The odds are against you: more than half of all caregivers suffer from injuries related to lifting or transferring a frail, elderly loved one. To save your back and protect the person you’re assisting from injury as well, we’ve compiled the following step-by-step guide to safely transfer someone from a bed to a wheelchair:
- If the bed is low, put one foot on a footstool. This relieves pressure on your lower back.
- Place the wheelchair as close to the bed as possible and check the wheelchair position. Are the brakes locked, and armrests and footrests swung out of the way?
- Tell the person what you are going to do and let him look to where he is being transferred. Before starting a move, count “1-2-3”.
- If the person is able, place his hands on the bed so he can assist in the movement.
- For better support, get close to the person you are lifting.
- Bend at the knees and not the waist, keeping your back and neck in a straight line with weight balanced on both feet. Tighten your stomach and back muscles to maintain a correct support position.
- Use your arms to support the person and let your legs do the lifting.
- Pivot by turning on one foot rather than twisting your body.
- A transfer belt around the person’s waist can be used for stability and support as you complete the transfer.
- Tell the person to hold the wheelchair armrests for support (if able).
If you’re still finding it a struggle to safely help your loved one out of bed, we’re here to help. Whether you simply need a little respite care, around-the-clock care, or anything in between, contact our compassionate and skilled Chicagoland caregiving team to enhance both your loved one’s quality of life and level of safety, and your own peace of mind.