Wheelchairs provide mobility for the disabled, elderly, injured and ill. However, transferring individuals from their wheelchair to a difference spot to sit or lay down can be done improperly, which potentially could cause serious injury. If your or a love one needs to be transferred from a wheelchair often it is wise to understand the Dos and Don’ts of wheelchair transferring.
Dos of Wheelchair Transferring
- Always prepare what the wheelchair patient is transferring too.
- Always have the wheelchair as close to the area you are transferring the patient too.
- Always place on the wheelchair breaks before transferring a patient from the chair.
- Always Determine a patients needs before transferring them.
- During the transferring process always, reduce a patient’s anxieties by chatting about each step that will occur so they are on the same page as you.
- Always make sure any armrest or footrest are removed and out of the way before assisting a patient with a transfer.
- Always know the right positions and moves to help lift a patient up from a wheelchair properly. Wheelchair transfer classes can be taken anytime at a local Red Cross or Hospital.
- Always wear non-skid shoes while transferring an individual from a wheelchair.
Don’ts of Wheelchair Transferring
- Never lifts a patient up out of the wheelchair without warning or while they are sleeping.
- Never transfer a patient without the breaks of the wheelchair put into place.
- Never transfer a patient to a sit or bed far across the room.
- Never place a patient into a wheelchair with a broken wheel or damaged seat.
- Never lift a person out of the wheelchair without bending your knees or using the right body mechanics. Doing so could cause injury to you and the patient.
- Never grab onto an individuals clothing to help pull them up out of the wheelchair and to a different seating or laying spot.
- Never lift a person with back muscles. Always lift with arm and leg muscles to prevent injury to yourself.
- Never try to lift someone out of a chair without a gait belt.
Ends Notes for the Do’s and Don’ts of Wheelchair Transferring
Knowing the dos and don’ts of wheelchair transferring can make it a safe and comfortable for the patient and yourself. Nothing is worse than not knowing how to lift an individual from a wheelchair properly or trying to without knowing and having them or you become severely injured.
