Home adaptations

An overhead track ceiling hoist allows a person held in a sling to be moved and lifted safely. 

Some types will lift a person from one place within a room. Other types can lift someone from anywhere in a room.

Who would use it

Someone who finds daily activities difficult because of a medical health condition or disability.

If you think you need one

Contact occupational therapy. 

If appropriate we will visit your home and make recommendations. This may include the need for an overhead track ceiling hoist.

We will discuss alternative hoisting options if required.

We can make recommendations to housing associations.

There are six stages to the process of installing a hoist in a council or private property. We call these six stages the pathway. Read on to find out more about the pathway.

Who is involved?

The pathway explains the roles of:

• occupational therapist (OT) (Angus Council or NHS Tayside)
• contractor

Admin staff will:

• raise the order for the overhead track ceiling hoist and any works deemed necessary
• monitor the orders and liaise with your occupational therapist if start dates are provided.
• reconcile any invoices received
• record installation dates
• record servicing and maintenance updates

Other people may be involved. We will tell you if this applies to you.

Funding

The occupational therapy service fund overhead track ceiling hoists in council and private sector properties as part of a pilot scheme.

We will also meet servicing and maintenance costs.

We will consider paying removal costs if the hoist is no longer required.

Your responsibilities

It's important that you:

• understand your need for an overhead track ceiling hoist
• understand the arrangements we make
• keep us informed of any change in your circumstances that may affect the overhead track ceiling hoist being considered for you
• ALWAYS ask to see contractors and other visitors' identification before allowing them into your home
• use the overhead track ceiling hoist as instructed

You can contact your named occupational therapist at any time.

Timescales

Timescales vary depending on:

• urgency
• design and specification
• associated works such as electrical work and strengthening roof joists
• contractor availability
• need for alternative arrangements while works are being completed

Overhead Track Ceiling Hoist Pathway – Council and Private Sector Housing

Stage 1 Initial approval in principle

This means an occupational therapist has:

• assessed your needs
• visited your home
• completed a request - approved by a designated occupational therapist/manager

Timescales for this stage will vary from person to person.

Stage 2 Quotation preparation and obtaining permission

We will ask company/contractor representative to visit your home before submitting their quote.

They will send quotes to us.

We will get at least two quotes for the installation of the hoist and any associated works.

We will ask contractors to raise any issues which may affect the installation.

We will let you know when we have the quotes and whether any other works are required.

It is important you know what works will be carried out so you should ask any questions you have.

We will liaise with the owner of your property (if that is not you) to ensure they agree to the work.

We may be unable to support an overhead track ceiling hoist being installed if we can not obtain the permission from all required parties.

Timescales for this stage will vary from person to person.

Stage 3 Final approval

Once you agree with your occupational therapist for the overhead track ceiling hoist and any associated works, your occupational therapist will confirm the works being supported.

This will be reviewed by a designated occupational therapist/manager.

If they approve the work they will inform admin.

Admin will place the order for the overhead track ceiling hoist.

Timescales for this stage will vary from person to person.

Stage 4 Appointment of contractor

We will place the order with the agreed hoist company/contractor.

They will contact you to arrange a date for installation.

Your occupational therapist will remain in touch with you. They will also arrange any related work.

If you need to cancel the work after the contractor has been appointed, inform your occupational therapist immediately.

Timescales for this stage will vary from person to person.

Stage 5 Completion of works

Contact your occupational therapist if any issues arise during installation.

Your occupational therapist will visit or contact you to ensure the overhead track ceiling hoist is suitable.

They will show you how to use of the overhead track ceiling system safely. They will also complete manual handling documentation if required.

Timescales for this stage will vary from person to person.

Stage 6 Payment

Admin will process payment once:

• the works are complete
• you and your occupational therapist are satisfied

Timescales for this will vary from person to person.

The overhead track ceiling hoists will belong to Angus Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP). They will maintain it and consider removal if no longer required.