6 Common Mistakes To Avoid During A Slide Board Transfer
A sliding board is a helpful tool to transfer people with limited mobility safely. Performing a slide board transfer involves using a sliding board as a bridge to move a person from one surface to another, such as from a wheelchair to a chair, commode, car seat, or toilet.
When assisting a care recipient with their sliding board transfer, the caregiver and the person being transferred must avoid common mistakes to ensure a safe transfer. In this article, we’ll share some key mistakes to avoid.
Looking for more information about mobility, adaptive equipment, and caregiving? Check if you have free access to Trualta.
Mistake #1: Disregarding Safety Protocols
- Failing to lock brakes: Always ensure that all wheels of any mobility device are securely locked and surfaces are stable before starting the transfer. Forgetting to lock the care recipient’s wheelchair or bed wheels increases the risk of falls or injury.
- Skipping the use of a gait belt: Use a gait or transfer belt to support your care recipient instead of gripping the care recipient directly. A gait belt provides the caregiver with a secure grip and better control, ensuring a more stable transfer.
Mistake #2: Setting Up Your Transfer Incorrectly
- Transferring between surfaces of different heights: Transfer to a surface of the same height or to a slightly lower surface. This setup allows for an easy transfer! Transferring to a higher surface is difficult and may not result in a successful transfer.
- Forgetting to remove obstructions: When transferring your care recipient to or from a wheelchair, always remove the armrest and footrest. This ensures that there are no obstructions and that the slide board bridges both surfaces with sufficient overlap.
Mistake #3: Improper Body Mechanics
- Bending through your spine: Avoid using poor techniques that increase your risk of injury. Use proper body mechanics: keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and use your legs to support the care recipient through their transfer.
- Improper hand or foot placement: Remind the care recipient that their hands must remain on the surface of the transfer board and their feet flat on the ground. A hand placed at the edge or under the sliding transfer board may get pinched.
Mistake #4: Neglecting Skin Protection
- Not using a low-friction surface: There are different types of transfer boards, such as curved, straight, and sliding seat boards. Before using, check that your board has a flat, clean, and smooth surface made of wood or plastic, allowing for easy movement.
- Failing to protect the skin: Ensure the care recipient’s skin is protected by wearing proper clothing or using a barrier like a transfer sheet. Too much friction can cause irritation or injuries.
Mistake #5: Poor Communication
- Lack of communication: Failure to communicate with the care recipient about their role in the transfer can lead to confusion and errors. Discuss each step with the care recipient and confirm their understanding before and during the transfer.
- Neglecting to involve the care recipient: Avoid doing all the work yourself. Promote autonomy by guiding the care recipient to use their hands or arms to help propel themselves across the board surface, depending on their abilities.
Mistake #6: Rushing The Process
- Moving too quickly during the transfer: Rushing the transfer increases the risk of falls and injury for both you and the care recipient. Take your time to complete each step safely and methodically, maintaining stability throughout the transfer.
By avoiding these common mistakes, caregivers can ensure safer and more effective slide board transfers, promoting the well-being of both the care recipient and themselves. Taking the time to follow these guidelines will make transfers smoother and reduce the risk of injury for everyone involved.
Looking for more information about mobility, adaptive equipment, and caregiving? Check if you have free access to Trualta.
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