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A patient transfer is moving a patient or family member from a surface or area to another. 1 A safe and
successful transfer requires understanding proper transferring techniques and the patient’s needs, including their
assistance level. This set of instructions will cover the basic information needed before performing a transfer, an
example, and a list of equipment essential for the patient, if necessary.

LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE:
Therapists diagnose the required amount of performance during a transfer from both patient and caregiver.

Level of Assistance Patient (Loved one) Caregiver (You)

Independent Perform the transfer on their own No need to assist or be present

Supervision (Stand By) Perform the transfer on their own Be present for safety
Perform 25% of the transfer by helping
Minimum Perform 75% of the transfer
and guiding
Assistance

Perform 50% of the transfer by lifting and

Moderate Perform 50% of the transfer
moving
Perform 75% of the transfer by lifting and
Maximum Perform 25% of the transfer
moving
Perform 100% of the transfer by using a
Total Dependent Cannot perform the transfer
mechanical lift or two people

TRANSFERRING TECHNIQUES USING BODY MECHANICS

Body mechanics is the body's coordination to maintain balance, posture, and alignment when lifting and
transferring to avoid excessive fatigue, prevent skeletal injuries to both you and the patient.2

How to use proper body mechanics techniques

1. Stand feet shoulder-width apart. Waist
2. Bend at your knees and hips; NOT your waist. Hip
3. Keep your neck, back, hip and feet aligned!
4. Lift with your legs; NOT your back!!

5. Pivot your feet to turn; DO NOT twist your back!

https://rehabconceptspt.com/bone-health-series-part-four-of-four-posture-and-safe-movement/body-
mechanics-lifting-technique/

1
Bergman, R., & De Jesus, O. (2020). Patient Care Transfer Techniques. Stat Pearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bo oks/NBK564305/
2
Doyle, G. R., & McCutcheon, J. A. (2012). 3.2 Body Mechanics. In Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care (pp. 125-130). British Columbia Institute of
Technology (BCIT).
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TRANSFER - BED TO WHEELCHAIR 1 3:

Note: The following instructions direct an assisted transfer. If the patient CANNOT bear their weight
or move a few steps, DO NOT attempt to lift on your own; they are considered total dependent.

STEP 1: Before patient transfer: Communicate with the patient about procedures and ensure they are safe.
1. Ensure the patient has non-slip shoes, sandals, or socks to avoid any slips.
2. Lower or raise the bed to the same level as the wheelchair or a safe height, if necessary.
• The height of the bed can vary.
3. Place the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle at the edge of the bed.
• If the patient has a weak side, place the wheelchair on their strong side; eases the transfer.
4. Lock the brakes, remove the leg rests, and move wheels inward to prevent an accident.
BED

45
DEGREES

STEP 2: Start patient transfer: Before lifting the patient up, check for any thin plastic tubes (IVs or catheters).
1. Turn the patient’s legs towards you.
▪ If necessary, carefully move IVs or catheters out of your way.
2. Place an arm under the patient’s upper back and reaccommodate the patient.
3. Lift the patient to sit on the edge of the bed.
4. Place the gait belt around the patient's waist for safety measures when transferring from bed to chair

WARNING: DO NOT transfer the patient if they are feeling dizzy or weak

3
Transfer—Bed to Wheelchair. (2020). Retrieved from BayCare Health System: https://baycare.org/health-library/transfer-bed-to-wheelchair
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Step 3: Stand the patient: When you are lifting the patient, be careful. Remember to use proper body mechanics.
1. Stand in front of the patient by keeping your feet aligned with your shoulders
• Place the patient's feet between yours
2. Place your hands on the patient’s waist or grasp the gait belt.
3. Allow them to place their arms on your shoulders (like a hug)
• Helps the patient hold on when lifting
4. Count to three and lift the patient in one fluid motion to a comfortable height.

Step 4: Place patient on wheelchair: When you are lowering the patient, be slow and gentle.
1. Turn to the wheelchair while holding the patient..
2. Walk the patient a few steps back until they feel the wheelchair touching their legs.
3. Tell them to extend their hands back to hold on to the wheelchair handle.
4. Sit the patient and make sure they are comfortable.
i. If not, lift the patient slowly and move them towards the back of the wheelchair.

WARNING: DO NOT release the patient immediately, first make sure

they are sitting securely on the seat of the wheelchair.
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TRANSFER AIDS AND ASSISTIVE DEVICES

Assistive device: assist people with a disability to perform an activity.

Transfer aid: enable mobility for patient and move safely from one place to another.

Name Purpose Image

Supports and helps individuals who can still walk, stand, or

Folding Walker
perform an activity yet need assistance.

Assist with sitting, standing, transferring, and walking a

Gait belt
patient.; secured around the patient's waist or upper body.

Enables patients to navigate an area, maintain their

Safety grab bars balance, and stop themselves from falling. It is securely
attached to the wall in the room to accommodate patients.

Provides stability for patients to bathe in a comfortable

Shower chair resting place. It is found in a walk-in shower or stall and
prevents falls.

Allows patient to transfer into a bathtub. The patient sits

Transfer bench
on one end and slides to the other end in the bathtub.

Provides support and ease to sit and stand from the toilet.

Toilet safety rails It is useful when transferring to and from the bathroom
and wheelchair.

Helps the patient with a mobility disability caused by an

Wheelchair
injury, paralysis, or other health problems.