How to Make A Bed with a Person in It
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A neat and clean bed
helps keep a person comfortable and helps prevent bedsores. You may need to have someone help you change the bed.
Gather supplies before you start:
- Clean sheets, pillowcases, and blanket or bedspread
- Folded sheet or a slide sheet
- Disposable gloves
- Laundry bag or hamper for dirty sheets
- Waterproof pads, if needed
How to remove dirty sheets from the bed:
- Put on gloves to protect your hands from urine, bowel movement, or other body fluids.
- Check the bed for any loose items and put them in a safe place.
- Remove the top sheet and blanket or bedspread. Put them in the laundry bag or hamper.
- Ask the person to roll so that he or she faces the opposite side of the bed with his or her back to you. You may need to help the person move.
- Loosen the bottom sheet from the head and foot of the bed on your side. Roll the sheet tightly toward the center of the bed.
- Remove the dirty linens and put them in the laundry bag or hamper. Throw away disposable pads.
How to put clean sheets on the bed:
- Unfold the clean fitted, or bottom, sheet so it runs from the head of the bed to the foot.
- Pull the sheet over the corners of the bed, and pull the side of the sheet down.
- Roll and tuck the loose end of the sheet under the person's body.
- Roll and tuck a waterproof pad or slide sheet (if used) under the person's mid-section.
- Make sure the linens are smooth.
- Roll the person toward you over the clean linens.
- Go to the other side of the bed.
- Pull the roll of clean linens toward you so that it unrolls. Continue to pull the linens tight so that they are smooth.
- Pull the sheet over the corners of the bed, and pull the side of the sheet down.
- Help the person roll back so he or she is in a comfortable position.
After you put clean sheets on the bed:
- Help the person move into a comfortable resting position in the bed, if needed. If you placed a slide sheet under the person, you can use it to change the person's position. Have someone help you by standing on the other side of the person's bed. You will each hold the slide sheet at the person's shoulder and knee levels. Move the sheet up, down, or to the side as needed so the person is comfortable.
- Change the pillowcases and rearrange the pillows for comfort.
- Put a clean top sheet and blanket or bedspread over the person.
- Take off your gloves and wash your hands.
How to help make the person comfortable in bed:
- Change slide sheets, waterproof pads, and all bed linens regularly. Change them immediately if they get dirty.
- Choose linens that are soft.
- Use blankets and bedspreads that are light.
- Wash all linens with mild soap to avoid skin irritation.
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