Transfer Equipment Resource: Considerations for Promoting Restorative Care and Optimal Client Function

See the transfer equipment resource preamble for information about the purpose and scope, resource development and acknowledgement, care philosophy including a the restorative approach and ethical considerations, key terms, and document references.

Scope

This transfer equipment resource is designed to provide assessors with an organized, diverse range of transfer equipment, to aid in the identification of options which promote independence/rehabilitation for the client. These may minimize the need for 2-person transfers. This document is a thought aid to be used by a regulated mobility professional (e.g., Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Kinesiologist) and used in conjunction with a full assessment that considers factors related to the client (e.g., preferences, restorative goals, cognition, physical abilities, medical conditions), the care provider (e.g., abilities, training) and the environment. 

Emphasis is placed on person centred restorative care and balanced, ethical decision making that promotes the needs and choices of the client in the selection of transfers and equipment. 

This document addresses equipment which can support clients who have some ability to bear weight and the personal abilities to complete the selected transfer.

Notes for Assessors

• Equipment options are sorted according to the typical level of support that may be provided by the equipment.
• As the Support for the Client from the selected equipment increases, the trained care provider may need to contribute lower levels of physical effort. 
• Some pieces of equipment have the potential to reduce the client’s ability to contribute to their own transfers, thus reducing opportunities for rehabilitation¹.

1.Smith, J., Simpson, P., Fray, M., (Eds.). (2023) The Guide to the Handling of People: Person-centred practice 7th Edition. BackCare.

Download resource to view the equipment transfer tool table.