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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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)

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26th October 2023

Moving someone in and out of bed

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