Transfer techniques

Transfer techniques are the methods used to move someone between a bed, chair, wheelchair, or commode. Which one is right depends on how much weight the person can take through their legs, so the nine guides below are grouped by that. Start with the technique that matches their ability today, and change technique as that ability changes. Using one for longer than it fits is how both of you get hurt.

How to use this page

Find the group that describes the person you care for right now, then open the guide that matches the move you need to make. The groups run from most able to least able, so the next group down is what comes next. Every guide has the full step sequence and the mistakes that cause injuries.

Walks with help

They can take weight through their legs, push up with their arms, and follow instructions. Your job is steadying, not lifting.

Transfer aid

Using a gait belt

For a secure handhold at the waist while you steady someone through a short walk or a transfer.

Walking aid

Rolling walker transfers

For standing up from a chair, bed, or toilet and sitting back down when the walker is already in use.

Manual transfer

Stand pivot transfer

For moving between two seated surfaces when they can come to full standing and turn with small steps.

Partial weight bearing

Their legs still take some weight, but not enough to stand fully, even with help. These moves keep them involved without asking them to stand.

Sit-to-stand aid

Using a Sara Stedy

For short moves, bed to chair or chair to toilet, when they can hold the crossbar and take some weight.

Manual transfer

Squat pivot transfer

For moving between two seats of similar height without them coming to full standing.

In bed

Bed mobility and repositioning

For rolling, changing position, and bringing someone from lying down to sitting on the edge of the bed.

Cannot bear weight

Their legs will not hold them at all. A lift is the safer answer here. The manual option below is for when there is no lift in the house yet.

Patient lift

Using a Hoyer lift

For moving between bed, chair, and commode with the machine taking the weight instead of you.

Manual transfer

Dependent pivot transfer

For two caregivers moving someone between seats of similar height when no lift is available.

Arm and shoulder support

Not a transfer method, but it sits alongside them. A weak arm left hanging causes shoulder pain, and it needs supporting before and after every move.

Arm support

Putting on a GivMohr sling

For carrying the weight of a weak arm and holding the shoulder in line. It is never a handhold for a transfer.

The equipment these techniques use

Gait belts, slide boards, transfer discs, slings, and lifts are all listed in the transfers and lifts catalog, with what each item is for, the price band to expect, and the brands you will actually see. Much of it is covered as durable medical equipment with a physician order, so check the coverage guide before you buy anything.

Have someone watch you do it once

No written guide replaces a physical or occupational therapist watching you perform a transfer in your own home. They will catch the hand position, the foot placement, and the timing that a page cannot show you, and they will tell you when the technique you are using no longer fits. Ask for that at the next clinic visit.

Where to go next

Educational content only, not a substitute for a clinical assessment. Ask your care team which technique fits the person you care for.