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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24 hour Advice Line Pembridge Hospice
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24 hour Advice Line Pembridge Hospice

T. 0208 102 5000

W. https://www.pembridgehospice.org/

Pembridge Hospice provides palliative care services and advice to the residents of Brent, Central London, West London and Hammermith and Fulham.

This is a 24 hour, 7 days a week telephone advice line.

Referral form for clinician use only.

 

Community Specialist Palliative Care Referral Form V4.2 (DOCX)
Hospice UK
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Hospice UK can help find a hospice, provide infromation and support about end of life care and guidance to plan ahead.

St John's Hospice at Home
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St John's Hospice at Home

T. 020 7806 4027

St. John's Hospice provides palliative care services to the residents of Brent and Westminster.

Telephone response will be received within 2 hours.

Inclusions are: Terminal care last 2 weeks of life, 24 hour, admission avoidance, facilitated discharge and respite care escorting a patient.

Referral form for clinician use only.

Community Specialist Palliative Care Referral Form V4.2 (DOCX)
St John's Hospice Inpatient unit
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St John's Hospice Inpatient unit

T. 020 7806 4040 / 07725 258767

W. https://www.stjohnshospice.org.uk/our-care/inpatient-care

St. John's Hospice provides inpatient palliative care services to the residents of Brent, Central London and West London.

This is an inpatient unit with 18 beds

Please contact for admissions for advice and Community Specialist Palliative Care.

The office hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. Referrals received in the morning are triaged the same afternoon, and those received in the afternoon are triaged the following working day.

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Referral form for clinician use only.

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St Luke's Hospice at Home
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St Luke's Hospice at Home

T. 0208 382 8020 / 8050

St. Lukes Hospice@Home provides palliative care services to the residents of North Brent and Harrow. Respite and bridging packages of care are available for end of life patients.

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The email can be used for fast track referrals.

Referral form for clinician use only.

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St Luke's Hospice Inpatient Unit
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St Luke's Hospice provides inpatient palliative care services to the residents of Brent.

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Referrals can be made Monday to Sunday 9.00am to 4.00pm. 

Referral form for clinician use only.

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Overnight/weekend services

24 hour Helpline Pall24 for North Brent and Harrow
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24 hour Helpline Pall24 for North Brent and Harrow

T. 03000 200 224

This service was formerly known as Single Point of Access (SPA)

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St John's Hospice at Home
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St John's Hospice at Home

T. 020 7806 4027

St. John's Hospice provides palliative care services to the residents of Brent and Westminster.

Telephone response will be received within 2 hours.

Inclusions are: Terminal care last 2 weeks of life, 24 hour, admission avoidance, facilitated discharge and respite care escorting a patient.

Referral form for clinician use only.

Community Specialist Palliative Care Referral Form V4.2 (DOCX)

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26th October 2023

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