Autumn 1999
Volume 1, Issue s
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Contents: |
TRANSFER Transfer is the term therapists use to mean moving from one place or position to another. There are many types of transfers including: Lying down to sitting up, sitting up to lying down, sitting to standing, standing to sitting, kneeling to standing, getting to/from a bed and wheelchair, getting in/out of a bath tub, and getting in and out of a car. Infants are easy to transfer simply by picking them up and moving them from one place to another. As a child with cerebral palsy grows he or she may need help transferring. Small children are still easy to lift and carry, but it is important to encourage them to participate in the transfer. When a child gets much bigger it may be difficult and unsafe for a caregiver to lift the child. If a child learns at an early age to help out in the transfer, this will help the caregiver.Physical and occupational therapists can work with the children and their caregivers to teach them how to transfer safely. There are many transfer techniques including encouraging children to bear weight through their feet, so the caregiver is not supporting the child¹s entire weight during a transfer. Assistive devices such as grab bars or mechanical lifts may also be helpful. It may be helpful to give therapists a detailed description of the obstacles you face at home when doing transfers, so the therapist can simulate your home environment. Information such as how high is the bed, how much space you have in a bathroom, and what type of car you use, can be used to guide the therapy sessions.
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