Transfers!

It is very important to understand how to perform transfers properly when working with clients. The main concern when transferring a client is safety. In order to preform a safe transfer, it is essential that you, as the therapist, know the clients capabilities. As a the therapist you should consider the client's balance, cognition, strength, endurance, body type, range of motion, ect. You should understand and consider what the client is able to do alone and what the client needs assistance in. 

When facilitating a transfer, you must encourage the client to actively participate. You need to consider how much the client is able to help. By understanding how much the client can help, you are not only ensuring your safety, but also the client's safety. This ensures that you do not have to completely hold all of the client's weight. 

When promoting a safe transfer, you need to consider the environment you are in. The environment should be clear of all tripping hazards. The therapist should always use a gait belt in case a fall were to occur. Having a gait belt allows for you to quickly catch the client in case of a fall. 

If you are transferring a client to or from a wheelchair, it is essential to consider the condition of the wheelchair. This means that the wheels on the chair should be locked. The chair should be in close proximity to where the client is being transferred to.. The foot rests should be removed so that they are not in the way. The caster wheels should also be moved out of the way. By considering all of these factors, the transfer will be able to be performed safely. 

The therapist should also consider the patients understanding of the transfer. The transfer should be demonstrated so that the client understands how the transfer is going to take place. The transfer should also be explained so that the client clearly understands their role and what they need to do to actively participate.

Body mechanics should also be considered when performing a transfer. As the therapist, you should maintain a wide base of support. You should be in close to the patient as possible so that you are able to assist. The therapist should also use key points of control. The proximal joints should be supported and the therapist should never pull on weakened extremities. 

The client's position should also be considered when performing a transfer. The client should be scooted toward the end of the surface so that they have a smaller base of support to encourage mobility. The clients center of gravity should be shifted forward to help with mobility. 

The therapist should also consider the height of the bed or surface that the patient is being transferred to. The bed needs to be at an appropriate height to avoid difficulties when facilitating the transfer. If the bed is too high, the client may have difficulty going uphill. If the bed is too low, the client way have difficulty holding their weight at such a low height.