Transfer—Bed to Wheelchair
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.
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
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.
Take care of your back
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.