Transfers

Choosing the right transfer method is essential for the safety and comfort of carers and patients. Transfer solutions for bariatric care based on individual assessments mean routines can be managed with confidence. Carers need to feel secure that transfers can be performed safely and that any equipment used can cope easily with the task. With the high loads involved in bariatric transfers, manual lifting must be avoided. The right equipment alone is not enough to minimise risks. Carers require training both in equipment operation and handling practices to ensure a safe working environment.

Bariatric people have a right to be handled with dignity. Transfer methods should always ensure safe handling to protect the patient’s skin integrity. For less mobile patients, suitable electrically powered lifters handle transfers with ease, giving carers full handset control of the routine. If the patient requires the assistance of a passive lifter, choosing the right bariatric sling* for the patient’s size and body shape is vital for comfort and safety. In addition to solutions for everyday transfers, the care environment should also have access to a mobile bariatric lifter to provide safe lifting for staff, patients and visitors in the event of falls. Selecting the right transfer method If an unsuitable transfer method is used, the carer and patient are exposed to greater risks. Accurate patient assessment, based on functional mobility and ability to assist, is essential to minimise risk and provide optimum support. The Bariatric Gallery, a patient assessment tool with five levels of mobility (A-E), helps to identify the best transfer method for an individual.