Having difficulty&nbsp;getting around?&nbsp;A transfer board&nbsp;enables you to move or ‘transfer’ from one&nbsp;surface&nbsp;to another. It is commonly used by wheelchair users, acting as a bridge from the chair to a new seated position.&nbsp;

Using&nbsp;one&nbsp;can help users&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;their independence and dignity and make it easier for caregivers or healthcare professionals to transfer someone between surfaces.  &nbsp;

Find out&nbsp;what a transfer board is, the benefits of using one, and how it can positively&nbsp;impact&nbsp;your everyday life.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A transfer board is a strong, slip-resistant piece of wood or plastic. The board can vary in shape and size, but&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;designed to be flat and rigid, making it more comfortable to move from one surface to another.&nbsp;

Transfer boards are primarily used for&nbsp;wheelchair users,&nbsp;disabled people,&nbsp;the elderly, and people who struggle to stand without&nbsp;assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

They allow&nbsp;the individual&nbsp;to move&nbsp;safely and more comfortably&nbsp;between surfaces, without needing to be&nbsp;fully&nbsp;lifted by a caregiver or healthcare professional.  &nbsp;

When to use a mobility transfer board&nbsp;

A mobility transfer board can be used in many ways. It is commonly used at home to&nbsp;assist&nbsp;individuals with daily activities such as&nbsp;getting in and out of bed&nbsp;and bathing.&nbsp;

Transferring with a transfer board from wheelchair to car&nbsp;

Wheelchair transfer boards are particularly useful when moving onto a car seat. Before using, park the car in a spacious area with the wheelchair locked and parallel to the seat.&nbsp;

Using a transfer board is one of the easiest and safest ways to get into a wheelchair from a bed.  &nbsp;

The use of&nbsp;an&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">adjustable bed</a>&nbsp;can also help, allowing you to get into the&nbsp;optimal&nbsp;position for moving to and from a wheelchair.&nbsp;

A commode transfer board is a moisture-proof board designed to connect the wheelchair to the toilet, helping&nbsp;to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;dignity and mobility during personal&nbsp;care tasks.&nbsp;

Bath transfer boards can also make bathing more accessible – position the chair in front of the tub, and move across the board, then into the bath with&nbsp;more support.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/bath-lifts" target="_blank">Our bath lifts</a>&nbsp;can also make bathing itself easier&nbsp;and more comfortable.&nbsp;They are designed to lower you slowly into the tub for an immersive, full-depth bathing experience.&nbsp;

“Oak Tree Mobility products are geared to enable ease and comfort and to open up choice and possibilities – allowing someone to sink safely and easily into a nourishing, sleep-inducing bath.”&nbsp;&nbsp;– Dr&nbsp;Nerina&nbsp;Ramlakhan, Sleep Expert&nbsp;

The benefits of using a transfer board&nbsp;

The use of mobility aids, such as a transfer board, can&nbsp;greatly impact&nbsp;your life, making daily tasks easier and more comfortable.&nbsp;

Explore Oak Tree Mobility’s range of mobility aids, including&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds/" target="_blank">adjustable beds</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/bath-lifts" target="_blank">bath lifts</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs" target="_blank">rise &amp; recliners</a>, designed to support safe, independent living at home.&nbsp;

A straight transfer board is best suited for simple transfers. They can be made from wood or plastic and often feature&nbsp;built-in&nbsp;handles&nbsp;for extra&nbsp;grip.  &nbsp;

Transfer boards that are curved (or in a ‘banana’ shape) can be used to move around obstacles or in tighter spaces, such as next to a toilet or near furniture.&nbsp;

Available in both straight and curved shapes, a folding transfer&nbsp;board is practical for storing in small spaces and during transportation.&nbsp;

Note:&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;important to use the transfer board correctly, as&nbsp;improper use can increase&nbsp;the&nbsp;risk of accidents and injury.&nbsp;

Tips for supporting elderly people at home&nbsp;

At Oak Tree Mobility, we believe mobility&nbsp;shouldn’t&nbsp;hold you back from life.&nbsp;

From moving around easily with a transfer board to recharging after a long day in a supported chair, your comfort should always be a priority.&nbsp;

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/request-a-brochure" target="_blank">Request a free brochure</a>&nbsp;to see how we can help you at home with our made-to-fit furniture.&nbsp;

FAQs about transfer boards for the elderly and disabled people&nbsp;

A transfer board is used to move an individual who has difficulty with standing from one surface to another.&nbsp;

