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Pulling a patient up in bed

Moving a patient in bed

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Description

A person's body may slowly slide when they are in bed for a long time. They may ask to be moved up higher for comfort or may need to be moved up so their health care provider can do an exam or other care can be given.

Avoiding Injury

You must move or pull someone up in bed the right way to avoid injuring the person's shoulders and skin. Using the right method will also help protect your back.

It takes at least 2 people to safely move a person up in bed.

Friction from rubbing can scrape or tear the person's skin. Common areas at risk for friction are the shoulders, back, buttocks, elbows, and heels.

Never move a person up by grabbing them under their arms and pulling. This can injure their shoulders.

Preparing to Move the Patient

A slide sheet is the best way to prevent friction. If you do not have one, you can make a draw sheet out of a bed sheet folded in half. Follow these steps to prepare the person:

• Tell them what you are doing.
• If you can, raise the bed to a level that reduces the strain on your back.
• Make the bed flat.
• Roll the person to one side, then place a half rolled-up slide sheet or draw sheet against their back.
• Roll the person back onto the sheet and spread the sheet out flat under them.
• Make sure the head, shoulders, and hips are on the sheet.

Pulling up

The goal is to pull, not lift, the person toward the head of the bed. The 2 people moving the person should stand on opposite sides of the bed. To pull the person up both people should:

• Grab the slide sheet or draw sheet at the person's upper back and hips on the side of the bed closest to you.
• Put one foot forward in the direction you are preparing to move the person. Put your weight on your back leg.
• On the count of three, move the person by shifting your weight to your front leg and pulling the sheet toward the head of the bed.
• You may need to do this more than once to get the person in the right position.

If using a slide sheet, make sure to remove it when you are done.

If the person can help you, ask them to:

• Bring their chin up to the chest and bend their knees. The person's heels should remain on the bed.
• Have the person push with their heels while you pull up.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact the person's health care provider if you see redness or sores on the skin.

References

American Red Cross. Assisting with personal cleanliness and grooming. In: American Red Cross. American Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training Textbook. 3rd ed. American National Red Cross; 2013:chap 13. qualitycnatraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CNA-Textbook.pdf.

De Jong MR. Essentials of patient care for the sonographer. In: Hagen-Ansert SL, ed. Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography. 9th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 2.

Review Date: 10/19/2025  

Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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