Which side should the patient be transferred on when performing wheelchair transfer?
Click the triangle below to listen to the podcast brief and access the transcript by clicking here. Show
Transferring in and out of your wheelchair puts higher stress on your arms and shoulders than anything else you do on a regular basis. Learning the correct way to transfer is extremely important in order to keep your arms functioning and pain-free. Get proper transfer training
Safe transfer rules and technique
ResourcesConsortium for Spinal Cord Medicine. Preservation of Upper Limb Function: What You Should Know. A Guide for People with Spinal Cord Injury, Paralyzed Veterans of America, 2008. AuthorshipSafe Transfer Technique was developed by Michael L. Boninger, MD, in collaboration with the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. Source: Our health information content is based on research evidence whenever available and represents the consensus of expert opinion of the SCI Model System directors. Disclaimer: This information is not meant to replace the advice from a medical professional. You should consult your health care provider regarding specific medical concerns or treatment. 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. 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. 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:
Take care of your backLifting a patient can be hard on your back. To reduce the risk of a back injury, remember to do the following:
Do you transfer to the strong or weak side?Transfer process:
Move the chair to the side of the bed near the feet, on the strong side if the person has a weakened side; the chair should be parallel to the bed, but angled slightly out with the front wheel snug against the bed. If it is a wheelchair lock it; be sure to lock both wheels.
Where should a wheelchair be placed when transferring?Assisted Transfers (Stand and Pivot). Position the wheelchair at a 30-degree angle to the bed.. Place a gait belt or transfer harness securely on the wheelchair user's waist. ... . The upper surface of the mattress should be level with the seat of the wheelchair.. When transferring a person to or from the wheelchair the?Protect your back: bend your knees during the transfer and maintain a natural curve in your back. Once the person is in the wheelchair, if you're moving upward—for example, up a curb or stairs—pull the wheelchair backwards. Have the person seated with their legs at a right angle (90 degrees) at both the knees and hips.
|