Installing hoisting systems in domestic environments can be transformative for people with mobility needs and their families. These systems not only enable safer, more dignified transfers but also significantly reduce physical strain on carers. However, as with school or clinical settings, there are unique challenges when it comes to specifying and installing hoists in private homes.

At Astor Bannerman, we work closely with families, Occupational Therapists, Case Managers, Architects and contractors to deliver solutions that are both practical and personalised. Here, we explore the key considerations and common challenges involved in fitting hoisting systems, like our OT200 Ceiling Hoist, in people’s homes.

Unlike purpose-built care environments, most homes were not designed with hoisting in mind. Doorways may be narrow, ceilings may not support fixed-track systems, and room layouts can be complex. Ceiling height, joist spacing, and even staircases all need to be assessed to determine what’s feasible.

In some cases, the solution may involve adapting the property – removing doors, altering ceiling structures, or choosing mobile hoists as an alternative to fixed ceiling tracks.

Even where a ceiling structure isn’t suitable, there are often options available. For example, we can use wall brackets on reinforced walls, or floor-to-ceiling posts to mount a track, offering a safe and practical alternative in challenging environments.

For families concerned about the visual impact of a ceiling hoist system running through their home, we also offer options to embed the track into the ceiling for a more discreet and integrated finish.

These decisions must balance practicality with the needs and preferences of the individual and their carers.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some clients require full-room coverage to allow flexibility of movement between bed, bathroom, and seating areas. Others may need a simple point-to-point track between a bed and a chair or bath. The selection depends on individual mobility, carer requirements, frequency of transfers, and the environment itself.

We often see requests for:

Installing a hoist in a private home often means working around the family’s routines. Where possible, we schedule work in a way that minimises disruption, especially when a client is living in the property during the installation.

Communication is key – we involve families and carers from the beginning to ensure expectations are clear and the process is smooth.

Safety is, of course, a top priority. All installations must comply with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), and we ensure that clients and carers are fully trained in using the equipment before handover.

But beyond safety, there’s a wider picture – many families want hoisting systems that support long-term independence. This might mean specifying a solution that works for a growing child, or one that can adapt as a person’s needs change over time.

Our role is to offer guidance, making sure the system installed today will still be practical tomorrow.

Every home environment – and every person – is different. That’s why we never take a ‘standard’ approach. We take time to understand how people live and what they need to achieve in each space.

Whether it’s accessing a bath, getting from a bed to a chair, or ensuring a safe transfer to a changing table, the equipment must work for the environment and for the people using it.

Working closely with OTs, families, and contractors means we can design systems that are discreet, effective, and fit seamlessly into daily life – both functionally and visually.