Best Transfer Aids
Moving between bed, chair, toilet or vehicle is much easier with the right support. Browse our range of transfer aids, including transfer belts, slide sheets, transfer boards, and stand assist devices, and find the right fit for you or someone you care for.
Types of Transfer Aids
Transfer aids cover a wide range of equipment, from simple fabric belts to purpose-built boards and mechanical assist devices. Here is a plain guide to the main types so you can work out which one suits your situation.
Transfer Belts and Gait Belts
A transfer belt (sometimes called a gait belt) wraps around the person's waist and gives the carer a firm, secure grip during a standing or pivoting transfer. They are one of the most widely used transfer aids because they are simple, lightweight, and suitable for people who can bear some of their own weight. Most belts are adjustable and come with quick-release buckles for easy removal. They are a good starting point if the person can stand with support and the carer needs better control during the move.
Our transfer belts collection includes standard and bariatric options across a range of sizes.
Slide Sheets
Slide sheets are low-friction fabric sheets placed beneath a person to allow them to be moved across a surface with much less effort. They are especially useful for repositioning someone in bed, moving them from bed to trolley, or assisting with getting in and out of bed. Because they reduce the pulling force needed, they protect both the person and the carer from strain. They come in tubular and flat styles; tubular slide sheets are particularly practical for home use because they do not need to be removed after repositioning. Browse our slide sheets range for home and aged-care options.
Transfer Boards and Slide Boards
A transfer board (also called a slide board) bridges the gap between two surfaces, such as a wheelchair seat and a bed or car seat, so the person can slide across without standing. They work well for wheelchair users or anyone who cannot bear full weight through their legs. Boards come in standard rectangular shapes as well as curved or banana-shaped designs that give a better fit around wheelchair armrests. Our wheelchair transfer boards and patient transfer slide boards cover the main shapes and weight capacities available.
Stand Assist Devices and Patient Turners
Stand assist devices support a person through the sit-to-stand movement, giving them something firm to grip and a controlled way to rise from a chair or bed. Patient turners are designed for pivoting a person from one surface to another with minimal lifting. Both types reduce the physical load on the carer and give the person a more controlled, dignified transfer. Our patient turners collection includes a range of sizes and styles.
How to Choose the Right Transfer Aid
The right transfer aid depends on how much weight the person can bear, the surfaces involved, and the strength and technique of the person helping. Here are the most common scenarios and what tends to work best.
For Bed-to-Chair Transfers
If the person can stand and pivot with some assistance, a transfer belt gives the carer a secure hold and keeps the move controlled. If they cannot stand, a slide sheet makes repositioning in bed much easier, and a stand assist device can help with the sit-to-stand phase. For anyone who is fully dependent, a patient turner or a mechanical hoist (found in our daily living aids range) is worth considering. An occupational therapist can assess the safest approach for the individual's situation.
For Wheelchair and Vehicle Transfers
A transfer board is the most common solution for moving between a wheelchair and a car seat, bed, or shower chair. Curved boards fit more comfortably around the wheelchair armrest cutout. A swivel cushion placed on the car seat makes the rotation easier once the person is seated. Our swivel cushions collection pairs well with a transfer board for vehicle transfers. For transfers between a wheelchair and the toilet or shower, a bath transfer bench can bridge the gap without a board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are transfer aids?
Transfer aids are equipment designed to help a person move safely between positions, from bed to chair, wheelchair to toilet, or in and out of a vehicle. They include transfer belts, slide sheets, transfer boards, and stand assist devices. They protect both the person being moved and the person helping.
What is the best way to transfer a person who has difficulty standing?
For someone who can bear partial weight, a transfer belt or stand assist device gives the carer a secure handhold and helps the person pivot between surfaces. For someone with very limited mobility, a slide sheet or transfer board reduces friction and makes the move safer and more comfortable. Your occupational therapist (OT) can assess which approach suits the individual.
Can transfer aids be funded through NDIS or a Home Care Package?
Yes, transfer aids can often be purchased using NDIS funding or a Home Care Package (HCP). Contact your plan manager (NDIS) or home care provider (HCP) to confirm your entitlements and request approval. Once approved, we provide a tax invoice. Pay it and we ship your order straight away.
How do I know what weight capacity I need for a transfer aid?
Check the weight rating of any transfer aid before you buy. Most standard transfer belts and boards are rated to 130 to 150 kg; bariatric options are available for higher weights. Always match the product's rated capacity to the person's actual weight, with a comfortable margin, and confirm the carer can manage the load safely.
Not sure which transfer aid is right for your situation? We're here to help. Give us a call and we'll talk it through.