In this video the caregiver will learn how to assist an individual needing minimum to moderate assistance with a Sliding Board Transfer from Wheelchair to/from a Bed. Always let the individual being transferred do as much as they can, giving verbal cues as needed. Apply a gait belt for safety. Check stability and texture of surfaces beneath the sliding board. Use caution due to the potential shifting of the board during the transfer. Consider the use of rubber shelf liner beneath the ends of the board to prevent shifting.
Preparing for Sliding Board Transfer Wheelchair to Bed
- Always move toward the strong side if possible
- Adjust surface heights (lower hospital bed if possible) so that the surface they are moving toward is at least level, if not slightly lower
- Align the wheelchair at a 45 degree angle to the bed
- Lift up or take off armrest
- Lock the wheelchair brakes
- Remove the footrests
- Put a gait belt on the individual being transferred
Wheelchair to Bed
- Give verbal cues to scoot your bottom forward (assist as needed with verbal/tactile cues and assistance, having individual lean to one side while assisting to move the buttock forward on the opposite side, repeating on the opposite side until reaching a good forward position in the wheelchair) Protect the individual when leaning to the side, especially with removal of an armrest, if patient has poor balance use extra caution when leaning side to side, keeping a hand on their shoulder
- Lean away from the bed, reaching across your body with the arm closest to the bed, bringing the weight off of the buttock and thigh closest to the bed
- Assist in placing the board under the thigh and buttock
- Give verbal cues to use arms and legs, if able, to assist pushing down, lifting weight off of their buttocks as you assist them in moving across the board Remind them not to grab the end of the board due to possibly pinching fingers under the board as they move across
- Position individual's feet flat on the floor
- Give instruction that you will count to "3" to initiate the transfer across the board
- Block the individual's weak knee and/or knees with your legs for stability
- Position yourself as close to the individual as possible, bending your knees, protecting your back
- Once securely on the bed, instruct to place the hand furthest from the wheelchair down on the bed, lean way from the wheelchair (supporting them for balance as needed) bringing weight off their buttock and thigh
- Assist in removing the board out from under the buttock and thigh
Preparing for Sliding Board Transfer Bed to Wheelchair
- Always move toward the strong side if possible
- Adjust surface height (raise hospital bed if possible) so that the surface they are moving toward is at least level, if not slightly lower
- Align the wheelchair at a 45 degree angle to the bed
- Lift up or take off armrest
- Lock the wheelchair brakes
- Remove the footrests
- Put a gait belt on the individual being transferred
Bed to Wheelchair
- Give verbal cues to scoot your bottom forward(assist as needed with verbal/tactile cues and assistance having individual lean to one side while assisting to move the buttock forward on the opposite side, repeating on the opposite side until reaching a good forward position on the bed If the individual has decreased sitting balance, use extra caution when leaning side to side for scooting and when leaning to one side for sliding board placement, giving a much support as needed by keeping a hand on their shoulder
- Lean away from the wheelchair, putting your hand down on the bed on same side for support, bringing the weight off of the buttock and thigh closest to the wheelchair
- Assist in placing the board under the thigh and buttock
- Give instruction for individual to use arms and legs, if able, to assist pushing down, lifting weight off of their buttocks as you assist them in moving across the board Remind them not to grab the end of the board due to possibly pinching fingers under the board as they move across
- Position individual's feet flat on the floor
- Give instruction that you will count to "3" to initiate the transfer across the board
- Block the individual's weak knee and/or knees with your legs for stability
- Position yourself as close to the individual as possible, bending your knees, protecting your back
- Once securely in the wheelchair, give verbal cues to lean away from the bed, reaching across your body with the arm closest to the bed, bringing the weight off of the buttock and thigh closest to the bed
- Assist in removing the sliding board from beneath the buttock and thigh
Special Thanks to Provider Plus for use of the hospital bed and Sycamore Village Assisted Living, in Swansea, IL for use of your facility.