8.11 Skills Checklist: Transfer From Bed to Chair With Mechanical Lift

1. Gather Supplies: Mechanical lift, lift sling, second person to assist, and a wheelchair. Review agency policy for mechanical lifts. NOTE: The driver of the lift must be at least 18 years old.

2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:

• • Knock on the client’s door.
  • Perform hand hygiene.
  • Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
  • Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
  • Provide for privacy.
  • Explain the procedure to the client.

3. Procedure Steps:

• • Raise the bed to a working height.
  • Instruct the resident to cross their arms over their chest to avoid rolling on top of their arm.
  • Using the lift sheet, roll the resident to one side. Coordinate movement with the resident and the second assistant to avoid injury.
  • Position the lift sling underneath the resident from the shoulders to the buttocks. Fan-fold the sling in the middle to allow the second assistant to pull it through on the other side. The handles should be facing away from the resident.
  • Ensure the lift sling is on top of the lift sheet.
  • Inform the resident they will be rolling over the gathered fabric of the sling.
  • (Second assistant) Using the lift sheet, initiate rolling the resident towards the first assistant with the resident’s arms still crossed, coordinating movement with the resident and first assistant.
  • (Second assistant) Pull the lift sling from underneath the resident, smoothing out any wrinkles.
  • Using the lift sheet, gently roll the resident back to the supine position.
  • Check that the resident is positioned in the center of the lift sling and their head and knees will be properly supported when lifted.
  • Check the body alignment of the resident.
  • Move the full-body mechanical lift into position over the resident, ensuring the lift does not come into contact with any part of the resident.
  • Raise the head of the bed to avoid pulling on the sling when connecting it to the lift.
  • Hook the top loops of the sling to the lift per manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring the loops are the same lengths on each side.
  • Hook the bottom loops of the sling to lift per manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring the loops are the same lengths on each side.
  • Position the wheelchair appropriately and lock the brakes. Provide ample room to rotate the lift from the bed to the wheelchair without hitting other objects.
  • Recline the wheelchair slightly if able.
  • Instruct the resident to cross their arms over their chest.
  • Prepare to support the resident’s feet by having the second assistant move to the same side of the bed as the driver and the lift.
  • Inform the resident you will be raising the lift and moving them to the wheelchair.
  • Raise the lift until the resident is no longer in contact with the bed while the second assistant guides the resident’s feet.
  • Position the resident over the wheelchair with the main support of the lift to one side, thus avoiding the resident’s feet coming into contact with the lift support.
  • After the driver of the lift moves behind the wheelchair, have the resident grasp the handles on the lift sling.
  • Instruct the resident you will be lowering the lift sling.
  • (Second assistant) Lower the lift while the driver gently pulls up on the sling to get the resident’s back positioned upright and against the back of the wheelchair.
  • (Second assistant) Guide the resident’s feet to keep their body aligned and avoid coming in contact with the left.
  • Remove the sling from the lift after the resident is properly seated.
  • Carefully move the lift away from the resident, avoiding the resident’s head and limbs from coming into contact with the lift.
  • Tuck the lift sling into the wheelchair, keeping the fabric smooth to avoid skin issues and keeping loops away from any moving parts of the wheelchair.

4. Post-Procedure Steps:

• • Check on resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
  • Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
  • Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
  • Open the door and privacy curtain.
  • Perform hand hygiene.
  • Document and report any skin issues, pain with movement, or any other changes noted with the resident.