In caregiving settings, the phrase “there’s no time” is heard every day. Even when the benefits of care lifts are recognized, many facilities continue to rely on manual transfers due to concerns that lifts take too much time or seem difficult to operate.
In reality, however, improving transfer efficiency depends not only on the lift itself, but also on the selection and use of the sling.

Molift Slings are designed to help reduce transfer time, lessen the physical burden on caregivers, and support safer, higher-quality care.

Why Care Lifts Are Essential

From the Perspective of No-Lift Care, introducing care lifts offers significant benefits in caregiving settings.

1. Reducing Physical Burden
Manual lifting during transfers places significant strain on caregivers and is a major cause of lower back pain and injury. Introducing non-wearable transfer support devices helps create a safer working environment by reducing the need for manual lifting.

2. Addressing Staffing Shortages
Care lifts make single-person transfers more manageable and reduce the physical burden on staff.
Reducing physical strain can also help relieve stress and support long-term staff retention.

3. Improving Labor Productivity Through Standardization
Care lifts help standardize transfer procedures, reducing variations caused by differences in staff strength and experience. This can reduce dependence on specific staff members and help improve overall workflow within the facility.

4. Improving Quality of Care
Stable transfers support the user’s independence and physical abilities. Increased communication during care may also contribute to emotional well-being and improved quality of care.

Why Do Facilities Continue to Rely on Manual Transfers?

In many caregiving settings, the following concerns are often raised:
● Using a lift seems like it would take too much time
● The operation and sling fitting look difficult
● We are concerned that the user may feel anxious

As a result, manual transfers involving two caregivers are often perceived as the “fastest” method.
Consequently, conventional transfer methods continue to be used despite the physical burden placed on caregivers.

The “Hidden Time” in Manual Transfers

At first glance, manual transfers may appear faster. However, this perspective often overlooks the “hidden time” involved in coordinating two caregivers.
● Interrupting other tasks to assist with transfers
● Waiting for another caregiver to become available
● Coordinating movement between rooms

Although this time is not always visible, it can significantly impact overall efficiency within the facility.
In contrast, lift transfers can be completed by a single caregiver, eliminating much of this waiting time.

The Real Bottleneck in Lift Transfers

In lift-assisted transfers, sling fitting is often the most time-consuming process. In particular, the following tasks require time and experience:
● Determining the correct placement
● Adjusting the fit to the user’s body
● Positioning the thigh supports

Because these tasks depend heavily on experience, caregivers who are unfamiliar with lift transfers may perceive them as difficult or stressful.

Solution 1: Molift RgoSling HighBack Padded — Stable Fitting for Every Caregiver

Molift RgoSling HighBack Padded (TAIS Code: 01087-000008) is designed with padded fabric of optimal firmness, along with pockets and grips that support smoother sling fitting.
Key features include:
● Reduced wrinkling and bunching during fitting
● Easier positioning and adjustment
● Stable and comfortable lifting support

As a result, the time required for sling fitting can be significantly reduced. Compared with standard lift transfers, transfer time can be reduced by approximately 60 seconds per transfer.

Solution 2: Molift RgoSling Comfort HighBack — More Efficient Transfers with the Sling Left in Place

Molift RgoSling Comfort HighBack (TAIS Code: 01087-000015) is a sling made with breathable, quick-drying mesh fabric.
It can:
● Be positioned on the bed like a sheet
● Remain in place while seated in a wheelchair
● Reduce the need for repeated sling application and removal

A typical round-trip transfer usually involves two lift-assisted transfers: moving from the bed to a wheelchair and then back from the wheelchair to the bed. Normally, each transfer requires both sling application and sling removal.
By using Molift RgoSling Comfort HighBack:
● Sling removal time (approximately 30 seconds) can be reduced
● Sling reapplication time (approximately 90 seconds) can also be reduced

For round-trip transfers between the bed and wheelchair, transfer-related time can be reduced by up to approximately 40% compared with standard lift-assisted transfer methods.

As shown above, although manual transfers may appear faster, they often involve substantial “hidden waiting time.” By combining a care lift with the Molift RgoSling Comfort HighBack, facilities can achieve safer transfers while reducing overall transfer-related time compared with conventional manual transfer methods.

The Impact of Time Savings in Care Settings

Introducing Molift Slings is not simply about improving operational efficiency.
Key benefits include:
● Reducing the risk of lower back pain among caregivers
● Helping address staffing shortages
● Standardizing care procedures
● Improving user comfort and quality of care

By creating more flexibility in daily operations, caregivers can spend more time focusing on the care that matters most. While Molift Slings may not be suitable for every situation, we believe they can become an important step toward improving caregiving environments.

A New Option for Implementation: Subscription Service

Many facilities are interested in care lifts and sling products, but may feel:
● We would like to try them first
● We are concerned about initial costs

To help address these concerns, we offer a subscription service for corporate users.
● Available from as little as one month
● Simple online application process
● Suitable for short-term use and pre-implementation trials
● Available starting from a single sling

This allows facilities to introduce equipment in a flexible and practical way according to their operational needs.

Experience the Benefits in Actual Care Settings

The benefits of reducing transfer-related time are best experienced in actual caregiving environments. We also offer online consultations and product demonstrations. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Molift Slings offer an opportunity to rethink how transfer care can be delivered more safely and efficiently.

This article has been edited and reorganized based on the exhibitor presentation “Transforming Transfer Care: Achieving Safe 40% Time Reduction with Molift Slings,” presented at the 52nd International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R.) 2025.