Page 467 - CHHA Binder 2.3.20

4/11/2019

Assessment of the Patient

 Can the patient bear weight?

 Can the patient follow commands?

 Is the patient cooperative?
 Consider the following before doing the transfer:

o Patient’s medical precautions
o Number of people needed for a safe transfer
o Time needed for a safe transfer

o Environmental barriers or opportunities (remove all
clutter, and leave enough room for the two of you to
move freely)

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Guidelines

Setup is key!

 Have the surfaces you’re transferring to and from as close as you
can.
 Have everything you’ll need before and during the transfer within
arms reach.
 Demonstrate to the patient what you would like for them to do before
performing the transfer.
 Give clear, concise, and short directions before and during the
transfer for the patient.
 Never let a patient hold on to your neck when transferring.
 Have a client move towards his or her strong side of their body.
• Occasionally, due to environmental constraints, this may not be
possible.
• Use of a sliding board may be more appropriate.

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