A device and associated method transfer a person having a handicap from one location to another, such as into or out of a wheelchair, bed, or bathtub. A wheeled base provides mobility to the device. A post and lifter arm support the patient during the transfer. The post is connected to a stabilization arm, which temporarily connects using a stabilization interface to a stabilization bracket. The stabilization bracket is typically attached rather permanently to a wall, ceiling, or other structural feature that provides substantial stability to the system. In various embodiments, the lifter arm may be actuated by hydraulics, the stabilization arm may be extendable, and a pair of extra wheels on the mobility base are adjustable horizontally (e.g., along one hedge of the base frame) or vertically (down to decrease the load on the casters, or up to allow the lifter to be “crabbed” sideways in confined spaces).
