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

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)

This is a 24 hour 7 days a week helpline providing advice for patients, families and professionals, hosted by St Luke's Hospice for residents of Harrow and North Brent.

Urgent rapid response visits can be made to patients registered with a Harrow GP

 

Hospices

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 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.

Please contact the team between Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm.

The email can be used for fast track referrals.

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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