pivot transfer, the movement of a person from one site to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair, when there is a loss of control of one side of the body or when one side of the body is immobile. The person is helped to a position on the strong side of the body, either left or right, with both feet on the floor, heels behind the knees, and knees lower than the hips. The person stands with the weight on the strong leg, pivots on it, and carefully lowers the body into the wheelchair.
