Abstract: A lifting device for assisting individuals from a seated position to an upstanding position utilizes a disadvantage of a long lever arm design, i.e., the small range of lever motion, to its advantage. The device includes a frame and a seat connected to the frame for supporting an individual. The seat is connected to the frame by at least one lever movable between a first lower position for loading the individual into the lifting device and a second higher position, into which the lifting device is moved by applying force to a first point on the lever resulting in the individual being placed in the upstanding position. A superior lifting force is achieved by applying force to the lever assembly by way of a force transfer element connected to the lever assembly by a flexible coupling. The device also accommodates right-versus left-side of the body manipulation as well.