Question 1

What is a Stand Aid?

Accepted Answer

A Stand Aid is a type of mobility and transfer device designed to help people who have some weight-bearing ability but need assistance to stand up from a seated position — for example, from a chair, bed, toilet, or wheelchair. Stand aids are commonly used in care homes, hospitals, and home care settings to help both patients and carers with safe and dignified transfers.

Key Features of a Stand Aid

Support Handles – For the user to grip during the standing process.
Knee Support – Padded support to keep the knees stable during the transfer.
Wheeled Base – Allows carers to move the device and the user once standing.
Manual or Powered Lifting – Some stand aids are completely manual (user pulls themselves up with carer support), while others are electric stand aids that use a motor to assist the lift.

Who Can Use a Stand Aid?

A stand aid is suitable for someone who:
Can take some weight through their legs.
Has enough upper body strength to hold on to the handles.
Needs help standing safely but can still actively participate in the process.

Who It’s NOT Suitable For

People who are completely non-weight-bearing.
People who are too weak to hold onto the handles or follow simple instructions.

How It Helps

Reduces manual handling strain for carers.
Encourages the person being transferred to stay active and engaged.
Provides a safer and more comfortable transfer for both parties.

Common Uses

Bed to chair transfers.
Wheelchair to toilet transfers.
Short distance transfers within care settings.

Question 2

What is the difference between a Stand Aid and a Hoist?

Accepted Answer

What is a Stand Aid?A Stand Aid helps people who can stand up with some assistance. The person being transferred needs to have some leg strength and be able to hold onto the handles. The Stand Aid provides support for their knees and something to grip, helping them to stand and transfer to another seat, such as a wheelchair or toilet. The person being transferred takes an active role in the process.What is a Hoist?A Hoist is used for people who cannot stand at all or are unable to bear any weight on their legs. With a hoist, the person is lifted fully off the ground in a sling, so they do not need to help with the transfer. Hoists are used when a person has very limited mobility and cannot contribute to the movement.In Summary:A Stand Aid is for people who can take some weight on their legs and just need help standing and moving.A Hoist is for people who cannot stand or support themselves at all, and need to be fully lifted.

Question 3

Do you need two carers to use a Stand Aid?

Accepted Answer

Whether you need two carers to use a stand aid depends on several factors, all of which should be considered carefully, these include:

The Individual's Needs

If the person being transferred is relatively steady, can follow instructions, and can actively help (by holding the handles and bearing some weight), one carer may be enough.
If the person is more unsteady, has poor balance, or struggles to follow instructions, having two carers is often recommended — one to operate the stand aid and one to support and reassure the person.

Care Setting Rules

In care homes or hospitals, it is often standard policy to have two carers present for safety, even if the equipment could technically be operated by one person.
In home settings, the level of support will depend on the care plan and risk assessment — in some cases, a single carer can safely manage with a stand aid.

The Stand Aid Model

Some stand aids are designed for single-handed use (one carer), especially more advanced powered models.
Others may require two carers if they are manual or if the user needs extra support.

Risk Assessment is Key

Whatever the situation, a proper risk assessment should be done to decide the safest approach. This considers the person's strength, balance, cognition, and overall condition, plus the carer’s ability to manage the equipment alone.

Quick Answer

In some cases, one carer can safely use a stand aid.
In higher risk situations (unstable users, unfamiliar carers, or specific workplace rules), two carers are often required.

Keyboard Navigation Help

Stand Aids and Assists

Oxford Journey Stand Aid

Invacare ISA 160 Stand Aid

Freeway TA180 Stand Assist

Stand Easy Standing Aid

Stand Assist

The Cricket II Patient Transfer Aid

Oxford Up Stand Assist

QuickMove Transfer & Stand Aid

Mover Aqua Stand Aid

Quick-Assist Stand Assist

MiniLift160 Classic Stand Aid

Freeway SA180C Compact Sit-to-Stand Aid

Thorax Sling for MiniLift

Thoracic Sling for Freeway SA180C

Bure Rise & Go Stand Aid