transferring with a Spinal Cord Injury

Transferring

Documentary - Coming Soon!!!

Determined2Heal Tips:

This section of the web site shares many different means of transferring. Depending on one's physical paralysis and the number of helpers readily available determines, which mode of transferring is safest. Safety is always the most important factor when determining, which mode of transferring is best.

To learn more about lift systems - Click Here

Moving Someone from a Bed to a Chair - Click Here

Equipment

Transferring Belt
When I do not have a lift system and I need to be transferred, my caregiver uses a transfer belt.
Transfer belts come in handy and I recommend keeping one in your backpack but I do not recommend it being used daily because of the stress it can put on ones back that is transferring.
"Heavy-duty cotton webbing with toothed buckle closure. 2" wide. Neutral color with subtle stripe or pastel with stripe. Hand wash; drip dry. Latex free."
Develop your transferring techniques with a skilled physical therapist while at your inpatient or outpatient facility.
Transfer Belt

Transferring Board

Transfer Board

Transfer boards can make transferring much easier if there used right. It takes practice. Make sure you develop the correct techniques with your therapists.

It is important to remember to transfer from a high surface to a low surface so that gravity can work with the transferring board, which makes the transfer easier.

"This sturdy 35"L x 8"W board is made of 5/8" thick birch plywood and has a weight capacity of 600 lbs. Two perpendicular hand slots for varied grasp patterns and option of two-handed maneuvering. "

Beazy Board

This is the best transfer board out on the market. This transfer board has a 360° disk that slides under one's bottom and makes for easy transferring if done right. It takes practice. Make sure you develop the correct techniques with your therapists.

It is important to remember to transfer from my high surface to a low surface so that gravity can work with the transferring board, which makes the transfer easier.

"Supports up to 400 lbs. (180kg). Carrying cases are also available to facilitate discreet transport. "

The Beasy Board transfer board glides you from here to there.

Non-slip Format

This non-slip and cushioned surface makes transferring much safer. Too often caregivers and individuals when transferring lose their feet positioning and fall. This product helps to create a non-slip floor.

"At 3/32" (24mm), this low profile mat clears most doors. This mat can be cleaned with a damp mop and dried with a squeegee. Measures 24"L x 18"W (61 x 46 cm). Latex free."

Wall Mounted Lift Systems

I used the Personal Mobility Guldmann Track System for the first time at Kennedy Krieger and I was amazed at it’s flexibly and space saving features. It is actually installed on the ceiling and can lift up to 550 lbs. There are bathing slings, transfer slings, and walking slings. It is a major part of my life. I have this product in two different rooms: my bedroom and rehab center. I use it to get from bed to wheelchair and then to get to any piece of equipment in my rehab gym.

The people who installed it were really professional and knowledgeable about living with disabilities. They delivered the product right on schedule and were able to install two rooms in one day. They also know how to get insurance or state funds to help pay for it.

I do not know what I'd do without this product

Travel Lift Systems

Electronic Hoyer Lift

"Easy to transport and store. Does not need tools or special attachments to be folded into compact position. The unique tapered leg design allows lift to get even closer to the widest of obstacles. This is especially useful when encountering large chairs, bulky commodes, and wheelchairs. Though compact, the Advance is able to perform myriad transfers–from the floor onto a bed and much more. The oversized handle provides a large surface area, while triangular folded design ensures the lift stands unaided and secure while not in use. Weight capacity 340 lbs. Powered by one 24-volt rechargeable battery (included). UL and CSA certified battery charger is also included."

This picture is not to scale. I learned this the hard way. I ended up ordering this Hoyer lift and when it came to the house in its folded position, just like the picture, and it was almost as tall as I was sitting in my power wheelchair. I think this product is good if you have a lot of car space when traveling but when it comes to traveling on an airplane I do not recommend this product.

Travel Mo-Lift

The smallest and lightest travel lift system out on the market. It also comes with its own carrying case. If you travel a lot on airplanes or in the car, this is the product for you.

Accessories

Triple-loop Leg Lifter

If you have difficulties lifting your legs when transferring. This product used right can effectively help during the transferring process.

"Three evenly spaced 6" loops for easy, forearm-assisted positioning of leg. Loop features adjustable hook and loop closure to accommodate thigh sizes up to 22". Easy-grasp D-ring assists those with limited hand function. Durable gray nylon taffeta with heavy-duty stitching. Latex free."