When transferring a resident with an affected side how should you move them?

Your family member or friend may need to stay in bed more, and they may find it difficult to get comfortable and change position. You may need to help them with this, and change their sheets while they’re still in bed. It’s OK if you don’t feel comfortable doing this – there are other options and people who can support you.

On this page:

Relieving pressure

When someone stays in the same position for a long time, the parts of their body that carry the most weight can become sore and numb. This pressure can cause the skin to break down and create pressure ulcers (bed sores).

Someone may have one or more of these signs of a pressure ulcer:

• Discoloured patches of skin that may not fade when you press them:
  •  People with lighter skin tones may get red patches.
  •  People with darker skin tones may get purple or blue patches, or patches that are a different colour than the surrounding area – usually darker.
• An area of skin that is a different temperature or feels harder or softer than the surrounding skin.
• Swelling, pain or itchiness in the affected area.

Do not rub the area. If you see any of these signs, tell their GP or district nurse as soon as possible. These can all be signs of bed sores, even if the skin is not broken.

Helping them change position regularly can relieve the pressure and help your friend or family member feel more comfortable.

Get more information on pressure ulcers from the NHS.  

Safety first

Your friend or family member may need your help to move in bed, and it can help to talk to the GP, district nurse or occupational therapist first. They’ll talk you through how to help them move safely and may suggest aids or equipment if they have complex needs.

You shouldn’t try to move someone on your own. You risk injuring yourself and them.

The bed should be at a height that reduces the need for you to bend. But if you need to bend, bend your knees rather than your back.

Equipment

The GP, district nurse or occupational therapist can give information about suitable equipment. You might find it helpful to ask about:

• bed guards and rails
• electric profiling beds to help someone sit up
• ‘active’ mattresses with air pockets that inflate and deflate to help prevent pressure ulcers.

Carer's assessment

You can get a carer's assessment from your local social care services too. This isn't to assess how good you are at caring, but to ask you about your needs and how being a carer impacts your life. The person you care for can also ask for an assessment.

You may find that you're entitled to equipment or a home adaptation to help you provide care. Social services can provide equipment and training with moving and handling. You can also find equipment online.

Find out how to apply for a carer’s assessment.

Read more about adapting your home and getting equipment.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/191991607

How to roll someone onto their side

The video above shows how to do this. Have a conversation with your friend or family member, and let them know what you're going to do and all of the steps involved. Check they're comfortable and be as gentle as you can.

1. Make sure the area around the bed is clear of any obstacles and that you can get to both sides of the bed easily.
2. Stand close to the bed. Remove the duvet and any other bedding except one pillow. Cross one of your friend or family member’s legs over their body towards you. If they’re only wearing a nightie, take care to keep them covered.
3. Move their arm over their chest and towards you. Let them know when you are ready to roll them and explain you’ll be rolling them towards you.
4. With one hand on their hip and the other behind their shoulder, gently pull them in your direction so they roll forward. They are now lying on their side. You can place a pillow behind them to keep them propped up.
5. Cover them with the duvet and check they’re comfortable and have enough pillows.

Rolling someone from the side to their back

Remove any pillows that are propping them up. Go behind them and put one hand on their hip and the other on their shoulder. Gently pull them towards you so they roll on to their back.

Changing the bed

You may need to change the sheets while your friend or family member is still in bed. You can change the duvet or top sheet and pillows in the usual way, but to change the bottom sheet follow the sequence below. 

To change the bottom sheet

Ask a member of the healthcare team to show you how to do this. If other friends or family are available, you could ask them to help you.

1. Make sure the area around the bed is clear of any obstacles and that you can get to both sides of the bed easily.
2. Ask your friend or family member to roll on to their side facing away from you. If they can’t do this, you can roll them following the instructions above. It can help to put a bed guard (attachable rail) on the far side of the bed. They can hold this to feel more secure.
3. Untuck the bottom sheet and roll it lengthways towards the middle of the bed.
4. Spread the clean sheet on the side you’ve just cleared and tuck it in.
5. Roll your friend or family member in the opposite direction over the mound of old sheet onto the clean sheet. If you’re using a bed guard, put it up at your side of the bed for your family member or friend to hold.
6. Take the old sheet off. Spread out the rest of the clean sheet and tuck it in. Try to make sure there are no creases.
7. Help the person to roll from their side onto their back and make them comfortable.

Feelings and worries

As your friend or family member becomes more unwell, they might need more support from you. This can bring about lots of different feelings for both of you. You might find some of the tasks physically and emotionally difficult. The person you care for might feel a loss of control and confidence. And they may be worried about losing their dignity and privacy.

If either of you have concerns or don’t feel comfortable, speak to the GP or district nurse. They can talk you through the options and organise for someone to help with your friend or family member’s personal care. You could also ask for a professional to be there to support you the first time you carry out a care task. If they’re not able to be there in person, they might be able to give you support over the phone.

Need to talk?

Life is more challenging right now, but we're still here for you.

No matter your worries, our nurses, trained officers and volunteers are here to listen.

• Call our free Support Line on 0800 090 2309
• Chat to us on webchat
• Send us an email at [email protected] 
• Speak with other people in similar situations on our online community

Our Support Line is open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am – 5pm on Saturday. On bank holidays we're open 10am – 4pm.

External websites

NHS - Moving, lifting and handling the person you care for  

Carers UK - Equipment and how to get it  

Disabled Living Foundation - Equipment factsheets   

About this information

This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.

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