How to Safely Transfer your Care Recipient

Helping to move someone with limited mobility from one place to another can put both the caregiver and the care recipient at risk for serious injury if not done properly. There are many different types of transfers – from wheelchair to chair, bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to car, etc., and each one has unique considerations. These tips are general suggestions for a broad range of transfers. It is important to remember that protecting yourself from injury will help you to continue to be a caregiver to your care recipient.

• If you are not able to do the transfer safely, it is better to leave your care recipient where they are until you can get help
• Consider hiring a Physical Therapist to train you on safe transfer techniques (or check to see if there are any free or low-cost classes available to teach you these skills)
• Ask for the assistance and cooperation of your care recipient, make certain that they are aware of your plan, and keep them involved by talking to them throughout the process to ensure you have their continued understanding and cooperation
• Place your feet shoulder width apart and make sure you have good footing
• Lift with your knees bent, allowing your legs to do the work
• Get as close to the care recipient as possible
• Maintain the natural curve in your spine, and try not to bend from the waist
• If the care recipient feels more secure holding on to something, have them hold on to your waist or shoulders, NOT your neck
• Use safety tools that are available such as the following:
  • Gait belt or lifting belt: This snugly tightened belt around the care recipient’s waist makes the transfer easier to manage
  • Transfer board: This small, smooth board allows you to slide someone from one surface to another
  • Draw sheet: A sturdy sheet or chux pad can be used to slide a person on a surface
  • Mechanical lift: A lift can help eliminate the need to do a physical transfer; there are several kinds of these