How to Transfer a Paralyzed Patient from Wheelchair to Bed

If you have a loved one who uses a wheelchair, you must understand how to transfer a paralyzed patient from a wheelchair to a bed.

Don’t worry, we’re here to assist you!

However, you must be familiar with the various transfer procedures in order to assure the patient’s safety.

Wheelchair transfer is one of the most essential qualities a wheelchair user should learn.

Whether they transfer alone or with the help of a caregiver, it is necessary that they understand the best procedures and equipment available to make the task safer and easier.

Transferring from a wheelchair to a bed can be dangerous if done wrong, and it is a common source of falls and injuries.

In this post, we’ll go over the methods involved in transferring a paralyzed patient from a wheelchair to a bed.

So, without further ado, let’s get this started.

Preparation for Moving a Paralyzed Patient from a Wheelchair to a Bed

First, prepare yourself.

Go over the steps and, if required, seek assistance.

Remember that if you fail to support the patient’s weight, you may injure both the patient and yourself.

To avoid slipping events, make sure there are no loose carpets along the path.

If the surface is slick, consider putting a pair of non-skid shoes or socks on the patient’s feet.

Also, explain to your patient the steps you are about to take.

Be careful to apply the brakes. In addition, the footrests must be relocated out of the way.

Moreover, slide the wheelchair’s armrest to the side to make it easier for you.

Equipment to Assist Wheelchair Users in Getting to and From Their Bed

The amount of equipment required by a wheelchair user is determined by their strength and ability to sustain their weight without help.

Transfer aids lessen the chance of a fall and make it easier for wheelchair users and caregivers to perform a transfer swiftly and safely.

Here are some tools that can help you.

Gait Belt

A gait belt is required if a wheelchair user wants assistance during transferring.

Gait belts are cloth belts or harnesses that a wheelchair user wears.

They provide caregivers with something to hold while moving the patient to or from the bed.

It should be mentioned that gait belts are intended to assist patients rather than lift them.

Transfer Board

A transfer board is a flat, sturdy board that is used to cross the space between the wheelchair and the bed.

The transfer board is used by wheelchair users to offer assistance as they slide from the bed to the wheelchair.

A height-adjustable home hospital bed

Ideally, the surface to which the user is being transported is somewhat lower or the same height as the surface from which they are being transferred.

This is easily accomplished with a home hospital bed equipped with a Hi-Lo adjustment.

Mattress with border-edge protection

Soft edges on consumer mattresses might make it difficult for wheelchair users to transfer to and from their bed.

Transfer Master home hospital bed mattresses have reinforced edges that provide more support during a transfer.

Guard Rails

When sitting up, changing positions, or getting in and out of bed, sturdy guard rails on your home hospital bed can give a strong anchor point.

Methods for Moving a Paralyzed Patient From a Wheelchair to a Bed

Step 1. Stand And Pivot

Take note that the first technique assumes that the patient is capable of standing in one leg.

So if your patient cannot stand in one leg, consider the lift to transfer technique.

Now, let us proceed with the steps.

1. Getting into the right position

The wheelchair must be positioned at a 30 degree angle to the bed.

Attach the transfer harness or gait belt to the user’s waist.

2. Sit up the patient

Assist the patient in sitting up. Their feet must be flat on the ground.

After that, you must position yourself in front of the patient.

Then, firmly grasp the gait belt. Also, instruct the sufferer to grip your waist.

3. Pivot Transfer

You must use the gait belt to assist the patient as he lifts and pivots.

You must exercise caution since you may accidently drag up the patient.

Check if the patient is appropriately positioned on the bed before releasing the transfer harness.

Step 2. Using Lift Transfers

Use a patient lift if the patient has little strength.

They are also known as hydraulic lift, Hoyer lift, and patient hoist.

A sling is mounted to the gantry of these lift transfers.

This sling is wrapped around the patient and then hoisted by electric motors or hydraulics.

As a result, the caregiver can transfer the patient from the wheelchair to the bed without the need to lift them manually.

However, employing this strategy is more difficult than other methods because it necessitates professional expertise.

Unfortunately, we will not go into detail in this article.

Step 3. Using A Transfer Board

There are also other self-transfer ways, one of which is using a transfer board.

This will allow the patient to easily transition from the wheelchair to their bed.

Throughout the transfer process, the transfer board will support the patient’s body.

This approach is suitable for people who have limited upper-body strength.

This is due to the fact that they are usually unable to move or live their bodies without assistance.

1. Getting into the right position

The patient must sit on the edge of his bed with both feet flat on the floor.

Place the wheelchair roughly 30 degrees away from the bed.

Make sure the bed and wheelchair are both the same height.

2. Sliding the transfer board

One end of the transfer board must be put underneath the leg, and the other end must be placed on the wheelchair seat.

Ensures that the transfer board is completely positioned on the wheelchair’s seat.

As a result, when the weight is put later, it will not pivot or move.

3. Transferring to the bed

To slide onto the transfer board, the patient must gently elevate himself with his arms.

It may take a few motions for him to be able to transfer to the bed.

When the patient is already on the bed, the transfer board can be removed.

Adjust the position to increase safety and comfort.

Our Thoughts

You will learn the three procedures for transferring a paralyzed patient from a wheelchair to a bed.

Remember that shifting from a wheelchair to a bed or vice versa might be dangerous, especially if you don’t know how to do it properly.

It has the potential to induce spinal cord injury or falls.

If you are having a hard time transporting a loved one who has a stroke, seek a referral from your doctor to a neurological physiotherapist.

Frequently Asked Questions