The Handi Turn is a turning disc which is helpful when transferring a Patient to or from a wheelchair to a chair, toilet, commode, bed, etc.. The outer turning discs are made from plastic so you can use it in a bathroom. It should not distort if put on a wet floor, but be careful the inside bearings do not get wet.
To Use: Prepare Before You Transfer!
- Position the wheelchair as close as possible next to the a chair, toilet, etc., that you are transferring the person to or from. Once the wheelchair is in position, ensure the brakes are on and adjust the footplates either by lifting them up, swinging them to the side or removing them. It is possible that the Handi Turn could slip on some floor surfaces when the patient stands up. This is particularly dangerous if their feet are not either side of the middle of the Handi Turn. To ensure that the Handi Turn does not slip, a Carer should place the edge of their foot on the side of the Handi Turn before the Patient stands up.
- Place the Patient’s feet on the Handi Turn.
- Prepare for standing. We suggest using a Handi Lift, Handi Lift Walk Belt or Soft Transfer Belt (all sold separately) to assist with the transfer.
- Once the Patient is standing, turn the Handi Turn around until the Patient is in position to sit down again. Then you can help lower them into the new chair, toilet, etc.
Suggested Method
Carers often have preferred ways of turning Patients. However, we suggest the method below which avoids putting excess strain on the Patient’s body and gives good speed control during the turn.
Once the Patient is standing, the Carer stands in front of them facing the direction of the turn, keeping the Patient steady. When ready to turn, for example, to the Patient’s left, the Carer places the side of the left foot onto the front edge of the Handi Turn and swivels it around with their left foot. It is easy to continue turning or stop. The Carer’s foot can be used as a brake by keeping the inside of the foot on the Handi Turn, and the outside of the foot and the heel on the floor. If turning the Patient towards the Patient’s right, the Carer uses their right foot to turn the Handi Turn. You may prefer to use alternative feet.
Some Carers prefer to put a foot in the middle of the Handi Turn with the Patient’s feet either side of the Carer’s foot. The Carer then uses their foot to turn the Handi Turn. We recommend staff practise, to gain confidence before transferring a Patient.
To service, the two Allen screws can be undone to completely dissemble for wiping clean with a disinfectant.
An alternative product is the Handi Soft Turn Pad (sold separately). This is also used for turning patients but is made from foam and padded velour. This is designed for Patients:
- To sit on
- When getting in and out of cars, beds or chairs
- When doing standing turns.
