Lift transfers are ideal for individuals who cannot bear weight on their legs or safely pivot between surfaces. This method involves lifting the person’s entire body with the help of a caregiver, often using proper body mechanics or assistive devices like a transfer belt or mechanical lift. Lift transfers can be performed with varying levels of assistance, ranging from minimal support for balance to full assistance for those who need complete help.

There are many types of mechanical lifts and slings available. Here we discuss the use of those most commonly be supplied for home use. This transfer kind of transfer is also called a Hoyer transfer, referring to the manufacturer of these lifts.

Slings

The two main types of slings utilized with mechanical lifts are the standard sling, with or without a commode cutout, and the u-shaped sling.

• Standard sling: A standard sling can be used for car transfers. It cannot be placed or removed while in a sitting position.
• U-shaped sling: A u-shaped sling cannot be used for car transfers. It can be placed or removed while in a sitting position.

Lifts

Both manual lifts and electric lifts are available for home use.

• Electric lifts can be less physically demanding while raising and lowering a person, which can help caregivers who might have wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries. They also ease transfer performance if only one person is able to assist.
• Using an electric lift to get in/out of the car can be more difficult due to the bend in the lift arm that interferes with achieving adequate elevation. Not all electric models can be broken down to fit in a vehicle for transport to a destination for use to exit the vehicle. The electric motor requires charging.

Whatever the type of sling or lift being used, it is important to properly position the sling prior to the transfer. Both the standard and u-shaped slings may be positioned with the person lying down. Only a u-shaped sling can be positioned properly with the person in a sitting position.

Using a sling in a supine position

Standard slings should be placed so that the top of the sling is level with the person’s shoulders and the bottom of the net reaches to mid-thigh. Except when transferring for use of the shower or toilet, the cutout opening should be placed at the top, behind the person’s back, and not under the bottom, to avoid pressure areas from the seams. U-shaped slings should be centered right to left, with the lowest point of the sling back is down the low back. Wrap the leg straps under each thigh and cross the leg straps prior to attaching them to the lift.

Using a sling in a sitting position

Use a u-shaped sling to easily place or remove a sling when sitting. In order to place the sling, provide support in front of the person while they lean forward. Center the back of the sling behind them and slide the lower back edge of the sling as far down as possible. The person can then lean back while you guide the leg straps around and beside the thighs. Lift one leg to draw the strap up under the thigh and then repeat for the other leg. Cross the leg straps prior to hooking into the lift.

Related videos

• Lift Transfer to Bed
• Lift Transfer to Car
• Lift Transfer On and Off Floor

Pivot transfers are useful for a person who is not able to walk safely between surfaces. The idea of pivoting indicates that the person bears at least some weight on one or both legs and spins to move their bottom from one surface to another. A pivot transfer can be performed in both squatted and full standing positions and can be completed with anywhere from minimal assistance to total assistance from a caregiver or helper.

As with any transfer involving a person using a wheelchair, the environment must be set up appropriately beforehand for successful completion. Transfers between level surfaces tend to be easier to perform. To perform a true pivot transfer, the two surfaces should be adjacent to each other so that no steps need to be taken. The floor should be dry and clear of obstacles to prevent slips and trips.

General guidelines for pivot transfers

• Position the wheelchair directly next to the surface. A slight angle of 30-45 degrees is helpful.
• Lock the wheelchair brakes and move the footrests out of the way of the feet. The armrest on the side you will be transferring to can also be moved out of the way if desired.
• Always talk to the person being transferred so that assistance is being given at the appropriate time, allowing for coordination of efforts.
• The gait or transfer belt should be placed securely.
• Move person’s bottom to the front of the surface they are sitting on so that the feet are in firm contact with the floor.
• If needed, assistance can be given to block the person’s knees to provide additional support for weight bearing.
• To complete the transfer, the person should lean forward over their feet, use their hands to push from the surface they are sitting on, swing their bottom around to the adjacent surface, and slowly sit back down.

Related videos

• Pivot Transfer to Bed
• Pivot Transfer to Bathtub
• Pivot Transfer to Car
• Pivot Transfer to Toilet

A sliding board is a piece of equipment that can be used if a person is not able to use their legs to complete a transfer between surfaces or if a standing transfer is not safe to perform. The board is used to make a bridge between the two surfaces that a person can slide across to transfer between them.

Several types of sliding boards are available. They come in a variety of lengths. Weight limits can apply.

Set up the environment appropriately to safely complete a sliding board transfer. Try to have surfaces level or moving slightly downhill to decrease the effort needed to move between surfaces. Unless transferring to a toilet or to a shower or tub, keep clothing on the lower body to decrease friction. Use caution with nylon clothing materials, as these can cause excessive and unintentional sliding.

Tips on using a sliding board with a wheelchair

• Position the wheelchair at a 30-degree to 45-degree angle next to the bed or other surface. If that angle is not possible, get the wheelchair as close as possible so that sliding board can cover the gap between the surfaces.
• Lock the wheelchair brakes and move armrest out of the way on the side you will be transferring to.
• Move the person’s bottom to the front of the seat so that the feet are in firm contact with the floor.
• Have the person shift their weight onto the opposite hip, and gently place the sliding board under the person’s upper thigh or bottom. You may have to wiggle it a bit until you get about a third of the length of the board underneath the bottom. If doing a bare-bottom transfer, apply lotion to the board or cover it with a pillowcase to help  decrease friction.
• With the person’s trunk leaning forward, his/her arms can be used to push while sliding the bottom across the board to the next surface. Every effort should be made to lift the body to avoid dragging skin across the board surface. Be sure to fully clear the wheel or other parts of the wheelchair.
• Any assistance required should be provided from in front of the person performing the transfer.
• Caregivers should use proper body mechanics, including bending at the knees and keeping the low back in neutral alignment. It can help to kneel down on one knee in front of the person performing the transfer so as to allow them enough space to lean forward when pushing across the board.