Transfer

III. Transfers

Transferring is another area that is problematic for the caregiver and the elderly care recipient. The U.S. Census (1997) reported that 9.6% of the population age 65 and over have difficulty getting in and out of bed or a chair. This difficulty can be caused by several factors: painful joints, muscle weakness, effects of chronic conditions, poor nutrition, effects of multiple medications or de-conditioning. If the care recipient has difficulty standing or sitting, the individual should have an exam by their physician or an assessment by a physical therapist. Typically, someone who has transfer problems may need something to hold onto for support during this activity. This support can come from a human form (caregiver) or assistive device. Over the course of a day, the care recipient may need to transfer to various surface areas, such as, from bed to wheelchair, wheelchair to toilet, kitchen chair to living room recliner or from wheelchair to bath seat.

Some individuals who are able to transfer themselves independently but have some difficulty may not be aware they may be using an improper technique in the process. Over time they may be placing more stress on their joints and ligaments that can contribute to increased pain or injury. An example of this is pushing up on the knuckles of the hand instead of the palm puts a great deal of excess stress on the small anatomical structures of the hand. There are specific techniques and many assistive devices designed to help make transferring easier and safer while conserving energy and protecting the joints of the hands, hips, knees and lower back.

It is easier to transfer from a wheelchair to another surface if they are the same or about the same height. Whenever possible, the transfer will be easier when the wheelchair is placed at a 60º angle to the surface area the person is transferring. Always lock the wheelchair brakes before standing or transferring. This procedure should be used by the individual transferring independently, with super vision or with the assistance of a caregiver.

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