Moving client up the bed with two carers using slide sheets

1. Place an extra pillow at the head of the bed 

2. Move the bed away from wall, or furniture away from bed, if necessary, before moving the client 

3. Adjust the height of bed to shortest person, one carer either side 

4. Apply slide sheets, making sure the pillow is also on the slide sheets 

5. Choose lead carer. Stand where you want the client’s head to end up 

6. Step forward with outside leg and place both hands at level of client’s hip, keeping both arms straight and hands on the bed 

7. Hold bed sheet and top slide sheet tightly and as near hip as possible 

8. Practise first to ensure you are in time, say ‘back on ready’ and ‘ready, steady, slide’, and rock back on each word 

9. Only go as far as the shortest person can comfortably manage. The procedure may take more than one movement. If so, reposition and repeat; keeping your arms straight will avoid twisting or rotating 

10. Remove slide sheets, put bed back against wall and return furniture 

Caution: Avoid tilting the bed to use gravity. This is dangerous in combination with slide sheets, has less control, and can be frightening for the client. Adding an extra slide sheet folded under the legs will minimise the dragging. If the client cannot lie flat for this procedure (e.g. if they have breathing problems), support with multiple pillows and apply slide sheets under pillows.