Maybe if your friends learn how to use the hoist, then in a way, both you and they will continue to have independence? For example, you won't be quite as dependent on Ben's strong back. Instead, his feeble size 2 girlfriend will be able to bring you to the dinner table when they come for dinner? (sorry, I think my vicious cross-atlantic negative thoughts are going into a spiral!)
But seriously, is there any way to think about the hoist as a tool to maintain independence? I am not trying to be a Pollyanna (does that translate into British-English?), but sometimes what at first appears to be a symbol of illness or dependence can actually be a tool to sustain independence longer ...
in any event, your friends will probably want to try it out.

At least you could try telling Ben's girlfriend it's some type of avant-garde sex harness! Then she'll really worry. HAHAHA(oops, there I go again... sorry!)