EHS - Lifting and Transfer

Lifting and Transfer

When assisting the elders in getting up from bed, transferring to the wheelchair or toileting, improper techniques can cause injury. Caregivers need to apply proper skills of 'Lifting and Transfer' so as to avoid repetitive strain injury, instill a sense of security in the elder, and ensure smooth and safe transfer.

Prepare in advance:

Principle 1- Plan ahead and be prepared:

To adopt an appropriate lifting or transfer method after understanding the condition and ability of the elder
To ensure a safe environment for transfer
To prepare and secure the equipment, such as proper orientation of chair or wheelchair, and locking of the wheelchair

Principle 2 – Explain to the elder and give guidance to seek co-operation

To gain the elder's co-operation and participation by explaining the procedures

An elderly person is sitting at the bedside, and a carer is placing the wheelchair next to the bed on the elderly person’s right side

Keep your back straight and tighten your abdomen:

Principle 3 - Maintain correct posture

To protect the back by keeping the back straight and tightening the abdominal muscles
To stand with feet apart and knees bent

An elderly woman is lying on her left side on a bed, with both lower legs hanging over the edge of the bed. A carer is facing the elderly woman, maintaining an upright back and slightly bent knees, preparing to assist her in sitting up

Firm handhold and get as close to the elder as possible:

Principle 4 – Hold firmly

To enhance safety and provide a sense of security by holding the elder firmly

Principle 5 – Stay close to the elder

To keep the elder as close as possible for protecting your back

An elderly woman is lying on her left side on a bed. A carer is facing and standing close to the elderly woman. The red circles indicate that the carer’s right hand is placed on the left scapular area of the elderly woman’s upper back, and the left hand is placed on the elderly woman’s right pelvis

Stand firmly and propel correctly:

Principle 6 – Point one foot towards the destination and lift with the strength of lower limbs

To facilitate proper weight shifting by pointing one foot at the destination
To propel with your legs for reducing strain on your back

An elderly person is lying on her left side on the bed, with the lower legs hanging over the edge of the bed. A carer is placing both feet close to the bedside, and bending the knees into a stable stance, with the left toes pointing toward the end of the bed and the right toes pointing toward the elderly person

Definite commands:

Principle 7 – One carer gives command

To decrease strain and injury by seeking help from others, e.g. family members, colleagues etc. when necessary
To facilitate coordination and prevent injury among carers, assign only one carer to give command

An elderly person is sitting at the edge of a bed. Two carers are standing on either side of the elderly person, and a wheelchair is placed next to the carer who stands nearer to the foot of the bed. Each carer supports the elderly person under the armpit with the forearm closest to the elderly person. The carer nearer to the wheelchair uses the other hand to press on the armrest of the wheelchair, while the other carer supports the elderly person’s lower pelvis with the other hand. In the top-left corner of the image, the numbers “1,2,3” are shown, indicating that one of the carers is issuing the command “1,2,3” as they prepare to transfer the elderly person to the wheelchair.

Don't strain yourself:

Principle 8 – Use assistive devices

To decrease strain and injury by using lifting and transfer aids appropriately

A carer is using an assistive hoist to lift an elderly person up from the bed

Remember the above tips and apply them appropriately in different environments and situations so that safety of both the elderly and caregivers can be ensured. In case of any doubt or difficulty in applying the 'Lifting and Transfer' skills or related devices, please consult a physiotherapist or other health care professional for advice.