Transfer—Wheelchair to Toilet

If your loved one will use a wheelchair, you need to know about transfers. For safety’s sake, learn how to help your loved one in and out of the wheelchair. One basic method is shown here.

1  Stand the patient up:

• Lock the wheelchair.

• Be sure the person’s feet are under his or her body.

• Grasp the back of a belt or pants and lift.

2  Move onto the toilet:

• Keep the person’s weaker knee between your legs.

• Pivot the person around in front of the toilet. Always transfer toward the person’s stronger side.

• Gently sit the patient down onto the toilet.

• Help the patient adjust his or her clothing.

• Never pull on the person’s weaker arm or lift the person by the armpits.

Lifting a patient can be hard on your back. To reduce the risk of a back injury, remember to do the following:

• Organize the steps in your head before you move.

• Keep the patient close to you.

• Keep your knees bent and your back straight.

• Consider using a gait belt.

• Get help when you need it.