A patient lifting apparatus is provided that attaches to a bed frame having a plurality of legs and a headboard. The apparatus includes an upright member, a boom mechanically associated with the upright member, an upper support bar that extends across the bed frame and secures the upright member to each side of the headboard, and a lower support bar that extends across the bed frame and secures the upright member to the legs. The upright member is supported for rotation about a vertical axis by upper and lower bearings on the upper and lower support bars, respectively. A telescoping foot member extends from the lower support bar and is movable between a stored position and an extended position for stabilizing the lifting apparatus. A support arm extends from a lower end of the upright member and rotates along with the upright member to transfer vertical forces into the floor.