Where to Buy the Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid in Canada?

2026 May 14th

Where to Buy the Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid in Canada?

Safe Patient Handling in Canadian Healthcare

Workplace injuries related to patient handling are a major concern in Canadian healthcare facilities. Nurses and caregivers frequently suffer from back and musculoskeletal injuries due to manual lifting and transferring of patients. To comply with provincial regulations, such as those set by WorkSafeBC, and to protect staff, long-term care (LTC) facilities and hospitals must invest in proper mechanical transfer equipment.

Quick Answer: Canadian healthcare facilities can buy the Sara Stedy Patient Transfer Aid directly from specialized medical equipment suppliers like ChickenPieces.com. We offer the Sara Stedy COMPACT and standard models, along with replacement parts, to ensure safe sit-to-stand transfers. From our Calgary warehouse, we supply LTC homes and hospitals nationwide with compliant patient handling equipment.

The Sara Stedy: A Game-Changing Transfer Aid

The Sara Stedy by Arjo is widely recognized as one of the most effective sit-to-stand transfer aids available. It is designed for patients who have some weight-bearing capacity but require assistance to stand and pivot. This device promotes patient mobility and independence while significantly reducing the physical strain on caregivers.

Key Features of the Sara Stedy

The Sara Stedy incorporates several design elements that make it a preferred choice in healthcare settings:

  • Pivoting Seat: The split seat allows the patient to be comfortably seated during the transfer, providing security and stability.
  • Knee Support: Soft knee pads provide essential support as the patient pulls themselves up to a standing position.
  • Crossbar Handle: The ergonomic handle allows the patient to actively participate in the transfer, pulling themselves up safely.
  • Pedal-Operated Chassis: Caregivers can easily adjust the width of the base using foot pedals, allowing the device to fit around wheelchairs, toilets, and beds.
Patient transfer aid device with wheels and knee support

Sara Stedy vs. Hoyer Lifts

It is important to understand when to use a Sara Stedy versus a full mechanical lift (often referred to as a Hoyer lift). The Sara Stedy is an active transfer aid, meaning the patient must be able to bear weight on at least one leg and have the upper body strength to pull themselves up. It is ideal for quick transfers to the toilet or wheelchair.

In contrast, a Hoyer lift is a passive transfer device used for patients who are entirely non-weight-bearing or unable to assist in the transfer. Facilities must assess each patient's mobility level to determine the appropriate equipment, ensuring both patient safety and staff protection.

Transfer bench beside a bathtub with a wheelchair parked nearby

Products Mentioned in This Article

People Also Ask

What is a patient lift?

A patient lift is a device that helps caregivers move a resident safely between surfaces, such as bed, chair, or wheelchair, without the manual lifting that risks staff injury. They range from sit-to-stand aids like the Sara Stedy, for residents who can bear some weight, to full-body sling lifts for those who cannot. The right type depends on the resident's mobility and your facility's safe patient handling policy.

How do you use a patient lift?

In general, staff position the lift, secure the resident with the correct sling or support, and raise and move them smoothly following the manufacturer's instructions. Safe use always requires trained caregivers and adherence to your facility's safe patient handling protocol, not a generic online guide. We supply the model plus the manufacturer's manuals and can point you to training resources.

How do you use a patient lift sling?

A sling must match the lift, the resident's size, and the type of transfer, and be fitted exactly as the manufacturer directs before any lift. Using the wrong sling or fitting it poorly is a common safety risk, so slings should be checked before every use and replaced when worn. We stock compatible slings and can help you match them to your lifts; always follow your safe patient handling policy.

How do you transfer a patient from bed to a chair?

A sit-to-stand aid like the Sara Stedy suits residents who can bear some weight and cooperate, letting one or two trained caregivers move them between bed, chair, and toilet. Residents who cannot weight-bear need a full-body sling lift instead. The choice and technique should follow an assessment and your facility's protocol; this is general information, not clinical advice.

How do you lift a patient from the floor?

A floor recovery after a fall needs a lift designed to reach floor level, typically a mobile full-body sling lift rather than a sit-to-stand aid like the Sara Stedy. Trained staff following a post-fall protocol should carry it out, and the resident should be checked before being moved. We can advise which lift in a fleet covers floor recovery.

What is a hydraulic patient lift?

