How to Move From a Wheelchair to a Van Seat

Transferring someone from a wheelchair to a van seat is not a complicated endeavor if you have the right tools. Consider the patient’s safety before you attempt to transfer him and take steps to ensure both the patient and the caregiver practice safe lifting techniques while the transfer takes place. Discuss the transfer procedure with the patient and verbally walk her through the steps while the transfer occurs.

Things You'll Need

• Gait belt
• Sling
• Sling lift
• Transfer board

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Instructions

Gait Belt

• 1

  Analyze the distance from the wheelchair to the van seat. When the wheelchair is empty, place it next to the van and look at the distance from the seat to the van. Check to see how high the van seat is in comparison to the wheelchair. Based on this, figure out which transfer technique will work best for the individual in the wheelchair.

• 2

  Use a gait belt if the person can stand and pivot. A gait belt is a device that goes around the patient's waist and gives the caregiver something to hold on to while transferring her from the wheelchair to the van seat. It works like a regular belt around the waist but is worn above her clothing.

• 3

  Move the wheelchair next to the van. Strap the gait belt around the patient's waist. The caregiver should hold on to the gait belt with both hands and help her into a standing position. The caregiver then helps her transfer into the van by guiding her by holding the gait belt.

Transfer Board

• 4

  Use a transfer board if the patient can not stand but has the use of her arms. A transfer board is a smooth wooden or plastic board that is placed between the wheelchair and the van seat. The transfer board might have to be placed at an angle depending on the van. If this is the case, two caregivers should help move the patient--one to hold the transfer board and one to guide her into the van.

• 5

  Place the wheelchair next to the van. Remove the arm rail of the wheelchair. Place one side of the transfer board underneath the patient and the other side on the van seat.

• 6

  Help the patient steady herself as she holds on to the van door or the safety handle on the ceiling of some vans. She will use her arm strength to guide herself into the van and slide up to the seat via the transfer board. Take the transfer board out from under the patient.

Sling Lift Transfer

• 7

  Move the wheelchair next to the van. Bring the sling lift to the area along with a sling. A sling lift is a mechanical device people use to lift and transfer patients who can not walk. The sling has four handles and is used with the lift to help the transfer.

• 8

  Place the sling behind the patient, making sure the four straps are smooth and not tangled. The top part should be under her arms, and the bottom two straps should be crossed underneath her legs.

• 9

  Attach the four loops on the sling to the sling lift. The lift will have a control pad with "up" and "down" buttons on it. Press the "up" button and guide the patient from the wheelchair onto the van seat. Remove the four loops and take the sling out from under the patient.