Transfer boards

There are multiple types of transfer board and related assistive devices. Full‑body‑length transfer boards (sometimes labelled as PAT slides or Transglides) are used to bridge gaps for clients who are lying down when sliding between two adjacent surfaces at similar levels, such as from a bed to a stretcher. They are usually made of plastic and should be used in conjunction with slide sheets. Smaller transfer boards can be used for seat‑to‑seat transfers, such as between a car seat and a wheelchair. 

In the past, roller boards have been used as lying‑to‑lying transfer devices. These boards have a loose vinyl covering that is difficult to clean and potentially an infection control risk. These boards create risks for carers when reaching and risks for clients with skin shear. It is recommended that roller boards be replaced with full‑length transfer boards 

For sitting‑to‑sitting lateral transfers, a smaller transfer board or slide board can be used to bridge gaps between adjacent seats. These boards can be straight or curved like a boomerang (an example is the yellow ‘banana board’). Small transfer or slide boards can be used for lateral transfers such as those between a: 

• Chair and wheelchair 

• Bed and wheelchair 

• Wheelchair and toilet 

• Wheelchair and car. 

Curved transfer boards make it easier to transfer around fixed armrests. The boards are usually prescribed by therapists. 

Note that clients should have sitting balance to use these boards and both carers and clients require training in their use. If feasible, arrange to have the surface to which the client is being transferred slightly lower than the surface from which they are being transferred. This makes it easier for the client to move