A hydraulic lift uses a hand-pumped cylinder to raise a full-body sling, needing no power or charging, which some facilities prefer as a reliable backup. Electric lifts do the same job at the push of a button, while sit-to-stand aids like the Sara Stedy use a manual mechanism for weight-bearing residents. We can spec the mix of manual, hydraulic, and electric that fits your building.

What is the Sara Stedy used for?

The Sara Stedy is a sit-to-stand patient transfer aid designed to assist caregivers in safely transferring patients who have some weight-bearing capacity. It is used for transfers from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to toilet, and wheelchair to chair. It promotes patient participation in the transfer, which helps maintain muscle strength and independence.

What is the weight capacity of the Sara Stedy?

The Sara Stedy supports patients up to 400 lbs (181 kg). The Sara Stedy COMPACT model supports up to 330 lbs (150 kg). Both models are designed to accommodate a wide range of patient sizes, making them suitable for most residents in a long-term care setting.

What is the difference between the Sara Stedy and the Sara Stedy COMPACT?

The Sara Stedy COMPACT is a smaller, more maneuverable version of the standard Sara Stedy. It is designed for facilities with tighter spaces, such as smaller bathrooms or single-occupancy rooms. The COMPACT has a slightly lower weight capacity (330 lbs vs 400 lbs) but offers the same core functionality and safety features.

When should I use a Sara Stedy instead of a Hoyer lift?

The Sara Stedy is appropriate for patients who are partially weight-bearing and can actively participate in the transfer by pulling themselves up using the crossbar handle. A Hoyer lift (passive lift) should be used for patients who are fully non-weight-bearing, have no upper body strength, or are unable to follow instructions safely. An occupational therapist should assess each patient to determine the most appropriate equipment.

Does the Sara Stedy comply with WorkSafeBC safe patient handling regulations?

Yes, mechanical transfer aids like the Sara Stedy are specifically recommended under WorkSafeBC's safe patient handling guidelines to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers. Implementing a 'no manual lift' policy supported by equipment like the Sara Stedy is a best practice for WorkSafeBC compliance.

How many caregivers are needed to operate the Sara Stedy?

The Sara Stedy is designed to be operated by a single caregiver, which is one of its key advantages. The device's design allows the patient to actively assist in the transfer, reducing the physical load on the caregiver and enabling safe one-person transfers in most cases.

Is training required to use the Sara Stedy?

Yes, proper training is essential for the safe operation of the Sara Stedy. Arjo provides training resources, and facilities should ensure all staff who use the device are trained in its correct operation, including patient assessment, positioning, and emergency procedures. Improper use can result in patient falls or caregiver injury.

What replacement parts are available for the Sara Stedy?

Arjo offers a range of replacement parts for the Sara Stedy, including the sling seat, knee pad, and chassis components. Maintaining replacement parts in stock is recommended for facilities that rely heavily on the device, to minimize downtime in the event of a component failure.

Can the Sara Stedy be used for toilet transfers?

Yes, the Sara Stedy is specifically designed for toilet transfers. The split seat and adjustable base width allow the device to be positioned directly over a toilet, enabling the patient to be safely lowered onto the seat. This is one of the most common and valuable applications of the device in long-term care.

From our Calgary warehouse, how quickly can the Sara Stedy be shipped?

From our Calgary warehouse, we can typically ship the Sara Stedy COMPACT within 3 to 5 business days for facilities in western Canada. For eastern Canadian facilities, delivery times may range from 7 to 14 business days. We supply long-term care homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers nationwide with Arjo patient handling equipment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The following operator questions are answered with cited sources. Every FAQ links to Health Canada, CFIA, Canada.ca, or another authoritative regulator.

Where can I buy a Sara Stedy patient transfer aid in Canada?
The Sara Stedy is manufactured by Arjo and available through multiple authorized Canadian dealers. You can purchase it directly from Arjo Canada's website (Arjo Canada), or through Canadian medical equipment dealers such as ERP Group Canada, Aspen Healthcare, Med Mart Online, HME BC, and Angelus Medical. The unit costs approximately CA 3,200-3,300 CAD before tax, with rental options also available from home medical equipment companies. ChickenPieces.com also stocks the Sara Stedy for Canadian healthcare buyers. ChickenPieces - Sara Stedy

Source: This would help a lot of residents who are still continent - r/OccupationalTherapy

How much does the Arjo Sara Stedy cost in Canada?
The Arjo Sara Stedy typically retails for approximately CA 3,100-3,300 CAD for the standard model. The Compact model is slightly less. Used units on Kijiji and medical equipment resale sites range from CA 800-2,000 CAD. Some Canadian medical suppliers offer rental options for short-term needs. Prices may be negotiable for bulk facility purchases or through group purchasing organizations. ERP Group - Sara Stedy