What is another name for a transfer board?&nbsp;

A transfer board can also be referred to as a ‘sliding board’ or ‘slide board’.&nbsp;

Can you use a transfer board by yourself?&nbsp;

Yes, you can use a transfer board yourself. However, you must have sufficient upper-body strength to do so.&nbsp;

What is the first step for using a transfer board?&nbsp;

The first step when using a transfer board is to safely secure it between the two surfaces,&nbsp;such as a&nbsp;wheelchair and a bed.&nbsp;

Can you use a slide sheet with a transfer board?            &nbsp;&nbsp;

Using a slide sheet with a transfer board makes the transfer process smoother by reducing natural friction between the user’s body and the board.  &nbsp;

How long should a transfer board be?&nbsp;

Lengths can vary for a transfer board. However, it must comfortably bridge the gap between the two surfaces for a safe transfer.&nbsp;

Position the board securely between the two surfaces and ensure the wheelchair's brakes are applied. The user must then sit upright, place their hands on the board, and slide across. Once stable on the new surface, the board can be removed.&nbsp;

When&nbsp;used correctly, transfer boards are a safe and&nbsp;easy way&nbsp;to move between surfaces.&nbsp;

5.&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/bath-lifts/top-bath-aids-for-getting-in-and-out-of-the-bath-1">https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/bath-lifts/top-bath-aids-for-getting-in-and-out-of-the-bath-1</a>

Transfer board balanced on wheelchair seat and bed

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What is a transfer board, and how does it work?

Do you like napping? Napping is common as you get older, especially if you sleep well at night. But&nbsp;are naps&nbsp;good or bad?&nbsp;&nbsp;Personally, I love having an occasional afternoon nap.&nbsp;Research suggests&nbsp;that when done&nbsp;correctly,&nbsp;it can support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  

In this month’s blog,&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;exploring&nbsp;the benefits and concerns&nbsp;around&nbsp;napping.&nbsp;So, if&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;curious about&nbsp;the&nbsp;benefits&nbsp;of napping in the day&nbsp;or&nbsp;even&nbsp;the cautions around excessive napping in the elderly, read on.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Are naps good or bad for the elderly?&nbsp;

There are&nbsp;different types&nbsp;of naps, and the one that most of us can&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;from is the power nap.&nbsp;

As we age, we naturally nap more due to changes in sleep architecture, e.g. lighter sleep and earlier wake times.&nbsp;

However,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;important to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;napping as a healthy habit rather than using it to catch up on sleep during the day.&nbsp;

If you do struggle with lack of sleep,&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/the-consequences-of-a-lack-of-sleep-in-the-elderly" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/the-consequences-of-a-lack-of-sleep-in-the-elderly" target="_blank">my recent blog post</a>&nbsp;may help you understand why it might be happening and what you can do to help.&nbsp;

&nbsp;What are the benefits of napping?&nbsp;

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This is the most common question that&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;asked about napping, and there are three main types of naps:&nbsp;

A power nap lasts between 10-20 minutes and no longer – and this is key.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;not that long naps are bad for&nbsp;you always, but a power nap is the ideal length&nbsp;to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;focus and concentration.&nbsp;

During a power nap, you experience a deep state of relaxation&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;like meditation. You can&nbsp;nap&nbsp;sitting or lying down, but&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;important not to get into bed. Otherwise, you might end up dropping into the deeper stages of sleep.&nbsp;

The recovery nap should be around 30-45 minutes, but no longer. You should take this if you have missed sleep or are feeling fatigued, ill, or run-down.&nbsp;

Set an alarm to avoid going over 45 minutes. If you do,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;come out of the nap feeling groggy and tired with ‘sleep inertia’ – this can also affect falling asleep at night.&nbsp;

Longer naps&nbsp;lasting 60-90 minutes are recommended for&nbsp;those staying awake&nbsp;for longer&nbsp;periods, such as night-shift workers.  &nbsp;&nbsp;

Excessive napping is defined as taking long or involuntary naps of 30 minutes or more. If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;falling asleep a lot during the day&nbsp;and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;affecting your day-to-day life, please speak to your GP.&nbsp;

Afternoon naps for elderly people are ideal – I recommend&nbsp;napping&nbsp;between 2-4pm. Napping any later in the afternoon can&nbsp;impact&nbsp;your sleep at night. However,&nbsp;long&nbsp;or prophylactic naps can be done at any time they are needed

When done correctly, naps can be good for your health.&nbsp;

