If your loved one will use a wheelchair, you need to know about transfers. For safety’s sake, learn how to help your loved one in and out of the wheelchair. One basic method is shown here.
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1 Sit the patient up:
Lock the wheelchair.
Help the patient turn over onto his or her side, facing you.
Put an arm under the patient’s upper back with your hand supporting the shoulder. Put your other hand behind the knees.
Swing legs over the edge of the bed, helping the patient to sit up.
2 Stand the patient up:
Have the patient scoot to the edge of the bed.
Put your arms around the patient’s chest and clasp your hands behind his or her back.
Support the leg farthest from the wheelchair between your legs, lean back, shift your weight, and lift.
3 Sit the patient down:
Have the patient pivot toward the chair, as you continue to hold on. Always transfer toward the person’s stronger side.
As the patient bends toward you, bend your knees and lower the patient into the back of the chair.
Lifting a patient can be hard on your back. To reduce the risk of a back injury, remember to do the following:
Organize the steps in your head before you move.
Explain the steps of the move and ask the patient when he or she is ready to move.
Keep your knees bent and your back straight.
You may use a transfer belt to provide a firm hold, rather than clasping your hands behind his or her back.
Get help when you need it.
Ask to practice with supervision.
Setup
As with any transfer, the environment must to be set up appropriately beforehand for successful completion. Transfers between level surfaces tend to be easier to perform. To perform a true pivot transfer, the two surfaces should be adjacent to each other so that no steps need to be taken. The floor should be dry and clear of obstacles to prevent slips and trips.
- Position the wheelchair directly next to the surface (bed, toilet, tub bench, car, sofa, etc.). A slight angle of 30-45 degrees is helpful but not absolutely necessary.
- Lock the wheelchair brakes and move the footrests out of the way of the feet. The armrest on the side you will be transferring to can also be moved out of the way if desired.
- Always talk to the person being transferred so that assistance is being given at the appropriate time, allowing for coordination of efforts.
- Gait/transfer belt should be placed securely.
- Move person's bottom to the front of the surface they are sitting on so that the feet are in firm contact with the floor.
- If needed, assistance can be given to block the person's knees to provide additional support for weight bearing.
- To complete the transfer, the person should lean forward over their feet, use their hands to push from the surface they are sitting on, swing their bottom around to the adjacent surface and slowly sit back down.
Next Section: Pivot Transfer: Wheelchair to Toilet
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CALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION: (626) 581-2235 We provide vital wheelchair transfer instructions that may help you when you are transferring an individual or you are being transferred by a caretaker. You can find in-depth tips and instructions into every type of wheelchair transfer possible. We also provide information on how to properly transfer a user from almost every type of surface. Learn More
- To allow a clean transfer from wheelchair to a car, you should if possible, swing away or remove the footrests to enable a clear path of transfer.
- Sliding the car seat as far back as possible allows you optimal room to engage the transfer.
- Assist the user while they move towards the edge of the wheelchair seat
- After they are close to the edge of the seat, they can go ahead and lean forward towards the caregiver.
- Ask the patient or caregiver about
- preferred transfer method
- patient’s ability to help
- use of special padding or a device for collecting urine
- probability of spasms
- Reduce the patient’s anxiety by announcing each step of the transfer before it begins.
- If transferring to a wheelchair, be sure to have armrest removed or flipped backwards to avoid contact or injury.
- Remove the footrest, or swing away to prevent feet from becoming tangled when performing the wheelchair transfer.
- Position the wheelchair either at the same height or slightly lower to assist in a safe and proper wheelchair transfer.
- Depending on transfer method, having the wheelchair parallel to transfer point may also allow for a more safe and easy wheelchair transfer.
- Ensure wheel locks are set and wheelchair is stable.
- Support the patient while detaching the safety belt.
- Transfer any special padding or equipment from the origin transfer point to the wheelchair.
- First clinician: Stand behind the patient. Help the patient cross his arms across his chest. Place your arms under the patient’s upper arms and grasp his wrists.
- Second clinician: Place both hands under the patient’s lower thighs. Initiate and lead the lift at a prearranged count (1-2-3-lift).
- Both clinicians: Using your leg and arm muscles while bending your back as little as possible, gently lift the patient’s torso and legs at the same time.
- Securely position the patient in the wheelchair and replace the armrest.
First clinician stands behind the patient. Second clinician initiates the lift. STEP 4.2 : Perform the one person wheelchair transfer
- Ensure the patient is utilizing a gait or transfer belt
- Stand as close to the user as possible. Be sure footing is as stable as possible. Proper shoes is also recommended as sandals or flats do not provide support for a safe wheelchair transfer.
- Assist the patient in nearing the edge of the wheelchair.
- Be sure the patients feet are under his or her body. Lift as the patient is pushing upwards.
- Keep the patients weaker knee in between your own to assist and to slowly sit onto chair, bed, or desired transfer point.
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