Moving & the body
Safe transfers: bed to chair
A good transfer is slow, talked-through, and powered by your legs — never your back. Done well, it builds trust every time.
Set up
- Place the chair at a slight angle to the bed, brakes locked, and clear the floor.
- Raise the bed so their feet reach the floor and they’re sitting at the edge.
- Put non-slip footwear on them and a gait belt around their waist if you have one.
The move
- Stand close, feet shoulder-width, knees bent. Hold the belt, not their arms.
- Count “1, 2, 3, stand” together and rise using your legs.
- Pivot in small steps toward the chair until they feel it at the backs of their knees.
- Lower gently as they reach for the armrests.
A few tips
- Tell them each step before it happens — surprise is what causes stumbles.
- If it ever feels unsafe, stop and get a second person. Two calm helpers beat one strained back.
Every smooth transfer says, “I’ve got you.” That message lands.
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