The person hoisting device has a frame (10), a person support which can be moved in relation to the frame, and moving means for moving the person support from a first location in relation to the frame to a second location in relation to the frame along a movement path. The second location is at a distance from the first location. The position of the person support in relation to the frame can be changed, and the moving means are arranged to move the person support in the direction of the movement path when changing the position of the person support in relation to the frame. The person support can comprise a seat (14) and an armrest (16). The moving means can comprise a hydraulic cylinder (22), a hydraulic pump (24) for pumping hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder, and a lever mechanism between the person support and the hydraulic pump for using the hydraulic pump. In the method, motive power is produced for a person hoisting device, which has a frame, a person support which can be moved in relation to the frame, and moving means for moving the person support from a first location in relation to the frame to a second location in relation to the frame along a movement path, which second location is at a distance from the first location. The motive power of the moving means is produced by changing the position of the person support in relation to the frame.