Transfers — moving someone between bed, chair, wheelchair and toilet — are where most caregiver injuries happen, and where most falls at home happen.
Medically reviewed by Dr Harshita Sharma, MPT
Last reviewed: 2 August 2026 · Our clinical team
An important limitation of this article. We are not going to publish step-by-step lifting instructions, because transfer technique cannot be learned safely from text. It depends on the person’s weight, which side is affected, their ability to weight-bear, your own build and the layout of the room. Getting it wrong can injure the person you are caring for and can cause you a lasting back injury. Ask to be shown, in person, before you do it alone.
What you should be taught before discharge
Before you take someone home, ask the hospital or rehabilitation team to teach you and watch you do the following:
- Sitting up from lying, and moving to the edge of the bed
- Sitting to standing, and standing to sitting under control
- Bed to chair or wheelchair, and back
- Getting on and off the toilet
- What to do if the person begins to go down — and what not to do
If nobody has shown you these, ask. It is a reasonable request and a normal part of discharge.
Principles that make transfers safer
- Prepare first. Clear the space, position the chair, apply the brakes, sort footwear before you start moving anyone.
- Get close. Distance is what injures backs. Working at arm’s length multiplies the load on your spine.
- Let them do what they can. A transfer where the person contributes is safer for both of you than one where you do all the work.
- Never pull on the weak arm. The shoulder after a stroke is vulnerable, and pulling on it can cause lasting pain.
- Agree a signal. Both of you should move on the same count.
- Use the equipment provided. A transfer board or belt is there because someone assessed that you need it.
- Two people when advised. If you were told it takes two, it takes two.
Protecting your own back
Keep the load close, avoid twisting, move your feet instead of rotating your spine, and stop if you feel you are losing control. Caregiver back injury is common and it ends people’s ability to provide care.
If someone starts to fall
Do not try to hold a falling adult upright — that is how carers are injured. You should be taught how to guide someone safely to the floor and how to get help afterward. Ask your therapist to cover this specifically.
Get taught properly
Our caregiver training programme covers transfers hands-on, tailored to the person you care for and your home.
Related
Medical disclaimer: this article is general information and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for individual assessment. See our medical disclaimer.