Three steps to use a transfer board
The steps involved in using a transfer board are:
- Set up
- Prepare
- Transfer.
1. Set up
Bring the front edge of the wheelchair seat as close to the other surface as possible by:
- Positioning the wheelchair at an angle
- Removing or moving the footrest, if possible.
For wheelchairs with removable armrests, removing the armrests will make it easier to position the transfer board for the person to move onto.
2. Prepare to transfer
The person should prepare to transfer by:
- Moving to the front surface where they are seated
- Placing their feet flat on the floor
- Positioning the transfer board under one buttock by leaning to the side.
3. Transfer
Once the transfer board is in place, the person should transfer across by:
- Leaning forward to shift weight off the buttocks
- Pushing down through the arms and/or legs to do small lifts
- Once safely seated on new surface, remove the transfer board by leaning to one side.
Sometimes people prefer transferring towards one side.
In different environments, it is not always possible to transfer to the same side.
Encourage the person to practice transferring to both sides.
Transferring to a bed
Watch the video to see how to use the transfer board without assistance.
Transferring to a toilet
Watch the video to see how to use the transfer board without assistance.
Question
The toilet seat is not at the same height as the wheelchair seat. What could you suggest to Lucy to make the transfer easier?
Select all that apply.
If you selected c, you are correct!
A toilet chair can be height adjusted to make both surfaces the same or similar height.
If the transfer board slides on the toilet seat, adding some non slip material between the toilet seat and transfer board may help.
Activity
Practice transferring independently using a transfer board.
Review the steps to set up and prepare before you transfer.
- Practice transferring putting some weight on one leg
- Practice transferring without putting any weight on your legs
- Practice transferring between different surfaces available to you, such as:
- Wheelchair to a bed
- Wheelchair to a chair
- Wheelchair to a toilet seat.
- Which transfer did you find more difficult?
- Why was it more difficult?
Transferring to a vehicle seat
1. Set up
When transferring to a vehicle:
- Open the vehicle door fully
- Bring the front edge of the wheelchair seat as close to the vehicle seat as possible.
2. Prepare to transfer
The person should prepare to transfer by:
- Moving to the front of their wheelchair seat
- Positioning the transfer board under one buttock by leaning to the side.
3. Transfer
- Transfer across the board to the vehicle seat
- Lift legs into vehicle.
Reverse the process to get out of the vehicle.
Tip: Move the backrest of the vehicle seat as far back as possible to give the person more space when moving across.
Tip: Some people find it easier to put their legs into the vehicle first when getting in and remove their legs last when getting out.
Question
How do you teach a person to position the wheelchair seat as close to the vehicle seat as possible?
Select all that apply.
If you selected a and c, you are correct!
Positioning the wheelchair at an angle and moving the footrest out of the way reduces the distance between the front of the wheelchair and vehicle seat.
b and d are incorrect.
Brakes are important for stopping the wheelchair moving during the transfer. Positioning the wheelchair parallel to the vehicle seat is not the closest position to the front of the wheelchair seat and makes it harder to position the transfer board.