Transfer: Bed to Wheelchair

Step 1. Sit the person up:

• Help the person put on proper footwear before they stand.

• Lock the wheelchair.

• In case of 1-sided weakness, place the wheelchair near the person's stronger side.

• Help the person turn over onto their side, facing you.

• Put an arm under their upper back with your hand supporting their shoulder. Put your other hand behind their knees.

• Swing their legs over the edge of the bed, helping them to sit up.

• If needed, attach a transfer belt around the person's waist.

Step 2. Stand the person up:

• Have the person scoot to the edge of the bed.

• Position your legs on the outsides of the person’s legs.

• Put your arms around their chest and clasp your hands behind their back. Do not let them grab or hold you around your neck. Use a transfer belt if needed.

• Help the person shift weight in a rocking motion until they reach a standing position.

Step 3. Sit the person in the wheelchair:

• Once standing, have the person pivot toward the wheelchair, as you continue to hold on. Always transfer toward the person’s stronger side.

• Have the person take a few steps back until they can feel the wheelchair on the back of their legs.

• Ask the person to grasp the arm of the wheelchair and lean forward slightly.

• As the person bends toward you, bend your knees and lower the person into the back of the wheelchair.

• Be sure that they are sitting comfortably in the wheelchair.

Important safety tips

Lifting a person can be hard on your back. To reduce the risk of a back injury, remember to do the following:

• Organize the steps in your head before you start.

• Explain the steps of the move and ask the person to tell you when they are ready to transfer.

• Keep your knees bent and your back straight.

• Use a transfer belt to provide a firm hold, rather than clasping your hands behind the person's back.

• Get help when you need it.

• Ask to practice with supervision.