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.

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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St Francis Hospice Patient Therapies

T. 01708 753319  ext. 2220

W. https://www.sfh.org.uk/patient-therapies

The patient therapies team help with a range of symptoms through groups and individual sessions to help managing pain and symptoms.

The team consistes of:

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St Luke's Hospice Clinical Outpatients offers convenient, accessible and specialist key clinical procedures and palliative care, in a relaxed environment with appointments to meet your wellbeing and lifestyle needs. 

Key clinical procedures offered to outpatients:

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St Luke's Hospice Physiotherapy team can help when living with a life limiting illness.  Specialist Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists will listen and assess to support independence and aid mobility to manage symptoms and positively impact quality of life and wellbeing.

Family and loved ones are also supported in their caring roles. Advice, guidance and techniques on how to safely move and handle someone when caring for them can be accessed through conversation with the Physiotherapy team.

The offer includes:

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Related Articles

26th October 2023

Moving someone in and out of bed

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