Transfer: Wheelchair to Toilet

If your loved one will use a wheelchair, you need to know about transfers. For safety's sake, learn how to help your loved one in and out of the wheelchair. One basic method is shown here.

FacebookXLinkedinEmailCopy LinkPrint

If your loved one will use a wheelchair, you need to know about transfers. For safety's sake, learn how to help them in and out of the wheelchair. One basic method is shown here. This method can be used if your loved one can bear most of their weight on their legs, but cannot walk from one place to another.

Step 1. Help the person stand up:

Healthcare provider using gait belt to help patient transfer from wheelchair to toilet.

  • Bring the wheelchair near the toilet. If possible, position the wheelchair so that the person will move toward their stronger side, and angle it at about 30° to 45°.
  • Lock the wheelchair and remove its footrests.
  • Be sure the person is wearing a gait belt or other sturdy belt.
  • Help the person slide their bottom toward the front of the wheelchair. Their feet should be slightly under them, and about hip-width apart.
  • Have the person put their hands on the arms of the wheelchair so they can help push themselves up.
  • Grasp the back of the belt.
  • If needed, use your legs to block the person's weaker leg to keep their knee from buckling.
  • Have the person rock forward and help push themselves to stand.

Step 2. Help them onto the toilet:

Healthcare provider using gait belt to help patient sit on toilet from wheelchair.

  • Tell the person what you are doing so that they are ready for the move.
  • Keep the person's weaker knee between your legs.
  • Help the person pivot around in front of the toilet.
  • If the toilet has grab bars, have the person reach back to hold them. Then gently help the person sit them down on the toilet.
  • Help them adjust their clothing.

Important safety tips

Helping a person transfer can be hard on your back. To reduce the risk of a back injury, remember to do the following:

  • Organize the steps in your head before you start.
  • Transfer toward the person's stronger side whenever possible.
  • Explain the steps of the move and ask the person to tell you when they are ready to transfer.
  • Keep the person close to you.
  • Keep your knees bent and your back straight.
  • Use a gait belt to provide a firm hold, rather than clasping your hands behind the person's back.
  • Never pull on the person's weaker arm or lift them by the armpits.
  • Get help when you need it.
  • Ask to practice with supervision.

Content provided by WebMD Ignite (“WebMD”) is intended for general, informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied on solely for clinical decisions. WebMD makes reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy, reliability of our Content, however; users understand that information contained in the Content may become outdated or incomplete due to new research, findings or clinical guidelines. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. WebMD does not guarantee that all content will always be current, error-free or complete.