How to Use a Transfer Board

How to Use a Transfer Board

A transfer board is a smooth, rectangular board. It is used to help a person get from one seat or bed to another if he or she has limited ability to move.

Tips

  • Do not use a transfer board with a person who cannot sit up. A transfer board should be used only with a person who has upper body strength and is able to sit.
  • Consider using a mechanical lift device to decrease risk of injury.
  • Have a second helper whenever possible. While you give help in the front, the second helper should give support from behind and help with lifting.
  • Avoid rubbing skin along the board.
  • Offer only as much help as the person needs. Allow him or her to help as much as he or she can.
  • Always tell the person being moved what you will be doing next.
  • Nonslip shoes should be worn by the person and his or her helpers.
  • Always cover the board with a towel.
  • For any transfer, put a gait belt around the person’s waist and close it securely.
  • Be sure that both buttocks lift off of the chair, bed, or board for each scoot.

How to transfer a person from a bed to a chair

Preparing

  1. Position the chair near the bed so it faces toward the bed at a 45-degree angle. If the chair is a wheelchair:
    1. Remove the footrests.
    1. Raise or remove the armrest that is near the bed.
    1. Use the brakes to lock the wheels.
  2. If the bed is adjustable, raise it so the top of the bed is a little higher than the seat of the chair.
  3. Have the person sit at the edge of the bed.
  4. If a square pad is available, place it under the person’s trunk (torso) to help with the transfer.

Moving

  1. Lean the person sideways to raise the buttock that is near the chair.
  2. Slide a third of the covered board under the raised buttock.
  3. Place the other end of the board on the chair so it reaches the middle of the chair.
  4. Put your leg that is near the bed between the person’s legs. Put your other leg closer to the chair.
  5. Ask the person to push down with his or her hands to briefly lift both buttocks slightly off of the bed.
    1. Make sure the person does not grab the ends of the board. His or her hands could get pinched under the board.
  6. Have the person lean forward and hug the helper in front while a helper at the back guides the person’s hips. Help the person to scoot a couple of times across the board and into the chair.
  7. When the person is stable in the chair, remove your hands.
  8. Stand in front of the person and lean him or her to the side to raise the buttock off of the board. Remove the board.
  9. Smooth out the towel. It can remain under the person in the chair.
  10. If the chair is a wheelchair, put the armrest and footrests back in place.
  11. When the person is secure in the chair, remove the gait belt.

How to transfer a person from a chair to a bed

Preparing

  1. Position the chair near the bed. If the chair is a wheelchair:
    1. Remove the footrests.
    1. Raise or remove the armrest that is near the bed.
    1. Use the brakes to lock the wheels.
  2. If the bed is adjustable, lower it so the top of the bed is even with or a little lower than the seat of the chair.

Moving

  1. Lean the person sideways to raise the buttock that is near the bed.
  2. Slide a third of the covered board under the raised buttock. The board should bridge the gap between the chair and the bed.
  3. Have the person lean forward and hug the helper in front while a helper at the back guides the person’s hips. Help the person to scoot a couple of times across the board and onto the bed.
  4. The person should be sitting up with both legs over the edge of the bed.
  5. Stand in front of the person and lean him or her to the side to raise the buttock off of the board. Remove the board.
  6. Position the towel on the bed and smooth it out. It can remain under the person in bed.
  7. Roll the person over onto the towel in a comfortable position.
  8. When the person is secure on the bed, remove the gait belt.

How to transfer a person from a chair to another chair

Preparing

  1. Position the chairs so they are side-by-side (parallel). If one chair is a wheelchair:
    1. Remove the footrests.
    1. Raise or remove the armrests that are between the chairs.
    1. Use the brakes to lock the wheels.
  2. Position the empty chair to be even with or a little lower than the chair that the person is in.

Moving

  1. Lean the person sideways to raise the buttock that is near the empty chair.
  2. Slide a third of the covered board under the raised buttock. The board should bridge the gap between the two chairs.
  3. Have the person lean forward and hug the helper in front while a helper at the back guides the person’s hips. Help the person to scoot a couple of times across the board and into the empty chair.
  4. Stand in front of the person and lean him or her to the side to raise the buttock off of the board. Remove the board.
  5. If the person is sitting in a wheelchair now, put the armrests and footrests back in place.
  6. When the person is secure in the chair, remove the gait belt.
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