Safe transfers at home

The honest position

Manual handling injuries are the occupational hazard of family caregiving, and they end care arrangements. If you are regularly lifting the weight of another adult, you will eventually injure your back, and then there are two people who need help.

Equipment exists for this. Use it earlier than you think you need it.

Before any transfer

• Plan it. Know where you are going and that the destination is ready.
• Lock every brake — bed, wheelchair, commode.
• Set the bed height so you are not bending.
• Move footrests and armrests out of the way.
• Make sure the person is wearing shoes with grip, not socks.
• Tell the person what is about to happen and what you need them to do.

Body mechanics

• Feet apart, one slightly forward. Bend at the knees and hips, not the waist.
• Keep the load close to your body.
• Never twist while bearing weight — move your feet.
• Use a gait belt rather than pulling on an arm, a waistband or clothing. Pulling on an arm dislocates shoulders.
• Count it out loud together so you move at the same time.

When to stop doing it manually

A sit-to-stand lift helps someone who can bear partial weight. A full patient lift handles someone who cannot. Slide sheets and transfer boards handle bed-to-chair moves with much less force.

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