Patient Transfer, Lift Belt, Patient Transfer Devices, Patient Lifts

Why are Patient Transfer Devices Used?

Patient transfer devices are primarily used to move an individual between two places, such as a bed to a chair, or a wheelchair to a toilet, with ease and dignity. They help to provide a safer method of moving and transferring an individual from one place to another. Patient transfer or lift products can greatly minimize or even totally eliminate the risk factors that often lead to patient or caregiver injuries. These transfer devices additionally enhance a sense of independence, as patients often find they can move themselves, especially individuals who have good upper body strength and balance. They can also be used to help people who have lost independence due to injury, aging or disease to regain it through rehabilitation.

Research has shown that transfer assist devices reduce friction, significantly decreasing the forces required for transferring patients between adjacent surfaces much more so than just using a bed sheet or soaker pad. When used in combination, various patient transfer devices often require less force than when using just one device alone. When the appropriate transfer device or devices are employed correctly for a particular patient's unique requirements, these patients report a greater feeling of security before, during and after transfers, while caregivers also report lower perceived exertion to their overall bodies, including shoulders, upper back and lower back.

How do I Choose the Right Patient Transfer Device?

It is very important to consider the patient's overall health and strength when deciding upon what kind of transfer device or system to use. The ultimate goal of the transferring process also needs to be figured into the equation, such as whether the transfer device will primarily be used for rehabilitation or for simply moving the patient from one place to another. Determining whether the patient is partially or totally dependent will determine whether you should choose a transfer device or a patient lift. Since transfer devices will not reduce the weight of the individual and are never intended to support, lift or carry the whole of a person's weight, mechanical patient lift devices are a much more appropriate and safe choice for patients who are totally dependent. If an individual is able to bear some of his or her own weight, even for very short intervals of time, there are a wide range of transfer devices that can be helpful.

Transfer Gloves
Transfer gloves are created with low-friction nylon and are used by caregivers to slide their hands more smoothly and easily between the patient and a cushion or mattress. They can be used for easier transfers and repositioning needs for the patient.

Transfer Turners and Swivel Cushions
Patient transfer turners and swivel cushions tend to move in any lateral direction, making it easy to slide the patient onto the device and then swivel them into a different position for simpler transfers. Turners and cushions provide support for seated positional changes, and help to reduce the risk of falls. They generally swivel a full 360-degrees, aiding in the prevention of back and hip strains for the patient, while providing a more ergonomically correct position for the caregiver to attend to the patient. Swivel cushions and turners are ideal for any seated position exit and entry, and also for getting into and out of cars and other vehicles.

Transfer Sheets
For the ultimate reduction in friction, especially under the typical pressure points of the body, we recommend using a transfer sheet along with any other patient transfer device, or it can also be used by itself. Capable of performing a variety of tasks which include transferring, turning and boosting, patient transfer sheets are well suited for people with limited mobility and facilitate a smooth transfer.

Transfer Belts
Patient transfer belts can be utilized in a variety of ways aside from specific patient transfer. Placed around the individual's hips or waist, the caregiver can then use this device to more firmly support the patient in various actions without hurting themselves. Transfer belts are used to help individuals get up from the floor, to transfer patients to and from the bed, wheelchair, chair, sofa, toilet or vehicle and to provide added support to an individual who is unstable while standing or walking.

Transfer Boards
Used to bridge short gaps and uneven surfaces, a transfer board is a simple, flat and rigid board constructed of durable plastic or wood. Helping to make patient transfers a safe, quick and easy procedure, transfer boards can help connect short gaps of space, allowing patients to move between these surfaces without using their legs. Patient transfer boards can also be used to make several small movements instead of one big motion. These boards are very well suited for individuals with less upper body strength.

Patient Lifts
For individuals who are totally dependent upon others for movement and mobility, patient lifts are a great choice. These assistive devices help lift and transfer individuals who have significant mobility impairment, safely supporting their weight and moving them with ease. Sling lifts are perfect for individuals of all sizes and ages and are often used in hospitals, long-term healthcare facilities and rehabilitation centers to more safely lift and transfer patients. Lifts come in various configurations which include mobile, floor or overhead/suspended from overhead or ceiling-mounted tracks.

The Sit-to-Stand patient lift is specifically designed to accommodate safe and simple transfers for the patients and caregivers alike. Optimally suited for patients who have some mobility, but who lack muscle control or the necessary strength to be able to rise to a standing position from a chair, wheelchair, bed or toilet on their own, the sit-to-stand patient lift comes complete with vests, belts and straps to make these transfers possible. These special lifts typically take up much less space then floor sling lifts, so they are perfect for maneuvering patients around in smaller spaces, such as bathrooms.

Rehabmart offers a wide selection of superior quality patient transfer devices from respected and innovative manufacturers that include Snug Seat, Etac, Romedic, Polaris Medical, IPU, Access Able Designs, Winco, Joerns, Mobility Transfer, Prism Medical and many more.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

ck