About two years ago, a physical therapist showed me how to transfer my father. I then did it many times a day, every day for two years until he died. In all that time, I was the only person who seemed to be able to do this. He was heavier and taller than me, and eventually was completely unable to help at all. Nurses and aids were never able to do it. I never needed any help. People would marvel at me doing this--friends and doctors/nurses, etc. Someone told us we needed to get a hoyer lift. The VA gave us a very expensive one. I knew as soon as I saw it that it would be useless to me. I did the caretaking on my own, and I could picture him swinging like a pendulum in it. I decided that others could take care of him without moving him (feeding, etc) but I would be the only to move him. It was very, very, involved, but in all that time, I never hurt him or me. It was a lot for me to take on, but looking back, I would do it again. I've gotten off track.....Anyway, having the therapist show me the technique was invaluable. We never used transfer board or belts.