If a resident is being transferred from bed into a wheelchair, where should the wheelchair be placed?

If a resident is being transferred from bed into a wheelchair, where should the wheelchair be placed?

• A. On the stronger side
• B. On the weaker side
• C. On the left side
• D. On the affected side

Answer: (D)

When a resident has an affected (weakened) side, safety during a bed-to-wheelchair transfer hinges on positioning the chair to support that weak side. Placing the wheelchair on the affected side gives the resident a clear, supported path to pivot toward the chair using their stronger side, while you guard and guide the movement from the same side. This setup helps maintain trunk alignment, reduces twisting or sudden shifts, and lowers the risk of a fall as they sit down. If the chair were placed on the strong side, the resident might need to turn away from the weak side, which can be more difficult and riskier. Keeping the chair accessible on the side of weakness provides a controlled, safer transfer.

When a resident has an affected (weakened) side, safety during a bed-to-wheelchair transfer hinges on positioning the chair to support that weak side. Placing the wheelchair on the affected side gives the resident a clear, supported path to pivot toward the chair using their stronger side, while you guard and guide the movement from the same side. This setup helps maintain trunk alignment, reduces twisting or sudden shifts, and lowers the risk of a fall as they sit down. If the chair were placed on the strong side, the resident might need to turn away from the weak side, which can be more difficult and riskier. Keeping the chair accessible on the side of weakness provides a controlled, safer transfer.