Buying Guide for Mobility Transfer Aids

Last Updated on November 19, 2023 | Published: July 27, 2023

Buying Guide for Mobility Transfer Aids

We’re glad you stopped by our mobility transfer aids buying guide. Finding the appropriate assistive equipment significantly improves the quality of life for anybody with mobility challenges, such as yourself or a loved one. 

Top Mobility Transfer Aids

As with any product category, mobility transfer aids have a wide variety of options. You’ll find a rundown of the many mobility transfer aids available and some advice on choosing the right one for your needs below. 

Find the appropriate mobility aid to suit your requirements and go about with ease, whether a cane, walker or wheelchair.

What Are Different Mobility Aids?

People who have trouble getting on their own might regain some of their freedom using mobility aids. Canes, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and scooters are just some of the mobility aids you may buy today.

What Are Transfer Aids?

Any device that facilitates movement from one place to another, such as a bed to a chair or a wheelchair to a car, is considered a transfer aid. The goal of these devices, which may be either manually or electrically driven, is to make transferring patients with mobility or cognitive impairments easier and safer for their carers. There is a wide variety of transfer aids, including slide sheets, transfer boards, transfer belts, gait belts, and patient lifts. Using a transfer device may improve a person’s quality of life by making transfers safer for the carer and the person being moved while also increasing the person’s independence and mobility.

Why Are Transfer Aids Used?

A transfer aid might be helpful in a variety of scenarios, including but not limited to the following:

  • Assist people with physical or mental limitations who cannot make the shift independently.
  • Prioritising everyone’s safety, including the carer and the individual being transferred, is essential.
  • Improve one’s standard of living by giving one more freedom of movement and choice.
  • Help carers move patients about without putting too much strain on them.
  • You may avoid caregiver back discomfort by utilising lifting and transferring equipment authorised by a doctor.
  • Give people, especially those who are always on the go, more efficient and convenient ways to get where they need to go.
  • Caregivers may give their full attention to providing care and comfort to the patient rather than the mechanics of transporting them.

What Is The Name Of The Device Used For Transferring Immobile Patients?

A patient lift is a piece of equipment used to move bedridden people from one location to another. A sling or other lifting apparatus is connected to the boom’s end, supported by a motorised base that may raise and lower the boom. The patient is transferred between facilities by placing them in a sling and using a lift. One may use a patient lift to move a patient from their bed to a chair, from their wheelchair to a bed, or from one position in the same room to another. 

How Do You Transfer A Heavy Patient?

Both the patient and the carer need to be protected during a transfer. Hence you must use the correct lifting techniques. The following are the steps taken.

  • Gather the necessary equipment, such as a gait belt, transfer board, or powered lift.
  • Take a step back to a safe distance from the patient but close enough to easily reach the person.
  • Have the patient stand with a gait belt around their waist, head, and upper body elevated above the bed or chair height.
  • Place one hand on the patient’s shoulder and the other on the gait belt, and lift them up and toward you.
  • Position the patient on the transfer board, motorised lift, or gait belt to help them walk.
  • As you move the patient, keep them close to you and use a smooth, continuous motion.

When transferring a patient, it is essential to have help, particularly if the patient is extremely large or heavy. Using safe lifting techniques protects both the carer and the person receiving care.

How Do You Transfer A Bedridden Patient?

To properly move a bedridden patient, you must take the following steps:

Gather the necessary equipment, such as a sliding sheet, transfer board, or lift device. Depending on the specifics, additional equipment, like a gait belt, may be necessary to help with the transition.

  • You and the patient should be on the same page about the transfer before you begin the process.
  • Achieve maximum comfort for the patient. Before beginning the transfer, make sure the patient is relaxed. Place them at the foot of the bed or the edge of the chair as a possible option.
  • Give aid by a transfer board; you may use a slide sheet or lift device to assist the patient change positions. There are times when an extra pair of hands is needed during a move.
  • Do the following to put the sufferer at ease: As soon as the patient has arrived at their new site, it is imperative that they feel secure and comfortable. You should examine the patient’s posture and make any required adjustments if they are uncomfortable.

You should prioritise the health of both the patient and the carer during the transfer of a bedridden patient. Therefore you should follow standard safety protocols. You should master safe transfer techniques before attempting to move a bedridden patient.

How Do I Transfer My Immobile Patient From Bed To Wheelchair?

When transferring a patient from bed to a wheelchair, follow these steps:

  • Gather the necessary equipment, such as a sliding sheet, transfer board, or lift device. Depending on the specifics, additional equipment, like a gait belt, may be required to help with the transition.
  • Plan the relocation: Before starting the transfer, ensure you and the patient are on the same page.
  • Achieve maximum comfort for the patient by, before beginning the transfer, making sure the patient is in a relaxed state. Place them at the foot of the bed or the edge of the chair as a possible option.

Moving a patient who cannot do it on their own requires strict adherence to all relevant safety measures to prevent injury to the patient or others. You should learn proper transfer methods before attempting to relocate a patient who cannot move independently.

What Are The Four Types Of Wheelchair Transfers?

There are four main types of wheelchair transfers:

  • There is no need for a full transfer (independent transfer) of the patient from the wheelchair to the bed or other medical equipment.
  • A stand-pivot transfer involves the patient standing up with the assistance of a carer and then pivoting around to face the wheelchair.
  • Sliding the patient from a bed or chair onto a transfer board and subsequently onto a wheelchair is called a slide-board transfer.
  • Transferring from a bed or chair to a wheelchair is made easier with a lift.

You must choose the appropriate transfer method based on the patient’s mobility and cooperation throughout the process. Wheelchair transfers may be difficult and dangerous if the right protocols are not followed.

<a href="http://reviewmobility.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jacob Whitmore</a>

Jacob Whitmore

Jacob is a seasoned wordsmith with a passion for exploring and evaluating the world of mobility. Jacobs work has been providing insightful and well-researched reviews that help consumers make informed choices when it comes to their mobility needs.

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Please Note: This is not medical advice, and you should seek the advice of a doctor or a qualified medical professional.

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