Assisting someone in a wheelchair

Proper bed and wheelchair positioning helps maintain joint alignment and prevent skin issues and contractures. Please check with your therapist and/or doctor to make sure these positions are safe for the person recovering from injury that you are assisting.

Positioning in wheelchair

• The head should be in the middle.
• Apply the chest strap and the seat belt.
• The pelvis should be level.
• Elbows should be supported on armrests or lap tray.
• Feet should be supported on footrests.
• Shoes will help keep the feet from sliding. If the person using the chair is advised not to wear shoes, make sure the feet are supported on a pillow.