Chapter 3: Help with mobility and movement
Helping someone sit up in bed
My grandfather always wanted to be sitting up at an angle in bed; he even wanted to sleep this way and was always so frustrated when he somehow ended up slumping over a little or lying down. We had to constantly shift him back up.
People who are sitting up in bed will naturally slide down over time. To help keep person who is ill as comfortable as possible, you may need to raise them up toward the head of the bed.
Before you raise the person, lower the bed until it is flat, or as flat as the person’s condition allows.
If possible, ask the person to tuck their chin into their neck during the move so their head is protected.
Moving someone up in bed with a turning sheet or slider.
1. Hold the bottom and top of the turning sheet on your side, and have your helper do the same on the other side.
2. Ensure the person’s arms are crossed gently over their chest if possible. Ensure their heels are on the turning sheet to avoid injuring skin.
3. On a signal, such as the count of three, gently lift the person toward the head of the bed.
4. Once the bed is raised again to a comfortable position, you can place a pillow under the person’s knees to help prevent them from slipping down in the bed.
Stand near the person’s shoulder, with your helper on the opposite side.
Look toward the head of the bed, and place one of your arms under the person’s shoulder closest to you.
Use your free arm to support yourself by leaning into the bed.
On a signal, such as the count of three, lift the person toward the head of bed.
If they are able to, ask the person to bend their knees and dig into the bed with their heels to help with the move.
Once the bed is raised again to a comfortable position, you can place a pillow under the person’s knees to prevent slipping.
Watch the video for a demonstration and tips on moving someone toward the head of the bed.