If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;wondering, ‘Are naps bad for insomnia?’&nbsp;You're&nbsp;right – they may not be the best&nbsp;option&nbsp;for you. Daytime napping can worsen the problem and be a sign of an underlying health condition, cardiovascular&nbsp;illness&nbsp;and even early cognitive decline.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Staying active, having a sense of purpose, and hobbies that keep you mentally and physically engaged can help you avoid the risk of over-napping.&nbsp;

How to nap well – practical tips for older people&nbsp;

Here are my&nbsp;top tips&nbsp;to help you get the maximum benefit from napping:&nbsp;

Conclusion &amp;&nbsp;final thoughts&nbsp;

As we age,&nbsp;napping&nbsp;can&nbsp;bring many physical and mental&nbsp;benefits&nbsp;–&nbsp;as long as&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;done properly.&nbsp;

All you need is a comfortable space in which you can close your eyes and power down for 10-20 minutes. The more you practice napping in this way, the easier it will become – really, anyone can do it.  &nbsp;

For&nbsp;extra support while you rest, look to Oak Tree Mobility's made-to-fit&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">adjustable beds.</a>&nbsp;Adjusting the bed’s position to your unique requirements helps you find your best level of comfort, from napping to deep sleep.&nbsp;

Frequently asked questions: Napping in the elderly&nbsp;

Absolutely, you should take naps, but please see my recommendations about duration and timing. This is key as you&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;experience the many benefits napping can bring you.&nbsp;

Naps are bad if done in the wrong way. If you nap too late in the day, this is likely to reduce your sleep drive, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.  <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/the-importance-of-sleep-in-the-elderly">Read more about the importance of sleep in the elderly here.&nbsp;</a>

I recommend starting with a short power nap of 10-20 minutes. If you are feeling very fatigued and unwell, a recovery nap of up to 45 minutes might help boost your immune system.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Should I take naps during the day?&nbsp;

Yes, you can take naps during the day. They can help you restore your mental and physical energy if&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;feeling fatigued.&nbsp;

For most people, napping should take place between 2-4pm. Night-shift workers can nap at a time that is most convenient for them.  &nbsp;

Napping once a day is&nbsp;optimal, unless you work night shifts. Please speak to your GP if you are taking multiple, involuntary naps a day.&nbsp;

Are afternoon naps good or bad for the elderly?&nbsp;

Afternoon naps are good if done between 2-4pm, but no later. 10-20 min power naps are great, and you can nap for longer – up to 45mins – if feeling fatigued or unwell.&nbsp;

4.&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/the-consequences-of-a-lack-of-sleep-in-the-elderly">https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/the-consequences-of-a-lack-of-sleep-in-the-elderly</a>

Ariel view of older woman in bed daytime napping

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Napping in the elderly: Beneficial or bad for you? 

Everyday tasks such as cooking, brushing&nbsp;your&nbsp;teeth, or ironing can become difficult if you struggle to stand for&nbsp;long&nbsp;periods&nbsp;– a&nbsp;perching&nbsp;stool&nbsp;may offer a simple solution.&nbsp;

This&nbsp;practical mobility aid&nbsp;can&nbsp;help&nbsp;bring&nbsp;greater comfort,&nbsp;ease,&nbsp;and independence to&nbsp;daily life.&nbsp;

Read on to&nbsp;discover&nbsp;what&nbsp;a perching stool is, the benefits it can bring, and&nbsp;how to choose the right one for your needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A perching stool features an angled seat that allows the user to rest or ‘perch’ in a semi-standing position, keeping&nbsp;the&nbsp;hips higher than&nbsp;the&nbsp;knees. Unlike a traditional stool or chair,&nbsp;it&nbsp;has&nbsp;a slightly forward seat and angled legs.&nbsp;This design helps support you while remaining partially upright and active. 

Most&nbsp;perching&nbsp;stools are lightweight&nbsp;enough&nbsp;to move around the home. They are also designed to be adjustable to the user’s height.&nbsp;

Perching stools&nbsp;can&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;many&nbsp;individuals,&nbsp;including&nbsp;people who experience:&nbsp;

A standard perching stool is ideal for general,&nbsp;short-term&nbsp;use.&nbsp;With&nbsp;no backrest or arms,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;relatively light&nbsp;and portable. This&nbsp;makes&nbsp;it easier to move around the house.&nbsp;

If you need&nbsp;support&nbsp;standing for&nbsp;longer, a perching stool with back support can be particularly helpful. Having back support can provide extra security when near a counter or tabletop.&nbsp;

Perching stools with armrests can help those who struggle to get up from a seated position. These types of stools usually come with a backrest as well, providing&nbsp;additional&nbsp;support.&nbsp;

Foldable stools are helpful for storage and transportation. They often fold flat, making&nbsp;them&nbsp;easy to fit into car boots, tight spaces, or store away when not in use.  &nbsp;

What to look for when buying a perching stool&nbsp;

Most perching stools can be adjusted to suit the user’s height and the surface in front of them.

