Inventor creates hoist lift for disabled family member

Pappardelle (username on the Instructables website) has a family member who suffers from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as was exhibiting symptoms similar to tetraplegia (complete loss of muscular function, inability to sit upright and need for specialised hoisting). This meant that it was a challenge to transport the person between the two floor of their house.

The solutions available on the market where either too expensive or required major alterations to the property structure, making them impossible to implement. So Pappardelle decided to step in and build a hoist lift that would carry the relative up and down the stairs. The design was inspired by the charlifts of skiing resorts and cost around 450GBP

The equipment was made out of readily available materials and making use of common tools (hand saw, jig saw, hacksaw, drill, drill press, files, wood chisel, hammer, screw driver, level and measuring tape). The overall frame is made out of wood polls, attached to the floor and staircase, with two beams that span the entire length of the staircase and that form a track that allows for the up and down movement of the carriage.

The movement is guaranteed through the use of wheels and parts taken from skateboards. The individual puts on a sling and is hung on the system through a hook, being transported up or down the stairs.

Pappardelle says that “the ride is not quite smooth” as with a commercial solution “but this has been no problem with my relative” and has solved the issue for a fraction of the cost.

The design plan and comprehensive list of materials can be found at: https://www.instructables.com/Disabled-hoist-lift/