Overhead Hoists
When it comes to barrier free lifting, an overhead tracked hoist installation is the best solution available. We provide a turnkey service from initial survey, through to installation and aftersales servicing. Whether its a simple single room install or a complex through room installation over a swimming pool, we have the expertise to ensure you get the best moving and handling solutions available. Our range includes Invacare Birdie, Handicare, Guldmann and Oxford. Contact our team for further information on assessment, quotations and installation.
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Overhead Track Hoists for Safe, Dignified and Efficient Patient Transfers
John Preston supplies and installs overhead track hoist systems designed to provide safe, comfortable and efficient moving and handling solutions for people with limited mobility, disabilities and complex care needs. Ceiling-mounted hoists are an ideal solution for transferring users safely between beds, wheelchairs, changing tables, shower areas and other care locations, while helping reduce manual handling risks for carers.
Our range of overhead track hoists is suitable for homes, hospitals, care homes, schools, rehabilitation centres, Changing Places facilities and specialist care environments. John Preston offers a complete service from initial consultation and assessment through to installation and aftercare support throughout Northern Ireland and Scotland.
What Is an Overhead Track Hoist?
An overhead track hoist, also known as a ceiling track hoist or ceiling-mounted hoist, is a specialist lifting system installed to the ceiling or supporting structure of a room. It allows a person to be safely lifted and moved along a fixed track using a comfortable sling system.
Unlike mobile floor hoists, overhead track hoists do not require floor space, helping create a cleaner, safer environment with fewer trip hazards. They can also provide greater lifting flexibility and easier movement around a room.
Overhead hoist systems are commonly used for:
- Bed-to-wheelchair transfers
- Wheelchair-to-toilet transfers
- Shower and bathing transfers
- Changing table transfers
- Moving between rooms
- Supported rehabilitation activities
Benefits of Overhead Track Hoists
Safer Patient Transfers
Overhead hoists provide a controlled method of lifting and transferring people who are unable to move independently.
Benefits include:
- Reduced risk during transfers
- Improved user comfort
- Greater confidence for carers
- Safer moving and handling practices
- Support for users with complex mobility needs
By reducing the need for manual lifting, overhead hoists can help protect both users and carers.
Reduced Manual Handling Risks
For carers, repeated manual transfers can place significant strain on the back, shoulders and joints.
An overhead track hoist helps by:
- Reducing physical effort
- Improving transfer consistency
- Supporting safer working practices
- Making daily care routines easier
This makes them particularly valuable in professional care settings such as hospitals and care homes.
Improved Independence and Dignity
For many users, maintaining dignity during personal care is extremely important.
Overhead hoists can provide:
- Comfortable transfers
- Greater privacy
- Less reliance on multiple carers
- Smoother movement around the home or care environment
When combined with specialist equipment such as changing tables, shower trolleys and accessible bathrooms, they can create a complete personal care solution.
Types of Overhead Hoist Systems
John Preston supplies a wide range of overhead lifting solutions to suit different environments and user requirements.
Fixed Ceiling Track Hoists
Fixed ceiling track systems are permanently installed and provide a reliable long-term transfer solution.
They are ideal for:
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Care rooms
- Hospitals
- Residential care environments
Track layouts can be customised to suit room design and transfer requirements.
Straight Track Systems
Straight track systems provide simple movement between two points, such as:
- Bed to wheelchair
- Bed to bathroom area
- Changing table to wheelchair
They are often suitable for smaller rooms or straightforward transfer routes.
Through-Room Track Systems
Through-room systems allow transfers across larger spaces and between multiple areas.
These systems are useful where users need to move:
- Between rooms
- Across larger bedrooms
- Into bathrooms
- Between care areas
John Preston provides bespoke design advice to ensure the track layout meets individual requirements.
Traverse Track Systems
Traverse systems allow movement both along and across a room, offering greater flexibility than a single track.
They are particularly useful for:
- Larger care environments
- Complex transfer needs
- Multi-purpose rooms
- Specialist facilities
Portable Overhead Hoist Systems
Portable ceiling track systems provide flexibility where permanent installation is not required.
