Version July 2025
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What is a sliding board? —
This is a tool to help a person move, or "transfer," from sitting in one place to sitting in another place. It can help a person move slowly and safely as they get in or out of a bed, car, or wheelchair.
A sliding board can help bridge the gap between 2 surfaces. The boards are often thin and made of sturdy wood or plastic. They are about 8 inches (20 cm) wide and about 2 feet (0.6 meters) long.
You might use a sliding board if you have trouble using your legs to help you move. You need less upper body strength to use a sliding board than with some other ways of changing positions. With a sliding board, some people can change positions by themselves or with only a little help.
There are things you and your helper can do to use a sliding board safely.
How do I use a sliding board? —
Make sure that your skin is covered when using a sliding board. This helps keep your skin from getting pinched or torn and also makes it easier to slide. You might want to wear long pants or place a thin cloth like a sheet between your skin and the sliding board.
If your chair or bed has brakes, make sure that they are locked. Move footrests, armrests, and other items out of the way.
You should also:
●Put the wheelchair at a 30 to 45° angle and close to the bed or other seat (figure 1). If you have a stronger side, put the stronger side closest to where you are moving.
●Grab the sliding board. Lean away from where you are moving to, and wedge 1 end of the board under your hip closest to the bed or other seat. Do not to pinch your fingers under the board.
●Slowly lean back, and make sure that the board is flat on the wheelchair and the other bed or seat. The board can also be angled slightly downward.
If you are moving yourself:
●Shift your weight back and forth, and push with your arms to help you slide or scoot across the sliding board. Use slow careful movements to move from the wheelchair to the bed or other seat.
If you have a helper:
●Wear a "gait belt" to make it easier for your helper to assist you. A "gait belt" is a thick strap or belt that goes around the waist of the person you are helping move.
●Have the helper stand in front of you, knee to knee. This helps keep you from sliding too far forward.
●Have your helper grab the gait belt and help you scoot along the sliding board.
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 help 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.
●Use a gait belt if you have one.
●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.
Patient education: Changing positions safely (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventing falls in adults (The Basics)
