How to Transfer Patients Without a Gait Belt

Transferring a patient from a chair to a bed or from a standing position to a wheelchair can be risky for the patient and the caregiver. That is why the gait belt was invented. A gait belt is a device used to transfer a person from one area to another, and to help avoid injury to both caregiver and patient in the process. But if a gait belt is not readily available, you can still transfer a patient safely, keeping the risks to a minimum.

Instructions

Transferring a Patient From a Bed to A Wheelchair

• 1

  Place a wheelchair at the side of your patient's bed. Make sure that the patient is lying down on her side, facing the wheelchair. Lower the bed as close to the floor as possible, making sure that the patient is still comfortable.

• 2

  Move the patient's legs carefully over the edge of the bed by placing an arm under her shoulders and then placing the other arm over her legs so that you can gently lift them to a sitting position.

• 3

  Place your arms around the patient's upper body and move her to the edge of the bed, with her feet flat on the floor. Block her feet with your feet and her legs with your legs to prevent sliding.

• 4

  Place her hands down beside her, resting on the side of the bed. Bend your knees and ask the patient to try and get off of the bed using as much of her own strength as she can. Keeping your back straight, slowly stand up, moving the patient upwards with you as you go. Always keep your back straight so as not to put strain on your lower back and risk dropping your patient.

• 5

  Turn yourself and your patient so she's backed against the wheelchair. Try to get the patient to hold onto the arms of the chair as soon as the backs of her legs touch the front of it. Again, keeping your back straight and your knees bent, lower the patient gently and slowly into the chair. Adjust the patient's arms and legs so that she is comfortable and you are ready to go.