Moving the Patient

Someone who cannot get out of bed needs to change position every two hours to minimize the risk of bed sores. Bed sores are painful,  and slow to heal, so the best approach is to prevent them.  Moving someone from one position to another is easier with two people helping. If the person is lying on either a cloth absorbent pad used to protect bedding or a turning sheet, the job will also be made easier.  Remember to ask if a breakthrough dose of pain medication is required. 

Before helping someone change position in bed, move the bed into a reclined position, or as fully reclined as the person’s condition allows. The bed should be lowered slowly, as rapid movement of the bed can be uncomfortable for patients.

Turning sheets are small sheets that run only from the person’s head to their buttocks. Two helpers grab onto the four corners of the pad or sheet and are able to lift the person up, down, or sideways on the bed. Be sure that all wrinkles are smoothed out of the sheet because wrinkles cause friction and can be painful to the skin. Pulling the sheet from the top and bottom should remove all wrinkles.

Ask your homecare nurse or occupational therapist to teach or demonstrate to you how to properly move the patient. Try not drag the person across bedding, as this is more painful than lifting.