By Helen K. Pereira, PT, MPH, GCS, CHES

When helping transfer your loved one from a bed to a chair, it is important to follow a few simple guidelines, in order to help keep you and your loved safe. It is also important to practice transfers and safe lifting techniques with a healthcare professional to ensure you are doing everything correctly.

Tips for Safe Lifting

Lifting a loved one without proper form may result in injury -- for you or for your loved one. To help prevent risk of injury, follow these tips:

• Make a plan. Make sure the room is set up properly before attempting a transfer. For example, remove stand-alone rugs, toys, or furniture that may be in the way. Ensure a clear path between you and your destination.
• Use you legs and stomach muscles to help lift. When you lift, be mindful of your posture and maintain the curve in your low back. It is important to tighten your abdominal muscles and use your legs when lifting (remember to keep breathing).
• Move your feet when you turn. Move your feet along with your body to avoid twisting. This will help protect your back while performing the transfer.
• Get as close as you can to your loved one. Whenever lifting, holding something closer to your body will lessen the load.
• Get a second person to assist you as needed.

Moving Someone from a Bed to a Chair

When performing a transfer from bed to chair, keep these tips in mind:

1. Clear a path. Make sure the area is free of clutter and that the chair is placed next to the bed at a 45 degree angle.
2. Transfer to the stronger side. If possible, always transfer a person to his or her stronger side. For example, if your loved one had right hip surgery, he or she will most likely be able to help you more if you transfer to the left.
3. Use a safety/transfer belt for assistance. Use a transfer belt whenever possible. A transfer belt is a sturdy belt that your loved one could wear while being transferred. Using one can help you assist your loved one the most effectively. A transfer, or safety belt, can usually be found in medical supply stores, or pharmacies. It is safest to have a healthcare professional show you how to properly use one.
4. Have your loved one scoot to the edge of the bed. Make sure your loved one's feet are underneath him or her, and have him or her scoot (or help them slide) to the edge of the bed. This will help your loved one get his or her body weight over their feet when going from sitting to standing.
5. Stand in front of your loved one. Place your arms around your loved one's hips and waist and hold onto the transfer belt. When not using a transfer belt, assist the person at his/her waist and hips. Do not hold onto a person's arm while assisting in a transfer, as this can cause injury.
6. Ask your loved one to lean forward. As you are assisting the person from sitting to standing, instruct them to lean forward. This will help to bring his or her body weight over their feet.
7. Have your loved one take small steps. When assisting your loved one from bed to chair, hold onto the transfer belt or around his/her waist and have him or her take small steps or pivot to the chair.
8. Slowly lower your loved one to a sitting position in the chair. Try to have your loved one sit back in the chair as much as possible to avoid them sliding out of the chair.

Always remember -- go slow and have patience when lifting a loved one. Do not attempt a transfer if your loved one is completely dependent on help and cannot assist you at all. Use available resources, such as healthcare personnel from the local home health agency or the Visiting Nurse Association.

A physical or occupational therapist can help show you the safest and easiest way to perform transfers. Also, many home healthcare tools and equipment options are available, including lifting equipment, to help you safely move and transfer your loved one within your home.