OT is recommending a ceiling lift for transfers, anybody have pros and cons they can share?

If your mom is to the point where she needs a ceiling lift have you considered a Hoyer lift instead? From what I understand about ceiling lifts they're limiting in that most people can't put them in every room because of the cost involved and the damage to the structure of the house. A Hoyer lift is portable and can go wherever your mom goes in the house. However a Hoyer doesn't work well on carpet.

I don't think you're in denial. It's not like you're insisting that your mom can transfer and that her assessment was a waste of time. But I think when we care for our parents day in and day out sometimes we can't see clearly. You knew this so you requested an assessment and now you're mulling over what was said during the assessment. But I didn't read denial in what you wrote.

Once I did care for MS patient at his home for 16 years.(from 1992 to 2008) He had a build in lifting system that it's call Barrier Free Lifts. ( barrierfreelifts ), yes it is very pricey but if you could afforded... I do operate machine for him from his bed, bathtub, toilet, it's works great.... Most majority's home doesn't have strong ceiling so better use Hoyer lift, I used H/L awhile when machine need repair. Pro: Very useful
Con: Very expensive...... after my client passed his family did donate to Disable Veteran Group....

The problem with a hoyer lift is it wouldn't really be portable, realistically you can't move those things around an average house or fit them in most bathrooms. Installation would of course have to be done by professionals, from what I am told a track can be put in the bedroom and in the bathroom and the lift motor is moved to each track. I told her to go ahead and arrange for techs to come in and give me an estimate.
GA, I was worried too about her losing what ability she has left, but it was pointed out that the act of transferring is exercising me more than her, and if the goal is to retain mobility we should also consider PT.

Get a Hoyer lift. You can take it all over the house. It won't fit in a lot of bathrooms, but you can get a free-standing commode and use that instead of the toilet. I have been using a lift for almost two years to move my husband. A ceiling lift would only work in one place. My lift also folds up so it can be used to put my husband in the car and taken with us to get him out of the car. It is the Hoyer Advance model. It does not roll on carpet.

Have you considered hospice? Your mom does not have to be close to dying, she has to meet their evaluation requirements that say that she will not get better from her condition. Once approved they will oversee management of her care. You have the choice to use their doctors or keep hers. They will order all necessary equipment for her and she will be on Medicare and not private insurance/Medicare HMO anymore.

Bls, hospice is one aspect of American medicine that I envy... I am in Canada and support in my province at end of life is piecemeal and underfunded.

One thought here, how comfortable with the lift be for the patient? It depends on the patient herself.

One time at long-term-care, I walked into Mom's room and they were using a lift for her, and Mom was flailing about, pleading to be put down, she was terrified.

Freqflyer - you have to practice it so your loved one gets used to it. My dad gets afraid but he did very well with it! The harness cradles them real well and the hydraulic is smooth for lowering. I was surprised dad didn't fight us. I guess i'm lucky there...at least lucky once in a while lol.
Peace!

I worked for a nursing facility and Hoyer lifts are portable. They are heavy so I wouldn't go up and down stairs but can be taken from room to room. We used to rent them out. Call your local Redcross and see if they have one. Some some organizations, like the Lyons, may have loan closets. Some medical supply stores rent. Your local Visiting Nurses may be able to give you some places. I would not go as far as installing.

When the Ceiling track was installed they put a bunch of steel in the attic to support the load. Therefore they will need access to the attic. If I recall correctly they also have a system that they can use if they do not have access to the area above the ceiling but I am not sure any more. The lift also (at least in my area) needs to be certified every year.
Finally, I have to say that using a lift system is slow and it takes about an hour longer to get my wife up dressed and ready for the day so be prepared to spend more time when using a lift system. If you have help with your mother you will most likely have to train them how to use the lift, sling and how to transfer the motor between rooms. You will also need to add some time to their shifts this will be and additional expense.
Finally, I am so very happy I spent the money and had this system installed. Even thought we currently are not using it much, I know it will be needed in the not too distant future, I know it's there when and if its needed and that I now have enough equipment to keep my wife at home without hurting myself until the end.
Hope this helps!