Transfer From Bed to Chair With Sit-to-Stand

Key Points

• Sit-to-stand transfers require correct care-plan indication and resident ability to assist with standing mechanics.
• Symmetric sling and strap setup with clear path control prevents imbalance and collision injury.
• Lift brakes are not applied during lowering due to compression/tip risk with weight shift.

Equipment

• Sit-to-stand lift
• Transfer sling/strap set per manufacturer
• Wheelchair
• Nonskid footwear
• Hand hygiene supplies

Procedure Steps

1. Perform routine pre-procedure actions: knock, identify resident, explain procedure, provide privacy, and perform hand hygiene.
2. Position wheelchair with foot pedals removed, lock wheelchair brakes, and clear rotation path.
3. Place transfer sling under armpits with handles facing away; secure seat belt/cross straps per manufacturer.
4. Raise bed so lift legs can pass underneath; open lift legs if bed clearance allows.
5. Place resident feet fully on lift base; protect head/arms from lift-frame contact.
6. Secure calf strap if available and verify proper foot placement.
7. Connect sling to lift with equal-length attachment points on both sides.
8. Confirm arms are outside lift arms and resident has no dizziness before stand.
9. Instruct resident to pull with arms and straighten legs while lift raises to stand.
10. Move lift away from bed, open lift legs if needed, then rotate toward wheelchair.
11. When knees contact seat, lower resident into wheelchair without applying lift brakes.
12. Guide resident fully back into chair, disconnect sling/straps, move lift away safely, remove sling, and release wheelchair brakes when transfer is complete.
13. Finish post-procedure comfort/safety checks, hand hygiene, and documentation of skin/pain/other changes.

Common Errors

• Using sit-to-stand when resident cannot participate in standing mechanics → high failure and injury risk.
• Unequal sling connection lengths → lateral tilt and fall risk.
• Lift-frame contact with resident head/arms during approach/exit → impact injury risk.
• Applying lift brakes while lowering → leg compression or instability risk.

Related

• assisting-clients-to-transfer - Transfer status criteria determine sit-to-stand appropriateness.
• transfer-from-bed-to-chair-with-gait-belt - Both procedures require dizziness checks and controlled stand-to-sit cueing.