(upbeat music)
[Narrator] It's natural to be reluctant
to move a person when movement is painful.
However, for people who can't move in bed,
regular repositioning is important
for preventing skin pressure sores,
pain, and the collection of secretions in the lungs.
If pain with movement is a problem,
talk to your healthcare provider about pain medications
that can be given to help.
The equipment you'll need for in-bed movement
might include a slider,
which can be obtained from the home care office.
An alternative is a turning sheet,
which can be made by using an extra flat sheet
that's been folded in half
and placed across the bed over the bottom sheet.
Place it from shoulder to knee under the person in the bed.
In every interaction,
we begin by explaining what's going to happen.
In everything we do,
we want to remind the patient that we see them as a person,
not an object to be moved around.
To turn a person in bed,
begin by lowering the patient's head as much as possible,
either by lowering the head of the bed
or removing the pillows that support their head.
Note that if the person is short of breath,
they may not be able to lie completely flat.
If the bed is adjustable, always raise it to waist height.
Ensure that urinary drainage bags
and other tubings that are attached to the person
aren't caught or attached to the bed.
If there are side rails on the bed, lower them.
Be sure the brakes are set.
Loosen the covers and remove any extra pillows.
Place the person's arms across their body.
You'll use the turning sheet
to help the person move toward one side of the bed.
This will ensure that when they're turned on their side,
they'll remain in the center of the bed.
Roll the turning sheet and grasp it with your wrists
in the neutral position.
That is palms up.
Your elbows should be tight to your sides.
Keep your knees slightly bent
and plant your feet in the direction you plan to move,
with one slightly in front of the other.
Protect your back by tilting your pelvis.
One, two.
[Narrator] Have one person count, and on three,
gently move the person toward you
by shifting your weight from your front to your back leg.
Next, bend the patient's leg
that's closest to the edge of the bed.
Supporting the person at the hip and shoulder,
use the turning sheet to slowly roll the patient
toward the center of the bed.
A pillow behind you.
[Narrator] Place a pillow length-wise at the person's back
and anchor it by tucking the outer edge of the pillow
under the person to provide support.
Help the person flex their knees
so that they're slightly bent.
Bring the upper leg forward slightly
so that it doesn't rest directly on the lower leg.
Place a flat pillow or folded blanket between the knees
to reduce pressure on the joints.
If necessary, position the feet using pillows
so that the person's ankles or heels
don't rest directly on the bed.
This will help reduce pressure on the joints.
Ensure that the person's lower arm and shoulder
are in a comfortable position.
You can use a pillow underneath the upper arm and hand.
As this demonstration shows,
unless the patient is able to help,
this technique requires two caregivers.
(upbeat music)