Chapter 3: Help with mobility and movement
Moving someone from their back onto their side
It felt like he was never comfortable. I constantly moved him from side to side, and adjusted pillows, and sat him up – whatever he wanted. And I became so distressed because nothing seemed to help.
Below are the steps for moving the person who is ill from their back to their side.
Before you begin, place a pillow under the person’s head and have pillows ready to place under legs and arms, and behind the back. Click
the arrows to read the steps.
1. If the person is going to be turned onto the right side, take the left arm, bend it gently at the elbow, and place it over the stomach.
2. Bend the left leg at the knee and place a pillow between the person's legs.
3. Place one hand behind the person’s buttocks and the other underneath the shoulder.
4. Roll the person in the direction of your helper, and have the helper hold the person in place.
5. Once the helper is holding the person, place your hands under the person’s buttocks to move the body back toward the centre of the bed.
Once you have completed the turn, you may need to pull the bottom shoulder forward if it looks uncomfortable. This will place person who is ill into more of a fetal position rather than a completely straight position.
Arrange the pillows
comfortably between the person’s shoulder and head, and between the legs.
Watch the video for a demonstration and tips on turning someone in bed.
Turning in Bed from Canadian Virtual Hospice on Vimeo.
