Roll Mobility Blog
Wheelchair Transfers
Before helping an individual transfer in or out of a wheelchair, let them know what you plan to do.
Most elderly individuals are able to do some of the transfer work from a wheelchair on their own. When you help an individual into or out of a wheelchair, ask the individual to help with the transfer as much as possible. Be patient and allow the individual as much time as needed to do their part of the transfer.
Teamwork
If the person you are transferring is lightweight and petite, you may be tempted to do more of the lifting yourself. But it’s important to allow the person being transferred to do as much as possible. This allows the individual to retain their sense of independence and saves your back in the process.
Safety
Ask a physical therapist to show you how to maintain proper body posture when assisting with transfers. Transferring from a wheelchair to a bath bench may require a different technique than transferring from a wheelchair to a car seat.
In some cases, a two-person transfer is safer. Do not attempt to assist with a wheelchair transfer by yourself if two people are needed. An unsafe transfer puts yourself and the individual you are helping at risk for injury.
Communication
Always communicate clearly with the person you are transferring. Let them know what you are going to do before you do it, and tell them again what you are doing as you do it. If they have a difficult time hearing, communicate your intentions through gestures and body language. Always show respect for the individual’s feelings, body, and dignity.
Bed to Wheelchair Transfer
Helping your loved one out of bed and into a wheelchair can be done safely when following the proper guidelines. We recommend practicing with a healthcare professional before attempting a bed to wheelchair transfer on your own. A professional can make sure you are using the correct body positioning and lifting techniques, as well as help you learn how to communicate clearly with your loved one throughout the transfer process.
A wheelchair with flip-back arms can make transfers easier.
Here are some basic guidelines for a bed to wheelchair transfer:
- Position the wheelchair parallel to the bed on the person’s stronger side.
- Lock the bed brakes, if applicable.
- Swing the legrests out of the way or remove them from the wheelchair.
- Lock the wheelchair brakes.
- Make sure your loved one is wearing non-slip footwear, such as rubber-soled slippers.
- Communicate with your loved one throughout the transfer process to let him know what will happen next. Ask for feedback often to make sure your loved one is comfortable throughout the transfer.
- While keeping your knees bent and back straight, help your loved one into a sitting position by placing one arm under his shoulders and the other arm on his hips. Turn him toward you and move his legs until they are dangling over the side of the bed.
- Once your loved one is in a sitting position, encourage him to sit still for two minutes while his equilibrium adjusts. If he is dizzy, wait until the dizziness has passed before continuing the transfer. If dizziness, discomfort, or pain persists after several minutes, help your loved one lie back down.
- When you are ready for the transfer from a sitting position to the wheelchair, put your arms around your loved one’s waist and grab his waistband securely. Your loved one should be sitting on the edge of the bed and leaning slightly forward with feet flat on the floor and pointing straight ahead. The caregiver’s feet should be pointing towards the bed, with one foot between your loved one’s feet (and your knee between his knees) and the other foot outside of his feet and slightly further back.
- Bend your knees, tighten your abdominal and gluteal muscles, and keep your back straight as you prepare for the transfer. Get as close as possible to your loved one, in a hugging position.
- Tell your loved one to stand on the count of three. Gently rock your loved one forward with each count to increase momentum.
- On the count of three, help your loved one stand by pulling up on his waistband. If possible, have your loved one push himself up from the bed to assist with the transfer.
- Pivot with your loved one towards the wheelchair until his back is facing the chair. Instruct him to grab the armrest as you gently help him sit.
- Once your loved one is safely seated in the wheelchair, you may put the legrests back in place, if needed, and unlock the wheelchair brakes.
Wheelchair Transfer to Walker
Follow the steps provided to transfer from a wheelchair to a walker.
Transferring from a wheelchair to a walker or vice versa should be done carefully in order to prevent falls and ensure the safety of the individual involved in the transfer. These instructions are meant for active transfers, where the individual needs little to no assistance.
Since each individual is unique, varying levels of assistance or adaptation may be required, depending on physical limitations. The individual and caregiver should be aware of the individual’s limitations and be willing to adapt the method of transfer as needed. Consult a physical therapist or healthcare professional for individualized advice on transfer methods.
Wheelchair Transfer Steps:
- If assistance is needed, the caregiver should stand on the side that is weaker or injured.
- Stabilize the wheelchair by backing the chair against a wall (if possible) and engaging the wheel locks.
- Raise the footrests and swing them out of the way.
- Position the walker directly in front of the wheelchair. Lock the walker or rollator brakes, if this feature is available.
- Check the wheelchair brakes again to make sure they are fully engaged and locked.
- Scoot your body forward to the front half of the wheelchair seat.
- With both feet flat on the floor, take a firm hold on the wheelchair armrests, lean forward slightly, and push up with your arms and legs to lift your body out of the wheelchair and into a standing position. Give yourself a moment to stabilize.
(Note: NEVER grab hold of the walker to help you stand up from the wheelchair. The walker can easily tip over backwards. Only transfer your hands to the walker after you are in a standing position and well balanced.)
- Carefully transfer one hand at a time to the walker, starting with your strongest hand.
- Give yourself a moment to stabilize before walking.
Please consult a health care professional or physical therapist for any questions or concerns about the suitability of any mobility aid prior to use.
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