Where should you place the chair when transferring a patient with left sided weakness?

Moving Patients from Bed to Wheelchair

Using a transfer belt can help make moving patients safer.

Patient safety is often the main concern when moving patients from bed. But remember not to lift at the expense of your own back. This transfer often requires the patient's help, so clear communication is essential. If the patient can’t help much, you’ll need two peopl or a fully body sling lift.

Remember: When patients are weak, brace your knees against theirs to keep their legs from buckling. Also, transfer toward patient’s stronger side if possible.

Step 1.  Sit the patient up

• Position and lock the wheelchair close to the bed. Remove the armrest nearest to the bed, and swing away both leg rests.
• Help the patient turn onto his or her side, facing the wheelchair.
• Put an arm under the patient’s neck with your hand supporting the shoulder blade; put your other hand under the knees.
• Swing the patient's legs over the edge of the bed, helping the patient to sit up.

Step 2.  Stand the patient up

• Have the patient scoot to the edge of the bed.
• Assist the patient in putting on skid proof socks or shoes.
• Put your arms around the patient’s chest, and clasp your hands behind his or her back. Or, you may also use a transfer belt to provide a firm handhold.
• Supporting the leg farthest from the wheelchair between your legs, lean back, shift your weight, and lift.

Step 3.  Pivot toward chair

• Have the patient pivot toward the chair, as you continue to clasp your hands around the patient.
• A helper can support the wheelchair or patient from behind.

Step 4.  Sit the patient down

• As the patient bends toward you, bend your knees and lower the patient into the back of the wheelchair.
• A helper may position the patient’s buttocks and support the chair.
• Reposition the foot rests and the patient's feet.

StayWell last reviewed this educational content on 3/1/2018

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

As the caregiver of a person who has had a stroke you must be aware of your limits mentally and physically.

Although it is possible to move a person from a bed to a chair independently, it is recommended that two people perform the procedure for someone who is very weak or unable to support him or herself.

Consult your physician or a physical therapist for advice on assistive devices that may make transferring a person from a bed to a chair easier; such as slide boards, gait belts, lifts, and wheelchairs with removable arms.

The Transfer Process

Step 1. Explain the procedure to the person.

Step 2. Place the wheelchair or chair the person is going to sit in parallel to the bed so that it is touching the bed and faces either the head or foot of the bed. The chair should be positioned so that it is on the person's unaffected side.

Step 3. Lock the wheelchair and bed in place and make sure the person has non-skid footwear on both feet.

Step 4. Lower the bed to its lowest position and raise the head of the bed (if possible) to the highest position so that the person is sitting upright.

Step 5. Assist the person to roll to their side. Place one hand over their legs and grab under both legs. Place the other hand under their arm and around their back. In one motion, swing their legs off the edge of the bed while lifting the upper torso with your other hand into the upright sitting position. Assist the person to scoot out of the bed until both feet are on the floor.

Step 6. Place both of your feet in front of the person's feet so they do not slide. Place your arms under theirs and around their back and have them place their unaffected arm on your shoulder. Bend down at the knees and stabilize their legs against yours. Lean the person forward and have them push up on the unaffected leg at the same time you are lifting them into the standing position. A belt may be used as an alternative to help lift the person to the standing position.

Step 7. Have the person pivot towards their affected side so that their bottom is facing the chair. Slowly lower the person, while bending at the knees, into the wheelchair or chair.

Step 8. Relax, you're done!

There are many different ways to perform a bed to chair transfer. Use the one you find the easiest and your body finds the easiest. Remember, there are many assistive devices out there that make this job much easier.

References:

Hope: The Stroke Recovery Guide. (2009). Retrieved from www.stroke.org.

Nelson, A., Motacki, K., & Menzel, N. (2009). The illustrated guide to safe patient handling and movement. NY: Springer. Retrieved from http://www.mtpinnacle.com/pdfs/Guide-to-Safe-Patient-Handling.pdf

Obeck, L. (2011). Safe patient lifting techniques. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/way_5296658_safe-patient-lifting-techniques.html

Prevention. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com

Stein, J. (2009). Stroke recovery and rehabilitation. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing

Stroke facts: Recovery after stroke: Managing life at home. (2009). Retrieved from www.stroke.org

Developed in 2000 by James Randolph, RN at the University of Toledo for Caring~Web. Revised 2010, 2012.

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