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

Hospices

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)
Community Palliative Care Team (South) - Royal Trinity
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Community Palliative Care Team (South) - Royal Trinity

T. 020 7787 1062

Royal Trinity Hospice (South) provides advice and visiting palliative care patients of Hammersmith and Fulham, Central London and West London.

They can be contacted 8am -8pm  7 days a week.

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.

Royal Trinity Hospice
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Royal Trinity Hospice

T. 0207 787 1062

W. https://www.royaltrinityhospice.london/

Royal Trinity Hospice provides palliative care services to the residents of Hammersmith and Fulham, Central London and West London.

There is a 24 hour, 7 days a week clinical advice line and OOH access to the on-call consultant.

Referral form for clinician use only.

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

Adult social care services

Adult Social Care Hammersmith and Fulham
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Adult Social Care Hammersmith and Fulham

T. 0800 145 6095

W. https://beta.lbhf.gov.uk/living-independently/contact-adult-social-care

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.

Carer's groups

Carers Network
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Carers Network

T. 020 8960 3033

W. https://www.carers-network.org.uk/

Carers Network is an independent local charity reaching over 5,300 unpaid carers in the most isolated and deprived pockets of the City of Westminster, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. We have been proudly supporting carers in central London since 1991.

There is help for new carers and a carer's assessment to discuss how to maintain your health and balance your caring responsibilities with other areas of your life. It may also help you get financial support.

Carers Trust
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Carers Trust works to transform the lives of unpaid carers through its network of local carer organisations. Carers can access to support, advice and resources to help them manage their role as carers.

Carers UK
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Carers UK

T. 020 7378 4999

W. https://www.carersuk.org/

Carers UK offers information and support to carers across the UK. There is an online forum and local support groups for carers. 

Friendship and support

Compassionate Neighbours
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Compassionate Neighbours can support by:

  • Visiting weekly for a cup of tea and a chat, offering friendship and a listening ear
  • Helping you do the things you like doing
  • Helping you stay connected to your friends and the community

Overnight/weekend services

District Nurses Night Service Hammersmith and Fulham
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District Nurses Night Service Hammersmith and Fulham

T. 0208 102 5500

The Dristrict Nurses Night Service is an OOH service for referrals and advice. Please leave a voicemail message if calls are made before 8.00pm. After 8.00pm please call 111 or 0208 969 7777. Please do not leave voicemail mesages after 8.00pm for same night referrals.

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26th October 2023

Moving someone in and out of bed

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