Written by Hulet Smith, OT
Standing Lifts are durable tools that offer patients and caretakers a safer transfer from a sitting to a standing position. As we grow older, changes to our mobility can significantly influence our overall well-being and may present potential health and injury risks. The best sit-to-stand lifts benefit the patient or caretaker and feature space-saving frames with adjustable components for optimal comfort.
 | 1) Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid by ArjoHuntleigh (FULLY ASSEMBLED) View Product |
The sit-to-stand lift is designed to help patients with some mobility who lack the strength or muscle control to rise to a standing position from a bed, wheelchair, chair, or commode. A sit-to-stand device should only be used by people who can bear some body weight.
Conventional floor lifts use a sling to cradle you and lift your entire weight, often from a horizontal position. With a standing lift, the sling is more like a wide belt. While seated, you put your feet on a platform, grip a handle or bar, and with you bearing some weight, the device raises you to a standing position. While upright, the rolling standing lift can move you to another location and help you lower into a seated position.
Sit-to-stand lifts can help you:
A sit-to-stand lift secures users during transfers from a seated to a standing position, which makes transfers quick, easy, and accomplishes them with less strain and risk to the user and the caregiver. Reviewing the features of the various designs and models will help you narrow your choice to the standing lift that will work best for you.
Most standing lifts have a weight capacity ranging between 250 and 400 pounds. If you need the lift to accommodate more weight, bariatric models are available, so be sure the model you purchase can provide the support you need.
When using a manual lift, a caregiver’s assistance is required to lift the user to a standing position. Generally, a manual lift is less expensive and is better for users who are more stable on their feet.
A powered lift has a mechanical motor that uses electrical or battery power. Although a caregiver should always attend when a standing lift is used, the lift will do the work. A powered lift typically costs more and is a great choice for users who require more support while standing.
The actual weight of the standing lift is a consideration, especially if it will be used at home. A heavier lift could be less maneuverable and more difficult for a caregiver to move from room to room.
For extra support while transferring between sitting and standing, additional optional equipment includes padded hand grips, lifting harnesses, or leg support straps. Some models will also offer rubber gripping on the platform to keep users from slipping and locking mechanisms that can attach to a wheelchair or bed.
Although they have different features and levels of support, each of the standing lifts we’ve chosen for our top 5 list can be relied on to facilitate safe and comfortable transfers and deliver a user experience that adds to the quality of life and overall well-being of patients and caretakers.
 | STS600 Electric Sit to Stand Patient Lift by Convaquip View Product |
If you are looking for a sit-to-stand lift with a higher weight capacity than standard options, the STS600 Electric Sit-to-Stand Patient Lift by Convaquip is an excellent option. It features a 600-pound weight capacity and height-adjustable components for comfort.
The bariatric standing lift has a lower clearance and adjustable features to assist patients of different heights and fitness levels. The spreader bar has an adjustable range of over 30 inches, and caretakers can adjust the base to meet the patient's needs. The top of the frame attaches to a sling to support the user and has a battery-powered motor that automatically raises and lowers patients during transfers. We think this is the top option for medical facilities looking for a bariatric standing lift.
 | BestMove Sit-to-Stand Active Mobile Standing Aid View Product |
The highly adjustable BestMove Sit-to-Stand Active Mobile Standing Aid by Bestcare has earned our number 4 spot on our list for several reasons. The seat height and width of the knee pads are both customizable. Personalizing these features for patients can improve safety and comfort during sit-to-stand transfers. It has a swivel seat, with the seat sliding sideways and out of the way during transfers from sitting to standing and back to sitting. Two models are available, with weight capacities of 400 and 450 pounds. Both versions have smooth-wheeled casters, enabling the transfer of a patient without putting strain on the caregiver’s back or neck.
This assistive device actively engages the user in the process of standing while also offering consistent support. Patients can enjoy a degree of freedom as they participate in essential movements like standing and sitting down. For improved patient safety and all-around performance, the BestMove Sit-to-Stand Active Mobile Standing Aid can be counted on to deliver. This lift would make a great addition to any therapeutic environment and has received positive reviews across multiple sites.
 | Molift Transfer Pro Sit to Stand Lift by Etac View Product |
Particularly effective for medical facilities looking for equipment compatible with existing accessories, the Molift Transfer Pro Sit-to-Stand Lift by Etac is our number 3 pick for patients who can move independently but require some assistance when transferring from a sitting to a standing position.. It has an adjustable height feature and can pair with many different belts, sleeves, and straps. This lift offers outstanding mobility with a precise turning radius that can move around smaller spaces easily. The casters roll over indoor surfaces smoothly and can lock in place during transfers.
