Getting a bariatric patient out of bed can seem like a simple equipment question. In reality, it depends on far more than weight capacity.
Can the patient stand? Do they require hoisting? Can they tolerate a conventional transfer? What postural or pressure support will they need once seated? And how will they access toileting and hygiene?
The right bariatric equipment will be different for every patient. These are some of the key questions to consider.
Can the patient stand and transfer?
For patients who are able to stand and actively participate in transfers, the Bariatric Orlando provides supportive clinical seating with a stand-assist function to help facilitate sit-to-stand movement.
This can support patients who retain some standing ability but need additional assistance to transfer more safely and with greater control.
With a safe working load of up to 450 kg, the Bariatric Orlando is available to trial, hire or buy.
Does the patient require hoisting?
For patients who require hoisting in and out of their chair, the Bariatric Sorrento provides specialist clinical seating with integrated postural and pressure management features.
With a safe working load of up to 450 kg, it is designed for patients who need greater support with transfers and positioning, while also providing a more supportive seating environment for extended periods out of bed.
Does the patient need significant postural or pressure support?
Once the patient is out of bed, the next consideration is whether they can be positioned safely and comfortably when sitting.
The Bariatric Sorrento and Sydney GoFlat PLUS provide options for patients who require greater postural support, pressure management or additional seating space.
For patients who may spend extended periods out of bed, appropriate seating can help support positioning, comfort and pressure redistribution throughout the day.
Can the patient tolerate conventional hoisting?
Not every patient can comfortably or safely tolerate a conventional sling transfer, particularly where mobility, body shape, pain or positioning needs make standard transfer methods difficult.
The Sydney GoFlat PLUS provides an alternative by allowing the patient to move from a fully flat position into supported sitting within the chair.
For patients with more complex transfer or positioning needs, this can help reduce the need for a conventional seated transfer while still providing a supportive seating solution once upright.
Can the patient stand but needs help to transfer?
For patients who can weight-bear and actively participate in a transfer, but need additional assistance to move safely from sitting to standing, the Lopital Lotus XL Stand Up Aid can provide valuable support.
Designed to assist with supported standing transfers, the Lotus XL can help patients move between the bed, chair, toilet or shower while reducing the physical demands placed on caregivers.
With a safe working load of up to 227 kg, it provides a bariatric transfer option for suitable patients who retain some standing ability but are not able to transfer independently.
Does the patient need seated showering or toileting support?
Getting out of bed is only the beginning. The patient may also need support with hygiene and personal care throughout the day.
For patients who can receive care in a seated position, the Lopital bariatric range includes specialist shower and toileting solutions.
The Elexo XXL supports patients up to 220 kg, while the Tango XXL supports patients up to 360 kg.
Purpose-designed hygiene equipment can help make showering, toileting and personal care safer and more practical for both the patient and caregivers.
Does the patient need to remain lying down for hygiene care?
Some patients may not be able to tolerate seated showering or may need to remain in a lying position for hygiene and personal care.
The Lopital Marina Deluxe provides a purpose-designed shower trolley solution for these patients, supporting washing, personal care and transfers while the patient remains safely supported in a lying position.
For bariatric patients with limited mobility, complex transfer needs or reduced tolerance for seated care, this can provide a more practical option for both the patient and caregivers.
The right equipment depends on the patient.
Bariatric care is not simply about selecting equipment with a higher weight capacity.
Transfer ability, mobility, posture, pressure care, body shape and hygiene needs all influence which equipment may be appropriate.
Looking at the patient’s full care pathway can help clinical teams select equipment that better supports the individual, rather than trying to make one bariatric solution work for every patient.
Not sure which equipment is right for your bariatric patients?
Book a private bariatric workshop and equipment showcase and our team can bring a selection of Seating Matters and Lopital bariatric solutions to your hospital.
See the equipment, discuss the clinical challenges your team encounters and explore which solutions may be most appropriate for the patients you care for.
*Note – the purpose of this blog is to give an overview of the product with some tips to consider on its use. This is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis, prescription or treatment and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. For advice with your personal health or that of someone in your care, consult your doctor or appropriate medical professional.
