Activities of Daily Living 101: Tips for Mobility & Transferring

Helping a loved one with everyday activities can look different from one day to the next. Sometimes, it means offering a steady hand while they walk to the kitchen. Other times, it means helping them get out of bed, stand up from a chair, or move safely into a wheelchair.

These everyday movements are important parts of maintaining independence and quality of life. But when mobility becomes more challenging, knowing how to help safely can make a big difference for both you and your loved one.

If you’re a family caregiver, you don’t have to be an expert to make everyday movement safer. A little preparation, patience, and the right support can go a long way.

Here are five tips to keep in mind:

Tips for Safer Mobility and Transferring

Prep the Environment

Before helping your loved one get up or move from one place to another, take a moment to check the space around you. Small adjustments can help reduce the risk of falls and make movement feel more manageable.

Start by clearing walkways of loose rugs, electrical cords, clutter, and anything else that could cause someone to trip. Make sure the area is well-lit, especially when moving around at night.

It’s also important to check the equipment you’ll be using. Lock wheelchair brakes and secure bed wheels before beginning a transfer, following the equipment’s instructions and your loved one’s care plan. If you’re helping someone stand from a seated position, a firm chair with sturdy armrests can provide better support than a soft, low couch.

Keep necessary mobility aids, such as walkers and canes, close by so they’re easy to reach when needed.

A little preparation can make the next step safer and less stressful for everyone.

Practice Safe Body Mechanics

Helping someone move can put strain on your own body, too. Using proper body mechanics can help reduce the risk of back injuries and other muscle strains.

Keep these reminders in mind:

• Bend at your hips and knees. Maintain a stable stance and a neutral back rather than bending over from your waist.

• Stay close. When providing assistance, position yourself near your loved one to reduce reaching and unnecessary strain.

• Pivot instead of twisting. Move your feet to change direction rather than twisting your back while supporting someone.

• Avoid pulling or lifting. Never pull on someone’s arms, shoulders, or clothing to help them move.

Most importantly, know your limits. Good body mechanics don’t make every transfer safe to perform manually. If your loved one needs more lifting assistance than you can safely provide, stop and seek help or use the appropriate equipment.

Protecting your own health is part of being able to care for someone else.

Follow a Safe, Consistent Approach to Transfers

A transfer is any movement from one position or surface to another, such as moving from a bed to a chair or standing up from a seated position.

Although the exact steps depend on your loved one’s abilities, a few general practices can help. Before starting, explain what will happen and make sure they’re ready. Check that the destination surface is stable and that any necessary equipment is secured.

For a sit-to-stand movement, if it’s appropriate for your loved one’s abilities and care plan, they may be able to move toward the edge of the seat, place their feet firmly on the floor, and push up using the armrests. Allow them time to establish their balance before attempting to walk.

Avoid rushing through the process, even when you’re familiar with the routine. If your loved one becomes dizzy, weak, or unsteady, pause and reassess rather than pushing forward.

If you’re unsure how to assist with a particular transfer, ask a physical or occupational therapist to demonstrate the appropriate technique for your loved one’s needs.

Encourage Independence Whenever Possible

When someone needs help with mobility, it’s natural to want to do as much as possible for them. But offering support doesn’t always mean doing everything yourself.

Whenever it’s safe, encourage your loved one to participate or lead. They might be able to shift toward the edge of a chair, place their feet on the floor, or push up using the armrests without needing you to do those steps for them.

Give them time to move at their own pace, and explain what you’re doing before providing hands-on assistance. Simple directions and reassurance can help someone feel more comfortable and confident.

Remember, abilities can change from day to day. Some days may require more assistance than others, and that’s okay. The goal is to support your loved one’s independence while recognizing when additional help is needed.

Use Assistive Tools When Appropriate

Sometimes, a little extra equipment can make everyday movement safer and more manageable. The right tools depend on your loved one’s strength, balance, mobility, and care needs.

Some options include:

• Gait and transfer belts: When appropriate, a trained caregiver can use a transfer belt to maintain a secure handhold during certain movements. Belts should never be used to lift someone by the waist, and they aren’t suitable for every person or situation.

• Transfer boards: These boards can help some people move between surfaces, such as a wheelchair and a bed, when they have the necessary abilities and have been taught how to use the board safely.

• Mechanical lifts: Devices such as Hoyer lifts can help with transfers that cannot be performed safely by hand. Caregivers need proper training to select and position the sling and operate the lift correctly.

• Slide sheets: These can assist with repositioning someone in bed when used according to appropriate training and guidance.

Not sure which equipment is right for your loved one? A healthcare professional can help identify suitable options and show you how to use them safely.

For additional guidance, visit Agrace's resource on mobility and safe transfers.

Additional Support

Sometimes, changes in mobility are a sign that your loved one needs a little more support. Frequent falls, increasing difficulty with transfers, or new challenges with standing and walking are good reasons to contact their healthcare team.

Physical and occupational therapists can assess mobility, recommend assistive equipment, and teach caregivers techniques tailored to their loved one’s needs.

If your loved one experiences sudden weakness, a new inability to stand or walk, or symptoms that could indicate a stroke, seek urgent medical attention.

And remember, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Reaching out for guidance is a proactive step toward safer, more comfortable care.

Safety and Dignity Go Hand in Hand

Helping a loved one with mobility is about more than getting from one place to another. It’s about supporting their comfort, confidence, and independence while keeping both of you safe.

By preparing the environment, encouraging participation, practicing safe body mechanics, and knowing when to ask for help, you can make everyday caregiving feel more manageable.

Looking for additional support with everyday caregiving challenges? Connect with CRC OC to explore educational resources, services, and guidance for your caregiving journey.