Every day, people with reduced mobility face challenges getting into bed or the bathtub. In many cases, they can only do so with support from caregivers. Since 1982, Handi-Move – a family-owned company based in Ninove, Belgium – has been committed to developing solutions that help people with reduced mobility master their everyday lives without external assistance.
At the touch of a button, users can raise themselves with the lift – for example, from a wheelchair into a swimming pool. Included: a drive from ebm-papst. (Video | Handi-Move)
A ceiling hoist for independent living
The best example of such solutions is the Handi-Move ceiling hoist with the SureHands body support system. The hoist dates back to 1982 when Handi-Move founder René Van Raemdock wanted to help a friend who is a wheelchair user. He developed the system in collaboration with a university research group. The hoist unit is attached to a ceiling track system. Suspended from the unit is the body support system that holds the user securely.
The special feature of the ceiling lift is that, depending on the extent to which the user’s mobility is restricted and their muscle strength, they can operate the hoist without support from caregivers. The body support system is positioned beneath the user’s arms and thighs. It can then be raised using a remote control and travels along the track system to where the user wants to go, where it is lowered.
Our ceiling hoist enables people to move freely – and independently of their caregivers.
Frank Peeters, Purchasing and Logistics at Handi-Move
Frank Peeters has worked in purchasing and logistics at Handi-Move for 29 years. He reports: “The combination of a ceiling hoist and body support system is our most important product because it enables people to move freely – and independently of their caregivers.” The company uses a motor from ebm-papst to operate the hoist reliably, safely and with minimal noise. The battery-powered DC motor BCI 6355 and a noiseless planetary gear raise and lower the hoist.
A unique system
As users can operate the hoist independently, it is especially popular for use in private homes. Another advantage is that the noiseless motor enables users to lift themselves as quietly as possible. This means they can also use the hoist at night without waking the other residents of the house. “The motor isn’t just very quiet. It also makes no unpleasant sounds that could disturb users,” says Peeters.
Since users depend on the products to master their everyday lives, durability plays an important role. “Our experience shows that the motor will run reliably for up to 15 years. That’s why we decided some time ago that, no matter how we develop the hoist in the future, the motor from ebm-papst is and will remain an integral component.”
How the lift works
Independent and safe
The most important feature for using the ceiling hoist independently is the mechanical emergency lower function that is required by law. Peeters explains: “In systems from other manufacturers, the emergency lower function normally has to be operated by the caregiver using a key. We wanted to do things differently and worked with ebm-papst to develop a mechanism that the user can activate themselves.”
Handi-Move has attached the emergency cord to the motor and placed it within the user’s reach. In the event of a medical or technical emergency, the user can pull the cord to lower the hoist to the nearest stable surface, where they can receive medical care. Thanks to this mechanism, users have the independent mobility they need in emergency situations as well.
Leave a comment