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Transfers
- Details
- Category: Transfers
- Written by Sally Thimm OTRL
If you are unfamiliar with the word “transfers,” we use that word to describe moving a person from one place to another.
This discussion is important, because it allows us to describe how a person moves from a wheelchair to a bed, getting into and out of a car, getting out of a chair and coming to a standing position, getting in and out of a shower, as well as getting on and off a toilet.
Since everyone is dealing with different situations, we need to know what kinds of challenges you are having with movement. I want to give you some simple things to remember that may help with movement:
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When you are getting ready to move from one surface to another, approach the surface you are moving toward with your strongest side. So, if you are helping someone who has had a stroke, and they have weakness on the right side, you are going to help them get into bed with their right side against the bed. This allows a person to use their strong side to help them with their movement onto the bed.
Interestingly…with some couples I find some resistance to this because the patient or spouse may say “Well to have him get in using his right side, he’ll have to get in on MY side of the bed, and I have slept on this side of the bed for 30 years.” My response: “Change is good. Unless you want to continue lifting your husband’s legs and his body into bed, you need to learn to sleep on the other side of the bed.”
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So getting on the toilet, off the toilet, and in and out of a chair, your most stable balance will be maintained if you lead from the strongest side of the body. Sometimes that is not possible, like getting in and out of a car for example. There is only one way in and one way out.
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There is equipment available to help with transfers. One of the most important things you can use is a gait belt or transfer belt. This is a belt that is placed on the patient around the waist area. There are many types of gait belts available. The most frequently used belts are pictured below:
Gait belt with hand loops Gait belt with quick release buckle
Send us a message through “Contact Us” and let us know if you have any questions regarding your situation that you need help with! We can give you ideas!
“Now, let’s get going!”
Talk to you soon! xo, Sally
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