Safety & Mobility

Bed to Wheelchair Transfer

Lock the wheelchair. Lower the bed. Gait belt on. Patient's feet flat on the floor. Pivot on the strong leg. Slowly lower into the chair. Verify comfort before walking away.

5-10 minutes•16 steps•2 critical

Why this matters

Pivot, don't lift. Lock the wheels, foot on the floor, count to three.

Quick tips

Park the chair alongside the bed, at the head or foot, as the checklist says. The textbook adds that it should touch the side of the bed.
Lock the wheelchair before the client moves toward it. A chair that rolls under a standing client is a serious fall risk.
Tell the client where to put their hands and feet before you count; do not count and then explain.

Common mistakes

Not locking the wheelchair wheels. This is critical; the chair can roll away as the client sits, and the client falls.
Starting to stand the client while they are still lying back or with feet off the floor. This is critical, and they cannot push up or balance.
Parking the chair far from the bed or turned out at an angle. The checklist puts it alongside the bed, and a longer turn adds risk.
Lowering the client before the backs of their legs touch the chair. They can miss the seat.