Tips for easy car transfers

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Wed, 07/10/2009 - 4:02pm

A simple car transfer can be difficult for frail older people especially following a stroke or for someone living with dementia.

Always seek the assistance of an occupational therapist if you routinely have to transfer someone with a disability or problems weightbearing.

Using poor techniques to move a person can result in injury for you and your a family member.

It can help to follow a few easy guidelines:

Always explain to a person what you are about to do.
Ensure the car door is locked into position. (You can stand in front of the door to prevent it from moving).
If a person has a walking frame or is in a wheelchair position them next to and up close to the passenger seat facing the car dash.
To allow extra leg room ensure the passenger seat is pushed back.
Assist the person to stand and turn their body so the back of their legs are up against the car.
Protect the person's head as they sit.
Assist the person to swing their legs in one at a time. Take care if the person has a hip injury to move both legs together. (A swing seat or swivel seat can make the move safer and reduce strain on a carer's back).
Instruct the person to use the dash or handle bar to steady themselves.

Ensure the person's walking aid is in front of them or wheelchair is up next to the passenger seat facing the car dash.
Assist the person to use the dash or handle bar for support.
Ask the person to slide their bottom to the edge of the seat.
Instruct the person to swing their legs out first. You may have to lift the legs out one at a time. (A swing seat or swivel cushion can help).
Assist the person to stand. You may like to use a transfer belt.
Ensure a person's walking frame or wheelchair is locked into position.
If using a wheelchair get up close to the person with your knees touching their legs. Help the person stand. Turn at a 90 degree angle assisting the person to sit. Ask the person to use the wheelchair arms for support as they lower their body into the seat.
If using a walking frame place the frame in locked position in front of the person and assist to stand using the 'nose over toes' method.