Transfer—Wheelchair to Toilet
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 Stand the patient up:
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Lock the wheelchair.
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Be sure the person’s feet are under his or her body.
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Grasp the back of a belt or pants and lift.
2 Move onto the toilet:
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Keep the person’s weaker knee between your legs.
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Pivot the person around in front of the toilet. Always transfer toward the person’s stronger side.
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Gently sit the patient down onto the toilet.
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Help the patient adjust his or her clothing.
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Never pull on the person’s weaker arm or lift the person by the armpits.
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:
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Organize the steps in your head before you move.
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Keep the patient close to you.
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Keep your knees bent and your back straight.
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Consider using a gait belt.
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Get help when you need it.