They can be useful for:
- Temporary care requirements
- Rental properties
- Changing care needs
- Flexible accommodation
Overhead Hoists for Changing Places Facilities
Overhead track hoists are an essential part of many Changing Places facilities, helping people with complex disabilities access toilets, changing benches and personal care equipment safely.
A fully equipped Changing Places environment may include:
- Height-adjustable changing tables
- Ceiling track hoists
- Accessible toilets
- Wash basins
- Showering facilities
- Privacy screens
The addition of an overhead hoist helps ensure carers can provide personal care safely while maintaining user dignity.
Overhead Hoists for Home Use
Many families choose ceiling hoist systems to make daily care routines safer and easier within the home.
Benefits include:
- Easier transfers between rooms
- Reduced reliance on physical lifting
- Improved independence
- Better support for family carers
- A safer long-term care environment
Home installations can be designed around the user's existing routines, room layout and future care needs.
Overhead Hoists for Care Homes and Healthcare
Professional care environments often require reliable patient transfer solutions.
Overhead hoists are suitable for:
Care Homes
Supporting residents with reduced mobility and complex needs.
Hospitals
Helping healthcare teams transfer patients safely.
Rehabilitation Centres
Supporting recovery and mobility programmes.
Specialist Schools
Providing safe assistance for children and young people with physical disabilities.
Leisure and Changing Facilities
Supporting accessible swimming pools, Changing Places facilities and specialist changing areas.
Leading Brands Available
John Preston supplies overhead hoist systems from trusted manufacturers including:
- Invacare
- Molift
- Oxford
- Arjo
The range includes ceiling hoists, track systems, gantry solutions and specialist moving and handling equipment.
Choosing the Right Overhead Track Hoist
Selecting the correct system depends on several factors:
User Requirements
Consider:
- Mobility level
- Transfer ability
- Weight capacity
- Sling requirements
- Frequency of use
Room Layout
The available space will determine the most suitable track design.
Consider:
- Ceiling structure
- Transfer routes
- Doorways
- Bathroom access
- Future requirements
Care Environment
Different settings may require different solutions:
- Domestic installations
- Healthcare environments
- Schools
- Public facilities
Future Needs
A well-designed system can provide long-term support as mobility needs change.
John Preston can provide professional advice and site assessments to help identify the most suitable solution.
Professional Overhead Hoist Installation Service
John Preston provides a complete overhead hoist service, including:
- Initial consultation
- Site surveys
- System design
- Installation
- Product guidance
- After-sales support
Our specialist team works with individuals, families, occupational therapists, healthcare professionals and organisations to create safe and effective moving and handling solutions.
Why Choose John Preston?
John Preston is a trusted supplier of mobility equipment, moving and handling solutions and specialist healthcare products across the UK and Ireland.
We provide:
- Specialist product knowledge
- Expert advice
- Tailored installation solutions
- Support for healthcare professionals
- Demonstrations on selected equipment
- Ongoing customer support
With extensive experience in overhead hoist installations, John Preston helps create safer environments that improve comfort, dignity and independence for users and carers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an overhead track hoist?
An overhead track hoist is a ceiling-mounted lifting system that helps safely transfer people with limited mobility using a sling attached to a powered lifting unit.
What are the benefits of a ceiling hoist compared with a mobile hoist?
Ceiling hoists do not take up floor space, reduce trip hazards and can provide smoother movement along dedicated transfer routes.
Where can overhead hoists be installed?
They can be installed in homes, hospitals, care homes, schools, rehabilitation centres and Changing Places facilities.
Can overhead hoists be installed in bathrooms?
Yes. Ceiling track systems are commonly used to support safe transfers between bedrooms, changing areas and accessible bathrooms.
Does John Preston install overhead track hoists?
Yes. John Preston provides consultation, design, installation and after-sales support for overhead hoist systems throughout Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Can overhead hoists be customised for individual rooms?
Yes. Track systems can be designed around room layouts, transfer requirements and user needs, from simple single-room installations to more complex through-room systems.