Patient education: Changing positions safely (The Basics)

What should I know about changing positions safely? — Throughout the day, a person changes their position. For example, you might move from sitting to standing, or from a bed to a chair. This is sometimes called "transferring" to a different position.

Some people need another person to help them move from one place or position to another. There are things you and your helper can do to lower the risk of either of you getting hurt. For example, using a "gait belt," if you have one, can help you stay safe. A "gait belt" is a thick strap or belt that goes around the waist of the person you are helping move.

How do I move from sitting to standing? — If your chair or bed has brakes, make sure that they are locked. Move footrests and other items out of the way.

●Scoot to the edge of the chair or bed. Bend your knees so your knees are over your toes or your heels are under the edge of the chair.

●As you start to stand, lean forward so your nose is over your toes. Push off from the armrests, chair seat, or bed. Never pull on a walker to help you stand, because it might tip.

●Count to 3 with your helper, and start to stand as they lift up on the gait belt.

●Your helper can:

•Stand to your weaker side if you only need a little help. They can grab your gait belt at your back from underneath with 1 hand.

•Stand in front of you if you need a bit more help to stand. They can reach around your waist and grab the gait belt with both hands.

•Put their feet in front of your feet and their knees in front of your knees. This way, your feet cannot slide forward.

How do I move from standing to sitting? — If your chair or bed has brakes, make sure that they are locked. Move footrests and other items out of the way.

●You might need to turn your body before you sit down. This will help you line up with where you are going to sit. If you need to turn, turn your whole body. Move your feet instead of just twisting at the waist. The backs of both of your legs should be touching the chair or bed.

●Bend at the hips, and reach back with your hand to feel the seat, armrest, or bed. Slowly lower yourself to sit down.

●Your helper can:

•Hold your gait belt with both hands to help you sit down slowly.

•Put their feet in front of your feet and their knees in front of your knees. This way, your feet cannot slide forward.

What should my helper know? — Talk with your helper so you both know what to expect. This makes the process safer for everyone.

Here are some general tips for your helper:

●Do not try to lift someone heavier than yourself unless you have had proper training. You might need to have 2 helpers if the person you are working with is heavy or weak.

●Give the person you are helping enough room to move while still giving them support.

●Use good "body mechanics." This can help protect your back from injury. Good body mechanics include:

•Bend at the knees and hips, not at the waist.

•Keep your feet flat on the ground. Spread your legs shoulder-width apart instead of close together. This gives you a sturdy base of support.

•Keep your back as straight as possible. Bend at the hips.

•Avoid bending your head forward as you help someone stand or move.

●If the bed or chair can be raised or lowered, use this feature. It is easier to move from a higher surface to a slightly lower one.

●In some cases, the helper can kneel on 1 knee. Then, the person who is moving can place a hand on the helper's knee or shoulder for support.

What else should I know?

●Talk to your doctor about working with a physical therapist. They can help you learn how to safely change positions and move around.

●Do as much as you can for yourself when changing positions.

●Wear non-skid socks or shoes when moving.

●Take your time, and do not rush.

●If you start to fall, your helper should bend at the knees and gently lower you to the closest safe surface.

More on this topic

Patient education: Preventing falls in adults (The Basics)