Techniques to Transfer From the Floor to a Chair With Hemiplegia

Hemiplegia is paralysis on one side of the body-either the left or the right-and is usually caused by stroke. Hemiplegia can cause limited mobility or complete paralysis of the affected side.

If possible, the hemiplegic should help with the transfer. Teaching a hemiplegic to self-transfer will allow him to be more self-sufficient.

Plan and Execute the Transfer

• After assessing the hemiplegic’s strengths and planning how to maximize her abilities in helping with the transfer, ensure the environment is safe. For example, make sure both of you are wearing firm-soled shoes. Secure a gait belt around the hemiplegic and a safety belt around yourself to help prevent injuries. Be sure the chair is closest to the unaffected side of her body.

  If the hemiplegic is able, she should try to transfer from the floor to a chair without assistance using the half-kneeling method. To stand up from the floor, she should shift her weight over the hemiplegic leg, moving the unaffected foot forward. From a half-kneel stand, she should lean her body forward until her head is over the front foot. Then she should stand, bringing her hemiplegic foot next to the other one.

  You can help by standing behind her and either putting your hands in her armpits or on her pelvis to help bring her into a standing position. Once in a standing position, she should do a half-pivot toward the chair, using the armrest to help lower herself into the chair.

  If the hemiplegic is unable to transfer independently, you will need to help. Tell her the exact steps you will take to help her transfer; it helps her feel more secure when she knows what to expect.

  If she is lying on the floor, ease her into a sitting position. Roll her onto the affected side. Facing her, slide your arm under the affected shoulder, and place your hand on her shoulder blade. Wrap your other arm around her legs, and gently sit her upright. Be sure you don't pull on the arm or leg on her affected side or you may injure her.

  Make sure you use good body mechanics when helping her stand, so you don’t injure yourself. Keep your back straight, bend your knees and slide your arms under her arm pits from the front, putting your hands on her shoulder blades. Have her place her arms over yours and onto your shoulders. Do not let her put her arms around your neck; if she does, you may be injured.

  Help her do a half-kneel on the unaffected knee with the unaffected foot forward. Lean back enough to equalize her weight with yours, and bring her into a standing position. Use your feet and knees as a wedge against the hemiplegic’s feet and knees to keep her from falling, and then help her pivot, turning her hips toward the chair. Help her pivot on her toes, keeping her head and shoulders slightly forward, then lower her into the chair.