Wheelchair Transfer Boards

Any disabled person knows the riskiest times of day are during transfers from bed to chair, chair to chair, or chair to car. For a brief time, the handicapped are basically hanging in limbo, between the chair and wherever. If the chair moves, a grip loosens, or upper body strength lags, a physically impaired person can be on the carpet, or the pavement, looking up. Before getting hurt, or sitting around waiting for a helping hand, consider purchasing a wheelchair transfer board.

Like most handicapped aids, transfer board come in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes. Personally speaking, wooden boards are probably the most popular choice. Lacquered to be easier to slide, the boards come in various lengths and widths. For example, transferring from the bed to the wheelchair often requires a longer board. Getting the wheelchair right next to the frame can be difficult. Similarly, transferring from the wheelchair to the car may need a longer board.

A longer, wider board also has the capability of sustaining larger people. For instance, some transfer boards are built to safely withstand 600 pounds. Without the proper support, the board can slip or break, and cause a terrible fall. So, when choosing a transfer board, like picking clothes, make sure the size of the board fits.

Also, many people prefer a board with handgrips. Personally, handgrips on either end are preferable. The grips give added support to balance and can help the disabled pull an unresponsive body along. One board actually has wooden balls to help “roll” the transfer along. Sliding dead weight can be extremely difficult. For the paraplegic, maybe the board with rollers would be a more suitable choice.

If the transfer board is not wood, the board is probably plastic. Plastic is a good choice, when needing a moisture-proof board. The board will not get warped or compromised during toileting and bathing transfers. Non-porous, the handicapped aid is easy to keep clean.

Wheelchair transfer boards are also available for amputees. The board continues to support the amputated limb during the transfer.

Transfer board are not only for ease of transferring from one piece of furniture to another. The invention can prevent falling on ice and snow. For example, many handicapped people depend on upper body strength to swing from the car to the chair, and visa versa. However, in the slickness of winter, even useless feet can slide, and leave a person hanging. With a transfer board, nothing has to touch the ground.

So, before trying to slide from the bed to the chair, and facing and fall somewhere in the middle, consider purchasing at least one transfer board. Keep on in the bedroom for getting out of bed in the morning; keep one in the bathroom for safely transferring to the commode or shower; and, keep on in the car and avoid icy spots in the pavement. Do not fall somewhere in the middle.

Next article: Wheelchair Spare Parts