a patient self - assist transfer aid provides an open box frame having a base for fitting beneath a mattress of a bed , a riser section extending upwardly from the base for extending around an edge of the mattress and a positioning section for extending out over the mattress from the riser section . the open box frame may be positioned around the mattress end at the foot of the bed to leave the major sides of the bed open for ease of access . a linkage is fitted to the positioning section of the open box frame and may be extended therefrom to position a handle within easy grasp of a person laying in the bed . a spring system urges the linkage outwardly , but is balanced by a motor and pulley system . a handle is pivotally attached to the linkage and for grasping by a patient recumbent in the bed for raising himself with motor assistance or for lowering himself into bed .