As you help move someone in your care from chair to bed and back again, keep in mind that you should move your body as a unit and avoid twisting. Bend at the knees and stay close to the person. (Think of how you would carry a laundry basket. When you keep it close to your body, it seems to weigh less, and the same is true for moving a person.) Besides saving your back, you will offer a more secure hold as you lift.

HOW TO ASSIST FROM WHEELCHAIR TO BED

Figure 1:Lock the wheels and then help the person slide toward the front of the chair. Put your arms around the person's hips (if using a transfer belt, grasp the belt on both sides). Butt your knees against the person's knees and ask her to lean forward and if possible to push up with her arms. Lean back, slowly lifting the person toward you.

Figure 2: Once you have assisted the person to standing, stay close as if you were dancing, and either pivot or stabilize her while taking small steps toward the bed. Keep your hands at the person's hips and upper back.

Figure 3: When at the bed, bend your knees and lower the person onto the bed, having her sit back as far as possible. Support the person's head and shoulders with one arm and hand and place your other arm under her knees. Gently lift her legs onto the bed and make her comfortable.

The information in this article is not intended to take the place of formal assessment of a person’s situation or abilities. Caregivers should always receive instructions from a healthcare provider before implementing the instructions given here.