Choosing the Right Transfer Aid: It’s About More Than Mobility

At Forbes Care, supporting someone to move safely through their home isn’t just about mobility — it’s about matching the right equipment to the person, their environment, and the people who support them.

Whether it’s standing up from a chair, getting out of bed, or moving from wheelchair to toilet, transfer aids can play a vital role in promoting dignity, independence, and carer safety. But not all aids are created equal — and the right choice depends on much more than the task at hand.

It's About the Whole Picture

For Occupational Therapists, recommending a transfer aid means looking beyond movement alone. It involves assessing:

• Physical capacity – Can the person reliably bear weight? Do they have enough trunk control, grip strength, or range of motion to use the aid safely?
• Cognition and communication – Does the person understand instructions? Can they follow multi-step cues, or would a more automated aid reduce risk?
• Support and environment – Are carers trained and confident in using the equipment? Is there enough space in the home? Are surfaces stable and even?
• Clinical risks – Are there any red flags such as skin integrity concerns, unpredictable movement patterns, or an unclear ratio of support people required?

These are the kinds of questions our OTs explore before introducing tools like:

• Sara Stedy or standing frames
• Slide boards
• Standing hoists or full hoists
• Lift recliner chairs
• Bed poles or bed sticks

Each one has its place — but only when the match is right.

When It's Time to Reassess

Transfer needs can change quickly. If someone begins showing new signs of fatigue, reduced stability, or changes in cognitive capacity, the strategies and equipment that once worked may no longer be safe.

Likewise, if informal carers are feeling overwhelmed, or if care tasks are taking longer or requiring more physical effort, it’s a good time to review the setup.

Our OTs work closely with both the person and their support network to make sure equipment is:

• Still safe and effective
• Not increasing the risk of falls, injury, or strain
• Supporting independence wherever possible
• Promoting long-term wellbeing — not just short-term fixes

We're Here to Help

At Forbes Care, we take the time to understand not just how a person moves — but how they think, communicate, and interact with their environment. We offer transfer aid assessments as part of our Home Care Package services and other funding streams, ensuring clients and carers are set up with practical, safe solutions that suit their daily lives.

Because the right transfer aid doesn’t just support mobility — it supports quality of life.

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