Bed Positioning: Part 2 of 2

Repositioning

Frequent change of position is the second means of preventing bedsores and muscle wasting. If you are unable to turn over by yourself, it is important that your family helper understands the need and techniques for frequent repositioning—at least every two hours is a good rule of thumb.

Having a pull or draw sheet placed under you will greatly help another person turn you over. He or she folds a large sheet in half twice, forming a band slightly wider than the distance between your hips and your shoulders. Then you turn to one side, and your helper rolls the band up halfway and places the rolled part next to you (A). Then you turn back over the rolled part and onto the pull sheet, which should be under the heaviest part of your body, between shoulders and hips (B). Unrolling the pull sheet, your helper can now tug on the sheet rather than you, in helping you to turn over.

Small pillows or rolled-up towels can also be used to support your head, back, and upper leg when making a move. Your family helper should try to assist you to find positions that will be comfortable for as long as two hours. Remember, keep your knees and elbows slightly bent, not straight; most joints are most comfortable when slightly flexed. Use pillows to support the small of the back, the shoulders, and between the knees. Unlike other jointed parts of the body, your spine should be straight.

Positioning the feet is very important. If they are not flexed and exercised, and are allowed to remain limp for long periods, a condition known as foot-drop can develop. This is a condition caused by a shortening of the Achilles tendon and paralysis of the back muscles of the legs. Besides flexing exercises, props constructed from a cardboard box, sandbags, or wood can be used to keep your feet at right angles to your legs.

Efficiency is important for your family helper. He or she can simplify the task of moving you by analyzing in advance the best way to make the move. If possible, the bed should be elevated to your helper's hip level, and all obstacles and causes of friction should be removed.

Standing as close to your bed as possible, your helper should roll or slide you into the desired position. Lifting can cause back strain and may not actually be necessary. For most efficient use of your helper's strength, he or she should stand with legs slightly apart, back straight, and use leg and hip muscles for most power and least strain while moving you.

By paying attention to all that we've discussed in this section, your stay in bed can be made most comfortable, and kept free from troublesome complications.

Read Bed Positioning: Part 1 of 2

Read Exercises for People With Limited Mobility

Posted in Exercises & Positioning for the Bedridden, How to Care for Someone at Home, Supportive Homecare