The family caregiver should learn some common caregiver skills to give their loved ones great comfort. How to reposition a bedridden patient is an important skill. You may never think about how to put an adult to bed, but lying in one position can cause traumatic pressure injuries.

If you need help with the bedpan, changing a bandage, or remaking the bed with a clean sheet, it can also help to reposition the bedridden patient. It helps patients in hospice with respiratory problems due to COPD, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions. When loved ones are restricted to bed, they need help with these daily activities. 

How to Preventing Bedsores?

Prolonged sitting of a hospice patient or lying in one place can lead to skin injury and underlying tissue care. These lesions, also known as bed sores or pressure sores, require the patient to be isolated every few hours. In the worst case, these injuries are contagious and can lead to problems and shortened life span.

Here are some tips to help prevent bedsores easily:

• If the patient can move independently, encourage them to change their sitting position or engage in moderate exercise.
• Ask the doctor about the best ways to cause physical harm to the patient.
• And keep the skin clean and dry.
• Place pillows between body areas such as the knees and ankles.
• Regularly inspect areas where bedsores are frequently found, such as the ankles, heel, hips, and tail bone.

1. How to Reposition a bedridden patient back if there is limited mobility?

If the loved one cannot move independently, you can help to adjust their position every two hours. If possible, have someone help you. The draw sheet will make this task easier for you and your loved ones.  A draw sheet is placed across the width of the bed behind the person and above the thighs. For extra non-abrasive protection, you can buy a draw sheet made of plastic or rubber or use a simple bed sheet folded in half.

When you are ready to turn on your loved one, place one person on each side of the bed. Ensure your loved one’s arms and legs are comfortable so they don’t slip and hurt their body. Next, each person should assemble the side of the draw sheet and make sure it comfortably supports your loved one. Together, lift and wrap the sheet around your loved one—Tuck the opposite side of the draw sheet.

2. How to Reposition a bedridden Patient if They Have Some Mobility?

If your elderly loved one has some mobility, they can help in the process of repositioning. Take your loved one to one side of the bed. Ask them to fold their arms and lie on their backs on their knees. Turn them towards you when they bend the knees. Place your hands gently on their shoulders and hips.

3. Finishing the Task

Once your loved ones have reached a new position, use pillows to provide extra comfort and assistance.  When your loved one is next to them, you can place a pillow in front of them for extra support. You can also add a body pillow to their back, so the hospice patient. You can also add a cushion between the knees of your loved ones for extra comfort. Place a pillow under their lower ankle and make sure their foot is in front of the lower leg. This will help ensure that their shoulders are relaxed and taken care of without being under their body.

If your loved one is lying on their back, place a pillow under their legs between their knees and ankles. Their heels should rest on the bed. If the bed is adjusted, keep the angle less than 30 degrees to ensure your loved one is not slipping down. After making sure your loved one is cozy, fix them with your blanket. Even if all of this seems like a challenge to you, if you know how to reposition a bedridden patient, increasing the comfort of your loved one can be an effortless task.

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