Choose a foldable model to save space, or one with a lightweight frame if travelling. Keep in mind that models with arm or back support could be bulkier and trickier to carry.&nbsp;

For anyone with limited mobility or poor balance, armrests on a perching stool are essential for comfort.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Good lumbar support is important if you experience any back pain, as sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan explains: “For preventing and easing pain you may be experiencing, choose a chair that provides support for the natural curve of your lower spine.”&nbsp;

Where can you use a perching stool?&nbsp;

A perching stool is more versatile than you think&nbsp;and&nbsp;supports&nbsp;a range of tasks across the home:&nbsp;

A perching stool for kitchen use can provide rest when working at surfaces and washing up.&nbsp;

Having a perching stool for cooking is also useful. Food preparation, such as chopping and stirring on the stove, can be less demanding when&nbsp;in a&nbsp;perched&nbsp;position.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Have you noticed stiffer joints at the beginning and end of the day? A perching stool can&nbsp;help&nbsp;tasks like brushing teeth and getting dressed or undressed&nbsp;feel&nbsp;less painful or strenuous.  &nbsp;

Doing laundry can be physically demanding, especially&nbsp;with limited&nbsp;mobility. Whether&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;ironing or loading the washing machine, a perching stool&nbsp;could make&nbsp;laundry tasks&nbsp;more comfortable and less tiring.&nbsp;

Some&nbsp;hobbies can be difficult to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;if you&nbsp;have limited mobility.&nbsp;

Whether you like&nbsp;crafts and model-making&nbsp;or&nbsp;DIY and gardening, a&nbsp;perching stool helps&nbsp;you enjoy what you love without&nbsp;the difficulty of standing&nbsp;for&nbsp;an&nbsp;extended time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A perching stool allows&nbsp;the user to rest&nbsp;in an angled position&nbsp;while doing everyday tasks&nbsp;that&nbsp;require standing, such as ironing, laundry, and cooking.&nbsp;

Is a perching stool suitable for someone with a hip replacement?&nbsp;

If you have a hip replacement, a perching stool can be&nbsp;a&nbsp;great&nbsp;help&nbsp;with daily tasks without the need to stand.&nbsp;

What height should a perching stool be?&nbsp;

Designed to be height-adjustable, the perching stool should be high enough that you can rest your hands on the surface in front of you.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Can a perching stool be used as a walking aid?&nbsp;

It can be used for stationary support, but a perching stool is not designed to be a walking aid.&nbsp;

How is a perching stool different from a bar stool?&nbsp;

Unlike a bar stool, a perching stool is angled for a&nbsp;rested&nbsp;position, allowing the user&nbsp;to&nbsp;remain partially upright while&nbsp;supported by the seat.&nbsp;

Oak Tree Mobility: Quality advice and support&nbsp;&nbsp;

Everyday tasks&nbsp;shouldn’t&nbsp;be a struggle.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;why at Oak Tree Mobility,&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;here to make you feel more comfortable and independent at home.  &nbsp;

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/request-a-brochure" target="_blank">Request our FREE brochure</a>&nbsp;to find the right product for you.&nbsp;Plus, our expert team&nbsp;is&nbsp;always on hand to&nbsp;help you&nbsp;make the best decision for&nbsp;your mobility needs.&nbsp;

6.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/housing-options/adapting-home/making-home-comfortable/">https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/housing-options/adapting-home/making-home-comfortable/</a>

Cartoon storyboard of four older people carrying out every day tasks on a perching stool

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What is a perching stool, and who is it for?

What is a self-propelled wheelchair? Benefits and uses

From an early age, Emma has always used her creativity to help others. From creating visual displays in St. Pilgrims Hospice charity shops during her Fine Art degree, to using social media to support sustainable initiatives, her focus has always been the same – to empower and uplift.

Her career has taken her through the worlds of fashion, skincare, and even speciality coffee, but the common thread throughout has always been helping people live happier lives.

Now working at Oak Tree Mobility as a Copywriter, Emma brings her passion for words and creative sensibility to help make a difference to those who need it most.

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