---
title: "What Is Transferring? Home Care Glossary | HomeCare.com"
description: "Transferring, as an activity of daily living, means moving between surfaces, such as bed to chair, chair to standing, or wheelchair to toilet. It takes..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/transferring/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Daily living and health

# Transferring

Transferring, as an activity of daily living, means moving between surfaces, such as bed to chair, chair to standing, or wheelchair to toilet. It takes balance and strength. When a person cannot do it alone, a trained caregiver or the right equipment can help the move safely.

## Why it matters for your family

Transfers are where many injuries happen, to the older adult and to the helper. Untrained family members often strain their backs. A trained caregiver uses safe body mechanics, a gait belt, or a lift when needed. An occupational or physical therapist can show a family the right method for the person's condition. A common mistake is pulling on a person's arms, which can hurt shoulders. If a person cannot bear weight, a mechanical lift may be needed. HomeCare.com advanced companion care includes transfers and walking assistance, but no medical treatment. Ask for training before taking on transfers at home.

Source: [acl.gov](https://acl.gov/ltc/glossary)

[Read more: Personal and advanced care](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/personal-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**Activities of daily living (ADLs)**Activities of daily living (ADLs) are the basic self-care tasks people do each day.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/activities-of-daily-living/)
-   [**Mobility assistance**Mobility assistance is help with moving around, such as standing up, walking, using stairs, and getting in and out of a bed, chair, or car.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mobility-assistance/)
-   [**Lift chair**A lift chair is a recliner with a motor that tilts the seat forward to help a person stand up.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/lift-chair/)
-   [**Wheelchair**A wheelchair is a chair on wheels that lets a person move when walking is hard or unsafe.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/wheelchair/)
-   [**Fall risk**Fall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/fall-risk/)
-   [**Hospital bed**A hospital bed is an adjustable bed used at home for a person who needs help with positioning, rest or transfers.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/hospital-bed/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

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