Transferring ALS Patients or Seniors: Is the Hoyer Lift the Only Option? Are There Better Alternatives?

As ALS progresses, many patients lose their ability to stand or support themselves, making daily transfers — such as from bed to wheelchair or to the toilet — increasingly challenging. A common concern among caregivers is:
“Is the Hoyer lift the only option? Are there newer, safer, or more practical alternatives for our home?”

Here’s a compilation of real-life experiences and recommendations from ALS families, caregivers, and verified product users to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs.

🚨 Summary of the Caregiver's Original Question:

“My wife can no longer stand, and her back is unstable. We’ve made a lot of home modifications and considered the Hoyer lift, but it still feels outdated and awkward. Are there any better solutions for safely transferring her between bed and chair?”

👥 Suggestions & Experiences from Real Caregivers and Users

🛠️ 1. Hoyer Lift

• Shared Experience:

  “We borrowed a Hoyer lift from our ALS loan closet. A nurse helped us set up the sling, but when my husband tried lifting me, I almost slipped out! It scared us, and we returned the lift. But I know many others use it daily with great success. My advice: try it before deciding—it may work for you!”

• Pros & Cons:
  ✅ Often available for free loan from ALS organizations
  ⚠️ Sling type and correct setup are crucial to avoid accidents

🚠 2. Ceiling-Mounted Track Lifts (e.g., SureHands, Handicare)

• Shared Experience:

  “We installed a SureHands ceiling lift and use it daily to transfer from bed to wheelchair via remote control. It’s smooth and effortless. We also have a second one in the bathroom, just in case.”

• Pros & Cons:
  ✅ Very stable and easy to use
  ⚠️ Requires home installation and is more expensive

🏗️ 3. MoLift Freestanding Gantry Lift

• Shared Experience:

  “I purchased a MoLift gantry system — no need to modify the ceiling or walls, perfect for rentals. It works great with the Etac commode shower chair.”

• Pros & Cons:
  ✅ Portable, non-invasive, great for flexible spaces
  ⚠️ May require help during initial setup

♿ 4. Etac Swift Mobil Tilt-2 Shower/Commode Chair

• Shared Experience:

  “This chair tilts, which makes toileting and bathing much safer and easier. It works best when used with a lift system.”

• Pros & Cons:
  ✅ Multi-functional and adjustable
  ⚠️ Needs to be paired with a lift for transfers

↔️ 5. Transfer Boards (Slide Boards)

• Shared Experience:

  “Low-tech but effective. If the person still has upper body strength, a slide board can help move from bed to chair. Many ALS organizations offer them for loan.”

• Pros & Cons:
  ✅ Inexpensive and low-tech
  ⚠️ Not safe for patients with no upper body control or poor balance

🆕 6. Achairgo Transport Lift (SKU: AOPLYW07)

• Real Buyer Review:

  “This lift has been a lifesaver for my husband and me. My 93-year-old mom lives with us and is a fall risk. When one of us is away, this lift removes the fear of having to pick her up alone. The adjustable legs make it easy to move from room to room. The battery lasts a long time between charges. We’ve used it 6–7 times and feel very comfortable using it now.”

• Pros & Cons:
  ✅ Easy to use, sturdy, long battery life
  ✅ Ideal for solo caregivers or emergency use
  ⚠️ May require adequate floor space depending on the model
  

📹 Additional Learning Resources

• YouTube: Search for “Achairgo” and follow it.
  This channel shares practical videos from families' homecare, including demonstrations of lift use, transfer, and adaptive tools.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

🧠 Final Takeaways: Choosing the Right Transfer Tool

• ✅ Try before you buy – many organizations offer loaner programs

• ✅ Mix and match – often, a combo of lift + commode chair works best

• ✅ Slings matter – the wrong sling can make any lift feel unsafe

• ✅ Use video resources – channels like Achairgo's YouTube are incredibly helpful

❤️ A Note to Caregivers:

You are not alone in this journey. Each home and stage of illness has different needs. We hope this guide helps reduce some of the stress and trial-and-error as you find the right solution for your loved one. Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions — together, we can help each other navigate ALS care with more confidence. 🙏

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