Weight-bearing transfers

Weight-bearing transfers are when your child is able to take part in the transfer by pushing through their legs, arms, or both. Your child may be independent with this type of transfer or they may need support to complete the transfer safely. There is equipment that can be used to make a transfer easier and allow your child to be more independent.

Types of equipment

Transfer equipment can be used to:

• help your child to be more independent
• make transfers easier and less tiring
• decrease the demand on the parent or caregiver

Learning to transfer

It’s important to remember that transfers can use a lot of energy and be demanding on both you and your child. If this is a new skill, it will take time for transfers to become smooth and to build up endurance. At the end of the day, your child may be tired and need more help than they would in the morning when they’re rested.

Non-weight-bearing transfers

Non-weight-bearing transfers means your child doesn’t help with the transfer by taking weight through their arms or legs. This means that either caregivers or equipment will hold your child’s weight during transfers.

Non-weight-bearing transfers are used when your child:

• has limited mobility or strength for a transfer
• has complex physical disabilities
• isn’t safe with weight-bearing transfers
• needs support following a surgery or medical procedure

Although your child doesn’t physically help with the transfer, they can participate in other ways if they’re able. They can control buttons on hoists, count down for the lift, or direct you and other caregivers for comfortable positioning.

Tips for safe transfers

Learning to use equipment and developing safe transfer skills can take time for both you and your child. Since your child moves through many positions throughout the day, you’ll have many opportunities to practice and learn together.

Use safe lifting practices

Transfers take time. They often feel rushed and it can be easy to forget to lift safely. Using safe lifting practices keeps you and your child safe and healthy. Talk to your child’s healthcare team for specific techniques.

There are some general safe lifting tips:

• Always lift with your legs.
• Avoid twisting your body.
• Get close to your child and keep them close to your body when lifting.
• Use surfaces that can have the height adjusted, when available.

Learn more about safe lifting practices

Set up the space

Having a space that’s clear from clutter and obstacles makes transfers safer and easier. Move your child close to the surface they will transfer to. For example, move your child’s wheelchair as close as possible to their bed before transfer.

Be mindful of floor surfaces. Tile and hardwood floors can be slippery, especially when wet. Wear shoes with good grip.

Having an accessible home helps make using equipment and doing safe transfers easier. There will be times when your child needs to do transfers in small or awkward places in the community, like public bathrooms. In these spaces, do your best to use safe lifting practices. When possible, having another person to support can help. They can help with the transfer, keep doors open for more space, and help block line of sight.

Set up the equipment

When using equipment to help with transfers, have it ready in the spaces it will be used. Check that the equipment is working and there are no broken or worn parts before using it. Examples of transfer equipment include:

• hoist
• pivot disc
• transfer board
• grab bars

Transferring your child into equipment like a standing frame or wheelchair can be awkward. Depending on the equipment, parts can be removed or moved out of the way to make it easier and safer for transfers.

For example, on a wheelchair:

• The footrest should be removed or moved out of the way when your child is working on pivot or sit-to-stand transfers.
• Wheelchair canes (handles) can be removed to allow caregivers to get in close when doing a lift transfer.
• Arm rests and clothing guards can also be removed or swung to the side to clear the path for a sideways transfer.
• Engage the brakes to prevent the wheelchair from rolling or shifting.

Talk with your child’s therapist for advice on how to set up your child’s equipment for transfers.

Communicate the plan

Having a space that’s clear from clutter and obstacles makes transfers safer and easier. Move your child close to the surface they will transfer to. For example, move your child’s wheelchair as close as possible to their bed before transfer.

Communication is essential during any transfer. Clear communication between caregivers helps to make sure steps aren’t missed and transfers are completed safely. Your child will be able to do their part and be more comfortable if they know what’s going on.

Communicating the plan may include:

• Equipment check. Are brakes on? Are belts open?
• Countdown to lift.
• Cue the moves of the transfer: stand up, turn, step, sit.

Build a transfer map

A transfer map plans and maps out the different transfers your child will do in a day. Start with listing the transfers. Include the location, surfaces, and equipment that will be used for the transfer.

For example, in the morning your child may do the following transfers

Once you know the transfers your child does throughout the day, you can plan and have the support or equipment in place for safe transfers. If your child is learning to do weight-bearing transfers, keep in mind that these take energy and there may be times when your child needs more support. If you‘re learning to use equipment for transfers, like hoists and slings, keep in mind that it will take more time as you learn all the steps. Plan for extra time so you aren’t feeling rushed.

Talk to your child’s therapist if you have any questions about transfers or equipment.