In this video the caregiver will learn how to use a mechanical lift to transfer an individual from a hospital bed to a wheelchair. This general technique can be used for transfers to a chair, bedside commode, toilet, or any other sitting surface. Use of a mechanical lift should be consider to transfer individuals who are unable to bear weight through their legs and/or are unable to assist with the transfer, being dependent with care. Be sure to assess the client or loved one's ability to cooperate/follow instruction during the transfer for safety.
Things to consider:
- Make sure the clearance and space beneath the bed is adequate in order to properly position/use the lift.
- The base of the lift must be in its widest position before lifting your client or loved one
- Always know the weight limit of the lift and the sling being used
- Never exceed the lowest weight limit of the two (sling and lift) Example: If you have a sling with a weight limit of 500lbs and a lift with a weight limit of 450lbs the individual being transferred cannot weigh any more than 450lbs.
- Always make sure that both the lift and the sling are in good working condition before use
- Do not use a sling that is torn or fraying
Take Care 2 Care
- Raise the bed to assist in good body mechanics
- Have loved one assist as much as possible
- Raise bedrail for them to assist in rolling
Sling placement/Verbal Instructions (caregiver will assist as needed in each activity)
- Bend your knee closest to me up and put your foot on the bed
- Reach across your body to the rail
- Pull with your arm and roll onto your side facing the rail
- Caregiver, slightly roll up the front edge of the sling
- Place the sling under them, tucking rolled edge beneath their side
- Roll back onto your back
- Repeat above steps in opposite direction, rolling the sling out flat across the bed before they return to lying on their back
Preparing for the Lift
- Position the mechanical lift over the bed
- Make sure the sling bar does not come into contact with your client or loved one
- Raise the head of the bed to assist in attaching the upper straps
- Use the color-coded loops, or mark with identifying tape/ribbon, to make sure you attach both upper straps at the same length and both lower straps at the same length
- The closer the attachment loop is to the top of the sling, the more upright (in seated position) the individual will be
Performing the Lift
- Always inform the individual of what to expect/what you are doing
- Do not apply the mechanical lift brakes during the lift (lift needs to be allowed to move in order to position itself beneath the individual's center of gravity as they are lifted)
- Base of lift should be in its widest position
- Have the client keep their hands/arms inside the sling, crossing arms over stomach or chest
- Make sure the pump valve is closed by turning clockwise
- Use pump handle to begin lifting client off of the bed
- Continue to monitor the sling attachments as you begin to lift
- Raise just until the individual's bottom has cleared the bed
- Lower the bed to prevent having to lift them any higher than necessary
Performing the Transfer
Take Care 2 Care
- Make sure to use good body mechanics when lifting your loved one's legs off of the lowered bed
- Bend your knees and keep your back straight when moving the lift
- With the wheelchair locked, position the lift sling over the seat of the wheelchair towards the back of the seat
- Release the pump value, slowly turning counter clockwise
- Instruct the client that the wheelchair may tip back slightly, which will allow for their bottom to be positioned as far back in the chair as possible
- Once lowered, removed the straps making sure the sling bar does not contact the client
- If the sling is to remain under the client for a brief time while sitting up, make sure to reduce any wrinkles in the sling and secure the straps
Return Transfer to the Bed
- Position the lift around the wheelchair with base at widest position
- Do not let the sling bar contact the client
- Attach the sling using color coded loops/marked loops
- Close pump value rotating clockwise
- Use pump handle to begin lifting client up from the wheelchair clearing their bottom
- Do not transport an individual lifted any higher than necessary, you can always lift higher as needed once you get to sitting surface
- Use good body mechanics when pulling/pushing on lift and positioning over the bed
- Turn client, placing their feet on the bed
- Slowly release the pump valve, turning counter clockwise
- As client is lowered to the bed, guide the sling as needed to assist in good positioning in the bed
- Do not let the sling bar come into contact with the client
- Remove straps from sling bar
- Remove sling from beneath the client having them assist as they can, rolling from side to side using the bed rails as above during the placement of the sling
Special Thanks to Provider Plus for use of the hospital bed/mechanical lift and Sycamore Village Assisted Living, in Swansea, IL for use of your facility.