a.
Place the ladder belt behind the service
user, with the non-slip material against the body
and the lowest edge resting on the cushion of the
chair.
b.
If using the harness, position the lower
portion just underneath the service user and the
upper portion against the lower back. Then, fasten
using the clasp.
5.
If you are using the ladder belt to assist the
transfer, secure it to one side of the frame by
placing the desired ladder section over the ladder
belt anchor.
6.
Ask the service user to grasp the frame in a
comfortable position. The service user can hold
any part of the handles. Service users with use of
only one arm/hand can hold on using the central
handles.
7.
If assisting the service user to stand using
the ladder belt, get ready in a stable and safe
starting position. Place your nearside hand on the
top of the Patient Transfer Assist and hold the
handle of the ladder belt with your other hand.
Maintain a good posture with a straight back.
NB: Use your risk assessment and/or consult
with your manual handling lead/back care
adviser if you are unsure of correct manual
handling techniques.
8.
When you and the service user are both
ready, encourage them to stand up on your count.
Gradually transfer your weight in unison, maintain
tension on the ladder belt and assist the service
user to stand. Maintain eye contact and
communicate clearly.
NB: When using the Patient Transfer Assist, a
counter balance must be applied during each
phase of the sit to stand/stand to sit transfer.
Your method for applying a counter balance
may vary i.e. through use of the ladder belt, by
placing a foot on the footplate and bracing the
frame, or by supporting the service user in a
traditional method. Your method of applying a
counter balance should be reviewed and
agreed during your risk assessment.
9.
When the service user is standing, secure
the ladder belt to the ladder belt anchor on the
opposite side, or on the central post when using
the harness.
10.
Release the brake pedal with one foot.
11.
Check the surroundings and safely
manoeuvre the Patient Transfer Assist to point
B. The transfer from point A to point B is best
achieved with the service user facing the
direction of travel.
12.
Apply the brake.
13.
Check the surroundings again and
prepare for a safe, stand to sit transfer.
14.
With the service user holding on to the
frame, unhook the ladder belt or harness.
15.
Ask the service user to sit down safely.
When aiding a transfer using the ladder belt
ensure you are in a stable and safe starting
position with your near side hand securely
holding the frame. Encourage the service user
to begin sitting with gradual assistance. It can
be useful for the care giver to step forwards in
unison as the service user lowers into the
seated position. Continue to provide the
necessary level of support through the ladder
belt during the transfer.
NB: Remember that a counter balance must
be applied during each phase of the transfer.
Your method for applying a counter balance
may vary i.e. through use of the ladder belt,
by placing a foot on the footplate and bracing
the frame, or by supporting the service user in
a traditional method. Your method of applying
a counter balance should be reviewed and
agreed during your risk assessment.
This Patient Transfer Assist has been designed
for use with single or multiple carers. However,
it is important that a risk assessment is carried
out prior to use. In each individual case assess
the risks and take notes. Evaluate the person’s
ability to use the product and where required
use suitable accessories or another product.
When using with two carers, follow the steps as
above. The second person can then support the
service user as required.
A safe transfer distance (from point A to point
B) should be determined during your risk
assessment. We recommend that you do not
use to transfer a person over a raised threshold
or over uneven surfaces. It is recommended
that a ladder belt or harness is used for all
transfers between point A and point B.
