Dismiss Modal

Healthy Living

Transfer: Wheelchair to Chair

Choose a preferred language

People who can't walk are taught to use wheelchairs. For safety, have the therapist show you the correct way to help someone out of a wheelchair.

Before you start, lock the wheels of the chair. Then stand as close to the person as you can. Make sure your footing is stable. The person should always wear a special belt for you to grip. To lift:

  1. Help the person scoot to the edge of the wheelchair. Be sure the person’s feet are under their body. Lift as the person pushes up.

    Healthcare provider using gait belt to help patient transfer from wheelchair to chair.

  2. Keep the person’s weaker knee between your legs. Pivot the person around in front of the toilet or chair. Lower them gently.

    Healthcare provider using gait belt to help patient transfer from wheelchair to chair.

Featured in

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Trina Bellendir PT

Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2024

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Related Articles
Read article
Read article
Hospice Care
Transfer: Wheelchair to Toilet

If your loved one will use a wheelchair, you need to know about transfers. For safety's sake, learn how to help your loved one in and out of the wheelchair. One basic method is shown here.

Read article
Read article
Hospice Care
Transfer: Bed to Wheelchair

If your loved one will use a wheelchair, you need to know about transfers. For safety's sake, learn how to help your loved one in and out of the wheelchair. One basic method is shown here.

Read article
Read article
Hospice Care
Moving Patients from Bed to Wheelchair

Use these tips to protect your back when moving a patient from the bad to a wheelchair.

Read article
Read article
Hospice Care
Step-by-Step: Moving a Person from Bed to a Wheelchair

Watch this to learn the steps for moving a person from a bed to a wheelchair.