Moving someone in bed

Changing position regularly can help someone to feel more comfortable and prevent pressure sores.

If you regularly lift or move someone, it's best to have someone demonstrate the correct way to avoid injury to yourself or the person you are looking after.

The district nurse, GP or occupational therapist can give information about suitable equipment.

You might find it helpful to ask about:

  • bed guards and rails
  • electric or adjustable 'hospital' beds to help someone sit up
  • ‘active’ air mattresses with air pockets that inflate and deflate to help prevent pressure ulcers

A Carer's assessment from social services can help you think about what support you might need.

Your local Citizen's Advice can guide what practical and financial support you can access. Please see our Service Directory for contact details of your local Citizens Advice Office.

The video below shows you how to use an electric bed as an aid, how to turn someone onto their side to wash them or to change bedding or pads, and how to adjust the pillows.

Recommended Resources

Marie Curie - Moving someone in bed

Published 26th October 2023

NHS - How to move, lift and handle someone else

Published 26th October 2023

Hospice in the Weald - Online guides

Published 26th October 2023

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Related Services

Adult Social Care Brent
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Adult Social Care provides practical support to people to stay safe and well.  These services are usually provided in people's homes, care homes or in the community. Thre is also support for people who are caring for an adult family member or friend, access to personal care and home care services.

Brent Carers Centre
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Brent Carers Centre deliver a whole range of support services to address the social, emotional and financial issues that carers experience.

Citizens Advice Brent
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Adviceline is open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Advisers are present at Brent Hubs in the Civic Centre from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Mondays and at Harlesden Library from 10.00am to 5.00pm on Wednesdays.

Fast Track
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Fast Track

T. 0208 382 8050 (until 11pm) / 0208 382 8046 (out of hours)

This service provides a quick funding route for HCA packages of care for appropriate patients in Brent and Harrow for 2 weeks whilst Continuing Health Care (CHC) is arranged.

Funding is to pay for social care at home or a place in a care home for patients with a deteriorating condition and short prognosis 

Referrals by clinicians can be made Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm and Sunday between 8.30am to 8.30pm. Referrals made after 4pm will be dealt with the next working day.

On-call advice will be given until 8.30pm for known patients.

Related Articles

26th October 2023

Moving someone in and out of bed

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