Turning with one carer

This technique can be conducted with one carer, but only if it is appropriate for the client and a risk assessment has been conducted. 

1. Adjust bed height for shortest carer; carer’s knuckles should easily reach the mattress 

2. Stand on the side of the bed towards which the client will turn 

3. Turn the client’s head in the direction of the roll if they are unable to turn their head without assistance 

4. Position the client’s inside arm out from the side of their body or put it across their chest to stop them rolling on to it 

5. Help the client to flex their outside knee 

6. If the client can’t flex their knee, cross their legs at ankle level 

7. Place hands on client’s shoulder and hip and get into a lunge position with all weight on carer’s front foot: – ‘Ready’ – ‘Steady’ – verbal prompts to prepare the client – ‘Roll’ – transfer weight on to back foot, maintaining straight arms so that carer is using their lower body and not arms to roll client over.