This move often requires special attention from both the assisted person and the helper. There must be effective communication between the parties involved, on the one hand the person responsible for the transfer must explain closely to the assisted person the steps they are going to go through together, in order to avoid the unpredictable events that can bring an unpleasant accident. If the assisted person cannot provide their own care or express their needs, they will need two people or a lift.
In the absence of the availability of an elevator, we present the transfer steps:
STEP 1 – SECURING THE WHEELCHAIR
- Position and lock the wheelchair next to the bed;
- Remove the armrests and remove the footrests off the wheelchair (removing the footrests may prevent tripping hazards.)
STEP 2 – HELPING THE ASSISTED PERSON SITTING UP
- Place the palm of your hand between the assisted person’s shoulder blades and under the knee area, helping them to sit on the edge of the bed in a sitting position, with their feet on the side of the bed.
STEP 3 – LIFTING THE ASSISTED PERSON
- From the sitting position we prepare to lift the person off the bed
- If they can stand unassisted, shoes are recommended, or non-slip socks· Place your arms under the armpits of the patient and embrace them as well as possible.You can use a special belt around the waist.
- Make sure the patient’s foot that is positioned the farthest off the wheelchair, between your legs, support their back, shift the weight, andpick it up if the patient can help.Make sure you agree with the patient about estimating the surfaces and movements you are about to make.
STEP 4 – PIVOT TO THE WHEELCHAIR
- Get as close as possible to the wheelchair that has secured wheels.
- Prepare to place the assisted person in the wheelchair on the “pivot” principle clasping your hands around them.
- If you have a helper, ask them to support your wheelchair
STEP 5 – PLACING THE PATIENT IN THE WHEELCHAIR
- As the patient leans towards you, bend your knees and lower them onto the back of the wheelchair
- An aid can help you position the assisted person in the seat of the wheelchair and can support your wheelchair.
- Reposition your foot and place the patient’s feet on the wheelchair footrest
- Reattach the armrest of the wheelchair
- Take the brakes offThis guide is for informational purposes only and the information presented is not a substitute for evaluation and training by a medical professional.
