How to move and turn a bedridden person

how to turn a bedridden person · moving a bedridden person · how to move someone from the bed to a chair · caring for a bedridden person · how to lift a patient

How to safely turn, pull up and move a person who cannot get up by themselves. The right methods protect both them and your back.

When a relative is bedridden or weak after an illness, surgery or stroke.

⏱ Duration: one turn usually takes 1 to 3 minutes

Be sure to tell your doctor

If the person has fractures, recent surgery or pain when moving - ask how they may be turned
If they could fall or have fainted when standing
If your own back hurts
If you need a functional bed or a lift

How to prepare

Bed. Raise the bed to waist level, if it adjusts. Keep the brakes on.
Helper. If the person is heavy, ask a second person to help.
Sheet. A folded sheet under them helps you pull and turn them without dragging by the arms.
Explain. Say what you are going to do, and ask them to help as much as they can.

What to bring

A sheet or a slide sheet
Pillows and rolls
Non-slip shoes for yourself
A walker or wheelchair, if needed

How it goes

Stand close to the bed with your feet shoulder-width apart
To turn onto the side: bend their far leg at the knee and put their arm on the chest
Take hold of the shoulder and the knee and turn them smoothly toward you
Place a pillow behind the back and between the knees
To pull them up: with a second person, take the edges of the sheet and pull on a count
To sit them up: first turn onto the side, lower the legs, lift the shoulders
Sit with them for a minute on the edge of the bed before standing

What you'll feel

The person may be scared or in pain - move slowly
Bend your knees, not your back - this puts less strain on you

Afterwards

Change position about every 2 hours
Check there are no folds under the person
Do not pull by the arms or armpits - it can hurt the shoulder
If it becomes too hard, ask a nurse or therapist for training

Contact a doctor straight away if

The person fell and hit their head, or cannot get up because of pain - call your local emergency number
Sudden weakness in an arm or leg, a drooping face or slurred speech - call your local emergency number

Common questions

What if the person starts to fall?

Do not try to hold them up. Wrap your arms around them and lower them gently to the floor, protecting the head.

Can I turn them alone?

Yes, if the person is light and you know the method. It is better with two for a heavy person.