What is a transfer aid?

What 'transfer' means

A transfer is the moment of moving from one surface to another: bed to chair, chair to wheelchair, wheelchair to toilet. It is often where difficulty first appears, and where injuries to both the person and their carer happen.

The main types

Transfer equipment ranges from very simple to more involved.

• Bed handles and grab rails: something firm to pull on, for someone doing the transfer themselves.
• Transfer boards and benches: a bridge between two surfaces, so the person slides rather than stands.
• Turning discs and slide sheets: reduce the effort of repositioning, usually with help.
• Standing and transfer aids: a frame the person pulls up on while a carer assists a short move.

Who needs to be involved

This is the key question. Some transfer aids are designed for independent use. Others assume a carer is present and trained in using them safely. Using carer-assisted equipment without guidance is a common cause of injury.

Getting it right

Where transfers have become difficult, a moving-and-handling or occupational therapy assessment is genuinely worth arranging. The right technique often matters more than the equipment, and an assessment will tell you which pieces are appropriate for the person's ability.