Wheelchairs are essential tools for the elderly and people with disabilities. They allow them to break from the confines of home and carry on their lives. Wheelchairs are one of the significant things connecting seniors to wellness. Despite the facility, wheelchair transfers can be dangerous if not done correctly. There are several wheelchair transfer techniques, and knowing them is extremely important if you are a caregiver for a wheelchair user.
Trained nurses and caregivers are educated about several wheelchair transfer techniques and when to use them. Knowing the techniques is not enough. You must also know which method will work best with what kind of patients.
Why Knowing the Right Wheelchair Transfer Techniques is Important
Wheelchair transfer promotes mobilization and, in many cases, might help in recovery. However, there are risks involved, too. Transfers performed by novices and untrained people can often cause injury and infection.
Risks Involved in Transfers
Patient transfers have the potential to benefit the patient in the hospital, at work, or at home. Depending on the severity of the patient’s health condition, they also increase the risk of other negative outcomes.
To avoid such unpleasant outcomes, caregivers must learn wheelchair transfer techniques well and only take up the job when entirely sure. If you are taking care of your loved ones in their old age or during illness, make sure you, too, know about the different kinds of wheelchair transfer techniques and when to use them.
Common Transfer Techniques Used by Trained Caregivers
Whether you visit a hospital or hire a wheelchair-friendly transportation service, the caregivers correctly understand the wheelchair and how the human body works. The techniques they use are curated with the comfort and safety of the patient kept in mind. These techniques prevent accidents and injuries.
Here are some of the most commonly used wheelchair transfer techniques that will teach you how to handle situations involving a wheelchair.
Types of Wheelchair Transfer Techniques
- Sliding Board Transfer
A sliding board transfer is commonly used for patients who have lower body injuries or paralysis. A sliding board is used for transfers since they cannot bear weight on the lower limbs.
A sliding board is placed between the two surfaces and acts as a bridge for transfer. In this case, ensure that the height of both surfaces is the same; otherwise, it may cause pain and even severe injury.
Similar Link: Your Ultimate Guide To Reliable Wheelchair Transportation Options
- Squat Pivot Transfer
This transfer is perfect for patients who can bear some weight on themselves but cannot stand upright. All you have to do is keep the wheelchair and the surface of the transfer close and remove the armrests. The patient then scoots and tries to get to the destination surface. Meanwhile, ensure your knees support their knees to prevent them from falling off their position.
If the patient is too weak, support them at the waist or back and help them scoot over. You must be near the patient throughout to give them your support. This technique is used widely in the transportation of dialysis patients unless they are bedridden.
- Sit to Stand
This technique suits patients who have mobility but lack balance. People who can walk short distances with support will do well with this technique.
Make the patient stand on the floor and ask them to grab the wheelchair’s armrest. Then, pull them towards you and move them to the destination position.
It is for patients who do not have a disability but have temporary mobility issues due to operations or other health concerns.
Final Words
While there are several wheelchair transfer techniques, the above-mentioned are the most common ones. Caregivers may adjust and adapt techniques depending on the patient’s mobility and strength. They may sometimes use a hybrid method to best suit the patient.
Knowing these wheelchair transfer techniques will help any individual who wishes to help an old member or anyone who uses a wheelchair. Knowing the methods will allow you to make transfers without harming your loved ones or increasing their pain. However, if you are unsure how to undertake the actions, it is best to leave it to professionals trained for the purpose. Hire help or allow only trained caregivers to make transfers.