Now, this sit-to-stand lift has an improved 440-pound weight capacity while weighing only 62 pounds itself. Caretakers can assist patients while sitting or standing and enjoy a versatile mobility tool that includes an ergonomic handle and multiple grip points. It also enables the caretaker to adjust the width hands-free using foot pedals. Patients can stay relaxed and comfortable while on the lift, with padded inserts supporting the seat and knees. When the user is ready to change positions, the seat swings out for easy on-and-off access.
 | Etac Turner PRO Sit-to-Stand Patient Transfer Turning Aid View Product |
The Turner PRO Sit-to-Stand Patient Transfer Turning Aid by Etac is our second favorite sit-to-stand lift that we carry. Why? A light and sleek frame makes this an excellent option for nearly any medical facility, regardless of size. It is also a convenient tool for outpatient care and is small enough to fit in the trunk of many vehicles.
This standing aid is a popular option for caregivers assisting patients who can move around on their own but need assistance standing or sitting up. The knee pads and handlebars move up and down, locking into a desired position for each patient. It has a 440-pound weight capacity and an easy-grip handle. Another favorite feature is the bright orange color. It makes it a convenient choice when assisting patients with cognitive disorders or limited vision.
Patients can use the swivel platform to navigate smaller spaces. It rotates 360 degrees, which is ideal for moving in the bathroom, kitchen, or a hospital room. Casters underneath make it easy to relocate between transfers, and it is light enough for many adults to carry. An upright tiller-style design relieves strain for the caretaker, minimizing the number of times they need to bend or lean over while assisting the patient.
 | Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid by ArjoHuntleigh (FULLY ASSEMBLED) View Product |
Proudly earning the top spot on our list is the Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid by ArjoHuntleigh! From the innovative swivel seat to the pedal-operated chassis legs, the Sara Stedy is chock-full of features intended to simplify patient transfers and enable impactful physical therapy techniques to aid in speedy recovery times. To make sit-to-stand transfers faster, easier, and more convenient, the Sara Stedy boasts many ingenious design choices that offer tangible benefits to patients and caregivers alike.
The most notable feature of Sara Stedy is patient comfort. This starts with its pivoting seat, which opens up and moves out of the way to make sit-to-stand transfers a breeze. It converts the interior into a safe resting place, with an elevated support seat attached inside. Patient safety and comfort are further bolstered by the wide chassis with pedal-operated legs to allow access to wider chairs and toilets. In addition, a low clearance ensures it can slide under low spaces, maneuvering directly beneath the patient for maximum accessibility. A knee pad provides additional support as the user stands, while the crossbar handle enables the user to position themselves in the most natural way possible.
Another major value that the Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid provides for the user is improving independent mobility. Since the low-profile design of the lift enables a full range of motion for the user, patients who would otherwise find difficulty living independently can spend quality time participating in activities with their families. Adults aging in place or recovering from injuries and illnesses can return to playing kinetic games or preparing meals in the kitchen.
On top of that, the flexibility the Sara Stedy offers the user makes it a great tool for physical therapy as well. It strikes the perfect balance between adequate support and the facilitation of movement. It allows the patient to use their lower and upper body to sit or stand with minimal help from the caregiver. This can speed up rehabilitation timeframes by allowing patients to develop muscle strength and range of motion faster.
The best standing lift for the job depends on the degree of weight-bearing and support the user needs. All standing lifts on our list have valuable features that will make patients' and caregivers’ lives much easier during transfers. Adjustable handlebars and knee pad heights, sturdy frames, and rolling casters are all features that make these 5 sit-to-stand lifts so dependable.
We strongly believe that the Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid by ArjoHuntleigh is the best all-around choice to facilitate standing and sitting motions. The smooth casters, padded knee rest, and pivoting seat combine to make the Sara Stedy one of the safest and most convenient options around!
If you are still unsure which lift is right for you, then check out our helpful article How to Choose the Best Standing Lift. For more information on standing lifts or any other topic for caregivers, please visit our blog, Caregiver University!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
 "Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid by ArjoHuntleigh (FULLY ASSEMBLED)")
