Chapter 6

Transfers

The chapter describes how to transfer the patient from the bed to an armchair or a wheelchair and back again.

It is important that the patient feels safe at every moment.

The low transfer is used if the patient is not able to stand yet. The chair must not have arm-rests. The seats should be of the same height. If necessary, any height differences can be balanced out with cushions or similar. First, the transfer is practised via the unaffected side. This has the advantage that the patient can sit on the side he feels safe on.

The patient slides far forward on the chair so that the feet have a good contact with the floor and the center of gravity is already in front.

The high transfer requires a greater degree of functional patient participation, facilitates activity and is considered independent training. The patient must already have safely stood up several times. The high transfer is necessary if arm-rests or excessive level differences prevent a low transfer. First, the transfer is practised via the unaffected side.

Exercises

Exercise 1 – Low transfer via the unaffected side from the chair to the bed

Exercise 2 – Low transfer via the affected side from the bed to the chair

Exercise 3 – High Transfer via the unaffected side from the bed to the chair

Exercise 4 – High Transfer via the affected side from the chair to the bed