Assisted movement up the bed using slide sheets with  one carer

This technique can be done with one carer only if appropriate for the client and following a risk assessment. 

1. Place an extra pillow against the bedhead to avoid the client banging their head if too forceful 

2. Apply slide sheets; for this technique apply from the buttocks up as the client’s thighs will not be on the mattress. This allows more of the pillow to be on the slide sheets to assist in the movement 

3. Client to bend knees and place feet flat on mattress. Ensure their feet are not on slide sheets or loose bed linen 

4. Hold client’s ankles firmly to anchor feet to mattress. The reason the feet are not held is because they need to be able to dorsiflex (flex feet at ankle joint) with the movement or it will cause pain and hyperextension 

5. Tell client to push using their feet, sliding themselves up the bed, ensuring they do not lift their hips off the bed 

6. Remove slide sheets. A pillow over the client’s ankles can be used if they are frail or have delicate skin