Transferring off a bed
There are different ways of moving the user off the bed. There is
no one set procedure. It may be that the manual handling advisor
has a more suitable suggestion.
Method 1(diagonal transfer)
Before moving the AlbacMat from the bed and if time allows, take
the bed down to its lowest position.
Taking the straps at the head end, hold them short and move the
AlbacMat around on the mattress so it is laying across the bed. If
space allows the second person can take hold of the straps at the
foot end.
The person at the head end pulls & steps slowly backwards to
enable the AlbacMat to slide onto the floor, allowing the pulling
straps to slowly move through their hands, keeping a correct
posture and taking care to support the patient’s head.
You will find that by keeping moving slowly backwards, the legs &
feet will follow. These can be supported by the second person to
help ensure a steady descent.
Method 2 (foot end transfer)
If the type of bed and space allows, the bed can be tilted up from
the head end and the user can be taken off the bed from the foot
end.
To perform this procedure firstly ensure that the bed is at its lowest
position and remove the detachable foot end from the bed.
The bed can then be tilted up from the head end and with at least
one carer at each end of the AlbacMat, the user can be taken off
the foot end of the bed and slid to the floor (feet first), using the
end pulling handles, in a slow, controlled manner, ensuring the
users head is protected throughout.
Transfer from a bed/ floor continued.
Place the AlbacMat tight against the user’s back and legs and gently
roll him/her back onto the AlbacMat ensuring that they are
positioned comfortably and are lying centrally on the Mat with feet
in the foot pocket.
If bedding is available position a pillow under the user’s head and
cover him/her with blanket/duvet. Remove the foil blanket from the
foot pocket and place over the user.
Fasten the two top cross straps across the chest area creating an X
and finally fasten the bottom cross strap. The straps should be
fastened tight enough that the side of the AlbacMat enclose the
user, but not too tight that they become uncomfortable.
If the AlbacMat is being used for a child use the two lower velcro
cross straps to secure him/her in place and the top velcro strap can
be used as the moving strap (ensuring it is fastened first).
The user is now ready to be moved off the bed.
