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Great care must be taken that the person does not roll out of bed when being turned. It is best if a second person stands at the other side of the bed or that something is placed there to prevent this occurring.
Using a slide sheet is the easiest way to help someone move in bed. If you don’t have one, then you can improvise in the short term by using a good quality plastic sheet or bag as a substitute (you will need to cut the sealed end off the bag to form a tube);
decide which way the person wants to face. The arm on that side should be bent at the elbow with the palm facing up at the side of their head;
gently roll them onto one side and place the slide sheet under the person’s lower back, buttocks and upper thighs. Then roll on the opposite side to manoeuvre the slide sheet into position;
cross the ankles or bend the person’s knee on the opposite side to the way they will be turning;
stand at the side of the bed opposite to where the person wants to face, grasp the upper layer of the slide sheet and gently ease them over;
note: this is a slide which takes the person onto their side rather than a lift or pull.