Source: Be honest: do nurses actually use patient lifting devices? - r/cna

What is the weight capacity of the Sara Stedy and what patient sizes does it accommodate?
The standard Sara Stedy supports patients up to 400 lbs (182 kg) for heights 4'11" to 6'6" (149-193 cm). The Sara Stedy Compact model fits smaller patients from 4'6" to 5'8" (138-172 cm), also up to 400 lbs. The pivoting seat allows the patient to sit during transfer and move out of the way for standing mobilization. Arjo Canada - Sara Stedy

Source: Any recommendations for sit to stand lift or Sara Stedy for - r/OccupationalTherapy

Does the Sara Stedy require two staff members to operate?
No, the Sara Stedy is designed for single-caregiver operation, making it highly efficient for facilities with staffing constraints. It is a manual (non-powered) device that relies on patient participation and caregiver assistance. For patients requiring a max two-person assist, some facilities still use it with two staff, but one caregiver can safely handle most transfers. Health Canada - Patient Lifts and Risk of Fall

Source: I don't get people who use hoyer lifts by themself - r/cna

When should I use a Sara Stedy vs. an Arjo walker or a Hoyer lift?
The Sara Stedy is ideal for patients who can bear weight and assist with standing but need stability and guidance. Use it when a patient can stand with a grab bar but needs support during transfers. A Hoyer lift (ceiling or floor-based) is for non-weight-bearing patients. The Arjo walker is for ambulation training. The choice depends on the patient's weight-bearing ability, cooperation, and mobility goals. Health Canada - Patient Lifts

Source: When to use a Sara Stedy and when to use and Arjo - r/OccupationalTherapy

Can the Sara Stedy be used for patients with Parkinson's disease or mobility limitations?
Yes, the Sara Stedy is commonly used for patients with Parkinson's, knee OA, stroke recovery, and general deconditioning. The patient must be able to bear some weight and grip the handles. For heavier patients (350-400 lbs), the device's 400 lb capacity is adequate, but clinicians should assess the patient's ability to safely participate. Health Canada - Medical Devices Overview

Source: Any recommendations for sit to stand lift or Sara Stedy for - r/OccupationalTherapy

Can I buy a used Sara Stedy in Canada to save money?
Yes, used Sara Stedy units are frequently listed on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and medical equipment resale sites at CA 800-2,000 CAD. When purchasing used, verify that it includes the original seat pad, knee pads, and that all locking mechanisms function properly. Ensure the unit has not been involved in a recall. In Canada, used patient lifts must still comply with Health Canada medical device safety standards. Health Canada - Patient Lifts Safety

Source: Patient Transfer | Kijiji Ontario

Does insurance cover the Sara Stedy in Canada?
Private insurance plans (Sun Life, Manulife, Green Shield) may cover part of the cost with a physician's prescription. Some provincial programs like Ontario's Assistive Devices Program (ADP) may cover sit-to-stand lifts for eligible residents. WorkSafe BC and other provincial workplace safety boards may fund these devices for workplace injury prevention in healthcare settings. Health Canada - Medical Devices

Source: Sit-to-stand lift recommendation? - r/nursing

What accessories come with the Sara Stedy and what maintenance is required?
The Sara Stedy includes a pivoting seat, knee pads, and handles. Optional accessories include a hygiene sling for toileting transfers. Maintenance involves cleaning the frame, inspecting the locking casters, and checking the seat mechanism. As a Class 1 medical device in Canada, it must be maintained per Health Canada's Medical Devices Regulations. Health Canada - Medical Devices Legislation

Source: This would help a lot of residents who are still continent - r/OccupationalTherapy

How does the Sara Stedy compare to other sit-to-stand lifts on the market?
The Sara Stedy is widely considered the gold standard for manual sit-to-stand transfers. Compared to the Hoyer Up, the Sara Stedy offers a pivoting seat for easier patient access and a more natural standing motion. The EZ Way EZ Stand is a lower-cost alternative. Users on r/OT and r/cna frequently recommend the Sara Stedy for its durability, ease of use, and patient comfort. DME Superstore - Sara Stedy vs Hoyer Up

Source: Recommendation for a motorized sit-to-stand lift? - r/OccupationalTherapy

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