How do you transfer a patient from wheelchair to bed or vice versa?

Mom's complete inability to stand and pivot was a big factor in me finally putting her in a nursing home. Transfer boards are great for someone with enough upper body strength to assist in their own transfers but IMO aren't going to work for someone as limp as a rag doll. I researched lifts, both portable and ceiling mounted ones, and I came to the conclusion that I just didn't want to go there. Up until then I had spent a lot of my stress relief time lifting weights so I could help her stand and pivot, although she wasn't that heavy and I'm not that old her daily routine took a lot of muscle and when things went wrong and she fell it took everything I had.

(For a practical demonstration of wheelchair transfers and pivot transfers you should watch a few YouTube video tutorials.)

Unless your grandfather is able to assist during these transfers, taking at least part of his own weight; or unless you are a big strapping lad and he is only say 110 lbs wet through; you are begging for a slipped disc or some other accident where you both get hurt: you because something gives way, him because you drop him.

Has anyone suggested a Hoyer lift to you? They come with slings which can be adapted for toilet transfers.

First I used a "gait belt" this helped me get my husband up and able to use his walker. I also used it to support/guide him while he was walking. When it became difficult to get him to stand up I used a "Sit-to-Stand"
A wide supportive belt is placed around the person and the the belt is attached to the hooks on the sit to stand. The person holds the handles on the upper part of the sit to stand and the caregiver raises the sit to stand. This will raise the person to a standing position easily. The sit to stand has wheels so you can transfer the person from a chair to a bed or wherever they need to go.
The sit to stand works well as long as the person can stand and hold onto the handles.
If they can no longer stand or hold on too much stress is put on the arms and there can be skin tears or abrasions. (the belt is padded but it is not meant to support the full weight of someone)
Once the person can no longer stand and support themselves the option is a Hoyer lift.
There are different types of slings to go with a hoyer. A mesh one with a commode hole, a full solid sling or a split leg sling. I used a mesh one with commode hole to get my husband into the shower chair then used a split leg sling after the shower.
At some point after going to the hoyer you will realize that it is easier on the person and safer to remain in bed. The chance for skin tears, abrasions increase with each use of the hoyer.

Rather than watch you tube videos, please ask your grandfather's doctor for a physical therapist to come to your home. The PT will evaluate your G-father and then suggest the safest way to accomplish transfers. They will also provide the training that you need to safely transfer him. (I'm an occupational therapist).

If a person has enough leg strength to support their own weight a SuperPole (or balance pole of a Friendly Bed) can be grabbed to aid in standing and then pivoting into a wheelchair or onto a mattress or commode. Slings are a pain and a hoyer can be difficult and unsafe but may be the last resort. Another option (if arm strength is decent) is the Transfer Bar option of a Friendly Bed- it allows safe/independent bed transfers for many with no leg strength. Another option is a SureHands unit which is used as part of a ceiling lift system- much better support is given to the person and is easier on the caregiver. Another disadvantage of using a hoyer- the person is no longer using the strength they have so loss of strength may be accelerated.

We just purchased (on payments) a Hoyer Advance 340 portable lift and we are still learning to use it. It’s is meant for transfers, including to the car and although rather bulky, it fits in my trunk. I should have gotten the electric one, it it was $100 more a month. This has worked the best for us.

If he has Medicare go see a Physical Therapist for for advice how to safely transfer your grandfather and protect yourself from injury.

RayLin, check out renting a Sit to Stand. We rented one for $135 per month. It wasn’t a Hoyer, but there are other brands just as good. Check out “patient lifts”on YouTube.

There are many good suggestions here -- I'd like to add a bit. My husband who is much bigger and heavier than I, cannot transfer himself or stand for more than a few seconds. Spoke with his doctor (after a hospital stay) and prescribed physical therapy through Home Health. A Physical Therapist came to the house to work with both of us in our environment as well as evaluating the home situation -- she also made suggestions and recommended products. She gave him exercises to do. A visit from an occupational therapist might be good also. Some equipment is covered by Medicare and must be prescribed by a doctor and patient be evaluated by a therapist to be sure it is the right fit. Good luck -- this is sooooo hard.

That is tremendously helpful and very interesting reading, thank you!

I particularly enjoyed learning that there should have been two of me repositioning my mother in bed throughout the night ;) But, seriously, it is so good to see practical techniques fully explained.