ALS Transfer Devices

Transfer devices are designed to help you move safely from one location to another. They will also help ensure that your caregiver does not get hurt moving you.

Gait (transfer) belt

assists with transferring you between wheelchairs, beds, sofas, toilets, cars, etc.
Typical Cost: $8–$50

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Where can I get one?

Helpful Tips

  • If the standard gait belt does not work for you, you may want to try the padded belt with handles.

Video: How to use a gait belt

Pivot (or transfer) disc

a disc that helps you slowly rotate in a new direction while standing in place; often used for getting in and out of a wheelchair from a bed, chair, car, etc.
Typical Cost: $60–80

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Where can I get one?

Helpful Tips

  • Both of your feet must be fully on the disc.
  • In order to use the pivot disc safely, you must be able to stand either on your own or with assistance from your caregiver (who must be strong enough to support your weight).
  • Your physical therapist will need to show you the proper way to use a pivot disc.
  • When each pivot transfer is complete, be sure to move to the disc to a place where no one will trip on it.

Video: How to use a pivot disc

Bed rail (bed cane)

a rail that slips between the mattress and box spring to assist you getting in and out of bed; it can also help you from rolling off the bed
Typical Cost: $30–$50

Where can I get one?

  • Try your local ALS Association loan closet first.
  • Indemedical: bed rail
  • Amazon: bed rail

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Transfer board

a board that helps bridge the gap between a wheelchair and a bed, toilet, car, etc.
Typical Cost: $40–$60

Insurance Note

Medicare will cover 80% of the cost.

The remaining 20% should be covered Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.

Where can I get one?

  • A transfer board is covered through Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance. Delivery can take 5-7 business days. The DME provider will contact you to make delivery arrangements.
  • If you cannot wait, try your local ALS Association loan closet. If unavailable, you can purchase a transfer board on your own online at Indemedical.

Helpful Tips

  • Depending on your level of strength and coordination, the transfer board can be used independently or with caregiver assistance.
  • Transfer boards help reduce the strain on the caregiver’s back.

Video: How to use a transfer board

Manual patient lift (hoyer lift)

a hydraulic, hand-pumped device that lifts you in a chair-like sling for transferring between wheelchair, bed, toilet, etc.
Typical Cost: $400–$700

Insurance Note

Medicare will cover 80% of the cost.

The remaining 20% should be covered Medicaid and private insurance. If you don’t have Medicaid and/or private insurance, you may have a co-pay.

Where can I get one?

  • You should not need to purchase a manual patient lift. It is considered a rental and is covered through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. Delivery can take 5-7 business days. The DME provider will contact you to make delivery arrangements.
  • If you are unable to wait, try your local ALS Association loan closet or local Muscular Dystrophy Association chapter first.

Helpful Tips

  • The manual patient lift helps caregivers transfer people who are unable to assist or have upper body weakness.
  • When you order a lift, one sling is automatically ordered, too. Both items will be delivered to you at the same time. Double-check to make sure that the sling is a divided (split leg) sling. If not, contact your physician's office and they will correct the order.

Video: How to use a manual lift

Power patient lift (hoyer lift)

a battery-powered, remote-controlled device that lifts you in a chair-like sling for transferring between wheelchair, bed, toilet, etc.
Typical Cost:
$1,000–$3,000

Insurance Note

Medicare does not cover this item. Medicaid and private insurance typically do not either. If it is not available from the loan closet, you will need to pay out of pocket.

Where can I get one?

Helpful Tips

  • Power lifts should always be operated by a trained caregiver.​
  • If you borrow or purchase a power lift, you will also need to borrow or purchase a divided (split leg) sling.
  • The power lift’s battery is rechargeable.
  • ​​​If a power lift is too expensive to purchase out of pocket, see if you can use a manual lift instead, which is less expensive and covered by insurance.

Video: How to use a power lift

Divided (split-leg) sling

a nylon or mesh hanging chair that attaches to manual and power lifts to support you
Typical Cost: $85–$150

Insurance Note

When you order a manual lift through Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, you will also receive a sling.

If you want a second sling, or if you pay for your own power lift, you will need to pay out of pocket for the sling.

Where can I get one?

  • If you order a manual lift, a sling will be included. You should not have to purchase one. The sling should be delivered along with the lift from the DME provider. Delivery can take 5-7 business days. The DME provider will contact you to make delivery arrangements
  • If you need to purchase a sling out of pocket, first try your local loan closet. If they don’t have one, try a mesh sling or nylon sling from Indemedical or a divided leg sling from Amazon.

Helpful Tips

  • There are many different types of slings. The divided (split-leg) sling is preferred because it is much easier to take on and off. It also separates the legs, allows plenty of room for the shoulders, and provides head support.
  • If you plan to use the sling in the shower (while using a rolling shower chair), make sure to ask for a mesh one. Otherwise, the standard material is polyester/nylon.
  • You can always purchase a second sling on your own if you would like a separate one for the shower.

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Equipment Safety

​Consult your physical or occupational therapist before buying or using any medical equipment. Also ask your local ALS Association chapter to assess your equipment needs.

To avoid unnecessary injuries, you and your caregiver(s) should receive training from your physical or occupational therapist on how to safely and properly use each piece of equipment.