About this topic
Throughout your day, you move from sitting to standing or from your bed to a chair. This is also known as transferring. You may not be able to move from one place to another on your own. You may need help from a caregiver. It is important to use the safest way possible when you need help moving. This may keep you and your helper from being injured. ‚
General
- Do as much as you can for yourself when changing positions.
- Be sure to wear nonskid socks or shoes when moving.
- Take your time and do not rush.
- Tips for the person helping your move:
- Have a plan for how you are going to do the transfer. Talk it over with the person you are moving. This way you both know what to expect.
- Do not try to lift someone heavier than yourself unless you have had proper training.
- Be sure you give the person you are helping enough room to move while still giving support.
- Use good body mechanics. This will help you protect your back from injury. This means you should:
- Bend at the knees, not at your waist.
- Keep your feet flat and spread your legs shoulder width apart instead of close together. This helps give you a sturdy base of support.
- Avoid any quick, twisting movements. If you are helping someone to turn, move your feet rather than twisting at the waist.
- Keep your back as straight as possible.
- Avoid bending your head forward as you stand or transfer.
- Tips to keep you safe and make getting up easier:
- Use a gait belt if you have one. Secure it around your waist.
- Sit in a high firm chair with arms. It is easier to get up from this kind of chair. Try not to sit on a low surface, or overstuffed couch or chair.
- If you are moving into or out of a wheelchair, be sure the breaks are locked. Also, move the footrests out of the way.
- If the bed or chair can be raised or lowered, be sure to use this feature. It is easier to move from a higher surface to a slightly lower one.
- Moving from sitting to standing with help:
- Scoot to the edge of the chair. Bend your knees so your feet are underneath you.
- Push off from where you are sitting. Never pull on a walker because it might tip.
- If you need a little help:
- Have your helper stand to your weaker side. Your helper should grab your gait belt underneath with one hand on the back.
- As you start to stand by leaning forward with your nose over your toes, have your helper gently lift up on the gait belt. This will help you stand up.
- Your helper should only give as much help as you need to stand up.
- If you need more help to stand:
- Have your helper stand in front of you. Your helper should reach around your waist with both arms and grab your gait belt.
- Lean forward with your nose over your toes.
- Your helper will count to 3 and then you start to stand as your helper lifts up on the gait belt.
- Turning and sitting down:
- Turn your whole body. Move your feet instead of just twisting at your waist.
- Line yourself up with where you are going to sit. The back of your legs should be touching the chair.
- Reach back with your hand to feel the seat and bend at your waist. Slowly, lower yourself to sit down.
- Your helper can hold your gait belt with both hands to help you sit down slowly.
What will the results be?
Less chance of: ‚
- Injury to you
- Injury to your helper
- Falling
Helpful tips
- Talk to your doctor about seeing a physical therapist for help with transfers. The therapist may teach you about tools to make transfers easier, like a sliding board. The therapist may also teach you and your helper how to move you safely.
- If you start to fall, your helper should bend at the knees and lower you to the closest safe surface.
Where can I learn more?
American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00096 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