How to Move Someone In and Out of a Wheelchair

Wheelchair-bound patients need help getting in and out of the chair. If not lifted properly, you can cause injury to yourself or the the wheelchair-bound person. The proper technique requires patience and physical strength. Make the procedure comfortable for the other person and easy for you; educate yourself on ways to move your patient based on individual need.

Instructions

Moving Someone Out of a Wheelchair

• 1

  Communicate your plan with the person confined to a wheelchair before starting the process.

• 2

  Roll the wheelchair as close to the bed or chair as possible and park it on a slight angle to the furniture.

• 3

  Lock the wheels on the wheelchair.

• 4

  Swing the wheelchair foot pedals up and out of the way.

• 5

  Place your arm around and under both armpits of the person in the wheelchair. If he or she is able, have the person put his or her arms around your shoulders and hold on.

• 6

  Place your other arm under the person's knees. Hold the person's thigh firmly, but not tightly, with your hand for support.

• 7

  Lock your arms and lift the person out of the chair. Hold your back straight and steady. Use your legs to lift.

• 8

  Place the person gently down on the edge of the bed or chair.

Moving Someone Into a Wheelchair

• 9

  Devise a step-by-step plan on how to move the person to the wheelchair. Communicate the plan with the other person.

• 10

  Position the wheelchair next to the bed or chair at a slight angle.

• 11

  Lock the wheelchair wheels. Remove the wheelchair's armrest facing the furniture, if possible.

• 12

  Swing the wheelchair foot pedals up and out of the way.

• 13

  Gently move the person's legs first, a small distance, and then the torso. Alternate this technique until the person reaches the edge of the bed or chair.

• 14

  Spread your legs to hip width and position yourself near the bed or chair. Make sure you are close enough to the wheelchair that you only need to take one or two steps to it after you have lifted the person.

• 15

  Fold the person's arm on his or her chest. If able to, have the person put his or her arms around your shoulders and hang on.

• 16

  Place your arm around and under both armpits of the person.

• 17

  Place your other arm under the person's knees. Hold the person's thigh firmly, but not tightly, with your hand.

• 18

  Lift the person up and close to your body. Use the strength of your legs, keeping your back straight.

• 19

  Step to the wheelchair.

• 20

  Lower the person into the wheelchair in a slow and even manner while bending your knees.

• 21

  Lower the foot rests and gently place the person's feet one at a time into the rests.