body, it does not provide support beneath the thighs, so the person needs to contribute more actively to maintaining their standing position.

Oxford Deluxe Transport Sling

The Oxford Deluxe Transport Sling offers a greater level of support, with additional sections that support the thighs and help maintain the person's position during a transfer. This can make it more suitable for people who have reduced standing strength or stability and require additional assistance.

Although the transport sling provides more support than the standing sling, the person must still meet the requirements for using the standing aid safely. It is not a substitute for a full-body hoist when someone is unable to participate sufficiently in the transfer.

Choosing between these slings requires an individual assessment of the person's strength, weight-bearing ability, trunk control and overall safety during transfers. If someone is becoming increasingly reliant on the sling or experiencing pain, discomfort or pressure around the shoulders, legs or knees, their equipment and transfer technique should be reviewed.

The correct sling must be selected as part of the person's individual moving and handling assessment.

How do you know if a standing aid is suitable?

A standing aid should support a person's abilities rather than compensate for an inability to stand safely. If someone relies heavily on the sling, cannot maintain their position or is unable to bear sufficient weight through their legs, the equipment may not be appropriate.

Look out for signs such as bruising around the shins, pain or pressure around the shoulders, discomfort around the knees or feet, or repeated difficulty getting into a good standing position. These symptoms can have different causes, but they may indicate that the person's positioning, technique, sling or equipment needs reviewing.

A person who is unable to maintain safe foot placement or whose knees repeatedly buckle may need a different transfer method. Do not try to overcome these difficulties by pulling harder on the sling or asking the person to push through pain. Contact the professional responsible for the moving and handling assessment.

4. The Sara Stedy: Encouraging active transfers

The Arjo Sara Stedy is a non-powered sit-to-stand transfer aid. It is designed for people who can actively participate in rising from a chair, with assistance from a carer.

The person places their feet on the footplate, holds the handles and helps pull themselves up to standing while the carer provides assistance. Knee support helps stabilise the legs, and the device has a seat that can be positioned behind the person once they are standing. The seat supports them during the transfer to the next surface.

One advantage is that the person remains actively involved in the movement. This can make it useful for maintaining everyday function and supporting rehabilitation, provided the person has the necessary strength, balance, understanding and standing tolerance.

The seat flaps provide a supported sitting surface during the transfer, so the person does not need to remain standing throughout. The device can be particularly helpful when someone needs assistance to stand but does not require a full hoist.

Similar devices are available from other manufacturers, including more affordable alternatives that use a comparable design. However, the exact features, dimensions, weight limits and operating methods vary, so suitability must be checked for the individual rather than assumed from the appearance of the equipment.

Using the Sara Stedy for standing practice

When clinically appropriate, a Sara Stedy may also provide a stable base for supervised standing practice. For example, a physiotherapist or suitably trained carer may encourage the person to straighten their knees, bring their hips forward and achieve a more upright posture.

However, this should only be undertaken when the device's instructions and the person's care plan allow it. Applying the brakes does not remove the need for appropriate supervision or make every standing exercise safe. The person must not be encouraged to stand unsupported or perform exercises beyond their assessed abilities.

5. The Molift Raiser and Return transfer systems

Other devices, such as the Etac Molift Raiser Pro and the Return 7500i Transfer System, are designed to help people who can participate in a sit-to-stand transfer but require support and assistance.

These devices typically use a footplate, handles and a supportive frame or belt to help the person rise and remain stable while being transferred. The person must be able to contribute to standing and tolerate the physical demands of the movement.

Compared with a transfer method that involves a full-body hoist, these devices may allow more active participation and a greater opportunity to practise rising from sitting. This can be helpful for people who are working to maintain or regain their ability to stand.

What about the TurnSafe?

TurnSafe-style pivot transfer aids are designed to help a person turn through a short distance while remaining supported. They may be useful where space is limited and a person can stand sufficiently to participate in a pivot transfer.

