How to Execute a Safe Floor-to-Stand Transfer
A safe floor-to-stand transfer is essential for helping to prevent falls in older adults, people who have suffered a stroke, and others whose mobility is limited due to a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. In a rehabilitation context, the floor transfer test is used to identify adults who are at a greater risk of falls in order to arrange for appropriate therapy and—if needed—in-home services such as caregiver support.
Floor to Stand Transfer Step-by-Step
What you'll need:
An exercise mat
A stable chair
Steps:
From a lying position on the exercise mat, roll onto your side and walk your hands across until you are in a half-sit.
From the half-sit, move into an all-fours kneeling position, facing the seat of the chair.
Lifting one hand at a time, grab the sides or armrests of the chair, spreading your weight evenly to avoid tipping the chair.
Place one foot on the floor to move into a half kneel.
Pushing up through your foot and hands, bring the other foot to the floor and raise yourself to a standing position.
Tips for Practicing a Safe Floor to Stand Transfer
Standing up from the floor safely after a stroke or accident can take some practice to do quickly and independently, and it's important not to rush the process. For an easier transfer:
Complete the steps in reverse order first, i.e. starting in a standing position and using the chair to lower yourself to the floor.
Have another person with you who can assist you until you can complete the transfer safely by yourself.
If your legs aren't strong enough to bring you up to a standing position, consider mobility aids to help you with the transfer.
Mobility Aids That Can Assist with Standing
Several mobility aids can help you to stand up safely without additional assistance from a relative or caregiver. Before you search for any of these aids in stores, consult with your doctor and physical therapist to see which one might be right for you.
Grab Bars
Grab bars are often installed in bathrooms, especially in the shower, next to the toilet, and next to or on the rim of the bathtub to increase stability and help to prevent falls. Several different designs and textures are available to assist with standing safely from a seated or lying-down position.
Rollators
Rollators, or rolling walkers, come with a padded seat that you can sit on when you need to rest. As long as the brakes are on (which they MUST be if you're sitting on the seat), you can push up using the hand grips to raise yourself to a standing position.
Recliner Lift Chair
Recliner lift chairs, such as the ones we have in our Denver, CO showroom, are designed to bring you up to standing without putting strain on your ankles or knees. From the floor, transfer to the chair by following steps 1 through 4 (using a kneeling pad if needed) and pivot to sit in the chair. Then press the button on the chair to come up to a standing position.
A Professional Evaluation Is Essential
Keeping these steps and options in mind, it's essential to go for an evaluation with a professional therapist to ensure a safe floor-to-stand transfer.
When practicing, never go beyond your comfort zone and have someone there to help until you’re confident you can perform the transfer alone.