Transferring a Resident from Bed to Wheelchair for ARC Testing

Equipment:  Residents wheelchair (check ID), non-skid footwear, barrier for feet (2 paper towels), gait belt

Procedure:

1.) Knock on door and listen for residents response.

2.) Address resident by name and introduce self.

3.) Wash hands before contact with resident.

4.) Explain procedure to resident speaking clearly, slowly, and directly maintaining face-to-face contact whenever possible.

5.) Provide for residents privacy with curtain, screen, or door.

6.) Before transferring resident, put on non-skid footwear on resident and securely fasten. (with paper towels under feet to protect bed.)

7.) Before transferring place wheelchair next to bed.

8.) Fold up footrests.

9.) Place bed in a safe and appropriate level for the residents sitting height.

10.) Before transferring resident, lock wheels on wheelchair.

11.) Check and/or lock bed wheels.

12.) Support residents back and hips and assist resident to sitting position with feet flat on floor.

13.) With transfer/gait belt: Apply belt, then stand in front of resident, positioning self to ensure safety for yourself and resident during transfer (i.e., knees bent, feet apart, back straight) place belt around residents waist, and grasp belt.

14.) Provide instructions to enable resident to assist in transfer.

15.) Brace residents lower extremities to prevent slipping.  (Their feet together and yours formed in a triangle against them with your knees against theirs.)

16.) Count to 3 (or say other prearranged signal) to alert resident to begin transfer.

17.) On signal, gradually assist resident to stand.

18.) Assist resident to pivot to front of wheelchair with back of residents legs against wheelchair.

19.) Lower resident into wheelchair.

20.) Position resident with hips touching back of wheelchair and remove transfer belt, if used.

21.) Position residents feet on footrests.

22.) Place signaling device within residents reach.  Remove privacy measures.

23.) Wash hands.

24.) Report any changes in resident to nurse.  Document procedure according to facility guidelines.