Unlike wheeled standing transfer devices, a pivot aid does not allow movement, it just pivots on the spot. The person and carer must use it according to its intended method, and the carer may need to provide counter-support depending on the design.

It is essential to check the manufacturer's instructions and the person's assessment before using a pivot aid. It is not suitable for someone who cannot bear weight safely, cannot maintain their balance or needs more support than the device provides. Body weight, the carer's ability to assist and the available space also need to be considered.

6. The Sara Plus: A more active standing and rehabilitation aid

The Arjo Sara Plus is a powered standing and raising aid designed for people who can participate in transfers but need additional assistance and support.

It includes upper-body support, knee support and a sling designed for use with the device.

Depending on the person's abilities and the equipment configuration, it can support sit-to-stand transfers and more active rehabilitation activities, including stepping and gait training.

The Sara Plus may be useful for people who need more support than a non-powered standing aid provides but can still participate in standing and movement. It is often encountered in hospital and rehabilitation settings.

It is important to distinguish it from a full-body hoist. Although it provides powered assistance, it is intended to encourage active participation rather than simply lifting a person who cannot stand. A suitable assessment is needed to establish whether the person can safely use it and which activities are appropriate.

These are more often found in hospitals and not common in people's homes

7. The Cricket transfer aid

The Helping Hand Cricket Transfer and Transport Aid is a manual transfer device designed to help someone move between a bed, chair or toilet while remaining supported in a seated or semi-upright position.

It can be useful for people who find standing transfers difficult but can briefly raise themselves into a more upright position and then sit again. The Cricket supports short transfers without requiring the person to walk between surfaces.

The device is compact and can be helpful where space is limited. It also allows the person to participate in the transfer rather than being lifted entirely passively.

However, it is not suitable for everyone. The person needs to be able to achieve the required position and participate in the movement, and the device must be used in accordance with its instructions. A person who cannot maintain a safe posture or cannot perform the required movement may need a different transfer method.

Although the Cricket is less commonly encountered in some care settings, it remains an option worth discussing with an OT or moving and handling professional when conventional standing aids are unsuitable.

8. Transfer boards and banana boards

A transfer board, sometimes called a sliding board, provides a bridge between two surfaces so that a person can move across without having to stand. A banana board is a curved type of transfer board that may help guide movement around obstacles or between surfaces positioned at an angle.

These boards are often used by wheelchair users and may be particularly helpful for some people with lower-limb weakness or amputations, provided they have the necessary sitting balance and upper-body ability.

The person generally needs to be able to sit upright, lean safely to one side to position the board, and use their arms and trunk to help slide or shuffle across. The surfaces must be stable and positioned at suitable heights, and the board must be placed securely.

Benefits of transfer boards

• Promote independence: Some people can complete transfers with little assistance once they have learned the technique.

• Reduce the need to stand: They can help people who cannot safely take weight through their legs.

• Support wheelchair transfers: They can be useful for moving between a wheelchair and a bed, commode or suitable chair.

• Reduce manual handling demands: When used correctly, they can reduce the amount of lifting required from a carer.

A transfer board is not simply placed between two surfaces and used without further consideration. The person needs to be able to control their sitting position and participate in the transfer. Poor sitting balance, weak arms, fragile skin, large differences in surface height or an unsuitable gap can make a board unsafe.

Some people may be able to use a board independently, while others require assistance from a trained carer. A physiotherapist or OT should assess the technique and suitability before it is used at home.

You can explore different transfer boards and banana boards at Essential Aids.

9. Why the right equipment can change over time

One of the most important things for families to understand is that a person's transfer needs are not necessarily fixed.

Someone may leave hospital requiring a full hoist because they are recovering from a major operation, have been unwell for a prolonged period or cannot initially stand safely. As their strength, confidence and mobility improve, they may progress to a standing aid or another transfer method.

