During a bed-to-chair transfer, which practice promotes safety?

• A. Position the resident with proper alignment, keep resident centered, and guide movement slowly with assistive devices.
• B. Twist the spine toward the chair to save time.
• C. Move as quickly as possible without support.
• D. Remove all assistive devices during transfer.

Answer: (A)

During a bed-to-chair transfer, the safest approach is to keep the resident in proper alignment, centered over your base of support, and move slowly with the help of assistive devices. This approach maintains balance, protects the spine, and allows you to control the transfer, reducing the risk of falls for both resident and caregiver. Twisting the spine toward the chair creates torque and can cause injury; moving quickly without support increases the chance of losing balance; removing assistive devices eliminates important safeguards. Using alignment, centering, and slow, device-assisted movement is the best way to promote safety.