Hoist and transfer equipment in Australia

Safe Transfers at Home Start with the Right Equipment and the Right Assessment

When someone can no longer stand or transfer independently, the risk of injury is real for both the person and their carers. Manual lifting causes back injuries, skin tears, and falls. The right hoist or transfer system removes that risk and makes transfers safer, more dignified, and less physically demanding for everyone involved.

But hoists are not something you buy off a shelf. The wrong hoist, the wrong sling, or poor installation can be dangerous. A ceiling hoist needs structural assessment of your ceiling. A mobile hoist needs enough floor space to manoeuvre. A sling must be correctly sized and matched to the person’s body shape, posture, and skin integrity.

Through Carevo, you can connect with hoist and transfer equipment providers in Australia who handle the full process: assessment, prescription, supply, installation, and carer training.

Why Professional Assessment is Non-Negotiable

Hoist and transfer equipment requires clinical assessment by a qualified occupational therapist or physiotherapist. This is not optional. It is a safety requirement and a funding requirement. The assessment covers:

• The person’s physical presentation. Weight, height, trunk control, limb function, skin integrity, and any postural asymmetries that affect sling selection.
• The transfer tasks. Bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to toilet, wheelchair to shower, car transfers. Each transfer may need different equipment.
• The home environment. Ceiling strength for ceiling hoists, floor space for mobile hoists, doorway widths, bathroom layout, and bedroom configuration.
• The carers. How many carers are available, their physical capacity, and their training needs. Single-carer hoisting requires different equipment from two-carer setups.

Types of Hoist and Transfer Equipment

Providers through Carevo assess, supply, and install the full range of transfer equipment.

Ceiling Hoists (Fixed Track) Permanently installed tracks mounted to the ceiling, with a motorised lift unit that runs along the track. Ceiling hoists are the safest and most space-efficient option for regular transfers. A structural assessment of the ceiling is required before installation. Tracks can run from bed to bathroom, covering multiple transfer points.

Portable Ceiling Hoists Temporary track systems that can be installed and removed without permanent structural changes. Suitable for rental properties or situations where a permanent installation is not possible.

Mobile Floor Hoists Freestanding hoists on wheels that can be moved between rooms. They require more floor space than ceiling hoists and need two carers for safe operation in most cases. Mobile hoists are a good option when ceiling installation is not feasible or when the hoist is needed across multiple locations in the home.

Sit-to-Stand Hoists (Sara Lifts) For people who have some standing ability but cannot stand independently. These hoists support a person from seated to standing position and can assist with transfers between surfaces. They require the person to bear some weight through their legs.

Slings Every hoist needs a sling matched to the person. Universal slings, toileting slings, hygiene slings, and amputee slings all serve different purposes. Sling fitting is a clinical skill. An incorrectly sized sling causes pressure injuries, discomfort, and can be unsafe during transfers.

Transfer Boards and Slide Sheets For people who can assist with transfers but need reduced friction or a bridging surface. Transfer boards bridge the gap between two surfaces (bed to wheelchair). Slide sheets reduce friction for repositioning in bed. These are lower-tech solutions that still require professional assessment for safe use.

The Installation and Training Process

1. Clinical assessment. An OT or physiotherapist assesses the person and the home environment.
2. Equipment prescription. The therapist specifies the hoist type, model, sling type and size, and any structural requirements.
3. Structural assessment. For ceiling hoists, an installer inspects the ceiling to confirm it can support the load. Engineering certification may be required.
4. Installation. Qualified technicians install the equipment. For ceiling hoists, this typically takes one day.
5. Sling fitting. The therapist fits and adjusts the sling with the person in the hoist.
6. Carer training. All carers (family and paid) are trained in safe hoist operation, sling application, and emergency procedures.
7. Follow-up review. The therapist reviews the setup after a trial period to confirm it is working safely.

Funding Your Hoist and Transfer Equipment

Hoists are high-cost assistive technology items with well-established funding pathways.

• NDIS Assistive Technology: Hoists are funded under NDIS AT supports. An AT assessment report from a qualified therapist is required. Complex or high-cost items may need NDIA approval.
• Support at Home (AT-HM scheme): For older Australians, assistive technology and home modifications are funded through the AT-HM scheme within the Support at Home program. The scheme has three tiers: Tier 1 (low-cost supports) up to $500 per year, Tier 2 (medium-cost supports) up to $2,000 per year, and Tier 3 (high-cost or complex supports, including major home modifications and high-cost assistive technology) up to $15,000. A ceiling hoist and major installation would generally sit in Tier 3. Where assessed needs exceed $15,000, additional funding can be requested with clinical or professional evidence through a support plan review.
• DVA: Eligible veterans can access hoist equipment through DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program.
• State Equipment Programs: Programs like SWEP (Victoria) and EnableNSW provide hoist equipment for eligible applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a ceiling hoist be installed in a rental property? Portable track systems can be installed and removed without permanent structural changes, making them suitable for rentals. Some landlords will also consent to permanent installation, particularly for NDIS participants with long-term tenancies. Your provider can discuss options with your landlord.

How much weight can a hoist support? Standard ceiling hoists support 150kg to 200kg. Bariatric hoists are available for higher weight capacities, typically up to 300kg or more. Your therapist will specify the correct weight rating during assessment.

Do I need two carers to operate a hoist? Ceiling hoists can often be operated safely by a single carer, depending on the person’s presentation and the type of sling used. Mobile floor hoists generally require two carers. Your OT will specify the minimum carer requirement as part of the assessment.

How long does installation take? A ceiling hoist installation typically takes one day for a standard single-room track. Multi-room tracks or complex installations may take two days. Mobile hoists and transfer equipment require no installation.

Related Assistive Technology Services

Hoist and transfer equipment is often prescribed alongside bed and pressure care equipment, specialist seating for wheelchair users, and home modifications such as bathroom adaptations and doorway widening. A comprehensive assistive technology assessment can identify all your transfer and mobility needs in one visit.

Find a Hoist and Transfer Equipment Provider in Australia

Get matched with someone who can help with hoist and transfer equipment For a free, no-obligation discussion about hoist and transfer equipment in Australia.