This is particularly relevant following a hospital admission, when people may be discharged while still recovering and may continue to improve once they are back in familiar surroundings. Even small improvements in sitting balance, leg strength, endurance and confidence can make a difference.

The reverse can also happen. A person who has previously managed with a standing aid may become weaker or less able to participate following an illness, a fall, an injury or progression of an underlying condition. Equipment that was suitable a few months ago may no longer provide enough support.

A sudden deterioration should not automatically be attributed to ageing or an existing condition. An acute illness, including an infection, can cause a marked change in strength, mobility, alertness or ability to stand. New or sudden deterioration should be reported promptly to the appropriate healthcare professional so that the cause can be assessed.

When should equipment be reviewed?

It is worth requesting a review if:

• The person can no longer participate in the transfer as they previously did.

• They are becoming stronger or more independent and may be ready for a different approach.

• They experience pain, bruising, skin damage or pressure from the sling or equipment.

• Their knees buckle, their feet cannot be positioned safely, or they struggle to maintain their posture.

• Transfers are becoming increasingly difficult, prolonged or distressing.

• Their health, weight, cognition or ability to follow instructions has changed.

• The equipment no longer fits the room or works effectively with the furniture.

Do not change the equipment or transfer technique independently simply because the person's ability appears to have improved or deteriorated. Contact the professional or service responsible for the assessment so that the equipment and care plan can be reviewed safely.

10. Who should you contact if you have concerns?

In many cases, equipment is supplied following an assessment by an Occupational Therapist, physiotherapist or another moving and handling professional. In the community, this may be through the NHS or a local equipment service.

If you have concerns about the equipment, the sling, your relative's comfort or their ability to participate in transfers, contact the professional or service that provided it. They can advise whether a reassessment is needed and whether the current equipment remains appropriate.

Care workers should receive appropriate training in the equipment they are expected to use, and carers should follow the agreed moving and handling plan. Family members should not be expected to improvise a transfer or use equipment they have not been shown how to operate safely.

The Health and Safety Executive provides further information about moving and handling equipment in health and social care.

Riser-recliner chairs

A riser-recliner chair can be helpful for people who are weaker or struggle to stand from a seated position. The powered rising function gently tilts and raises the seat, helping the person get to their feet and making transfers with standing aids easier. It can be particularly useful during rehabilitation, allowing someone to practise standing when they might otherwise struggle.

However, it is important not to rely on the rising function unnecessarily. If someone is able to stand safely from a lower seat, practising this can encourage greater muscle activation and help build leg strength over time. The aim is to use the chair's assistance appropriately, promoting independence and strength while maintaining safety. But these chairs can be a huge help for someone coming out of hospital that might be using the standing equipment and just need a bit of extra support. They are also good for managing swelling, allowing the legs to be elevated more.

The key message: Equipment should support the person, not limit their potential

Transfer equipment can be essential in helping someone remain safe, comfortable and involved in everyday life. For a person who cannot stand, a full-body hoist may be the best way to get out of bed and spend time with family. For someone who retains some standing ability, a standing aid may provide the support they need while allowing them to remain active. For others, a transfer board may offer a route to greater independence.

The most appropriate equipment depends on the individual, their abilities, their health and the environment in which they live. There is no single device that is right for everyone, and equipment should be reviewed as a person's needs change.

Where possible, it is important to encourage safe movement and participation alongside using the equipment. This might include an appropriate exercise programme, practising standing under supervision or simply encouraging the person to do as much as they safely can during everyday activities.

If you are concerned that your loved one's equipment is no longer suitable, or you are unsure how it should be used, seek advice from their physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or moving and handling team. A review can help ensure that the equipment continues to meet their needs while supporting comfort, safety and independence.

At Physio at Home, we support people across Mid Cornwall with rehabilitation, mobility and recovery at home. If you would like advice about maintaining mobility following a hospital stay or managing a change in physical function, please get in touch to discuss how we may be able to help. More information here https://www.physioathome.uk/