How to lift a bedridden person: a step-by-step guide to safe care
Caring for someone who is bedridden is a profound gesture of love and dedication, one that calls for patience, empathy and attention to detail. Whether due to age, recovery from surgery or an accident, the process of helping the person out of bed can be one of the greatest challenges for the carer.
On the other hand, it is also an opportunity to show care and respect and to ensure the person feels calm and comfortable. In this article, we will guide you through simple, safe steps so that the process of lifting a bedridden person is as easy and comfortable as possible for both of you.
How to lift a bedridden person: step by step
Prepare the environment
Before you start, it is important to prepare the space. Place a wheelchair or an armchair next to the bed, and make sure it is stable. If it is a wheelchair, lock the wheels to prevent it from moving during the process. If it is not a wheelchair, simply position the armchair or chair against a solid piece of furniture or wall.
Position the person at the edge of the bed
With the person still lying down, start by gently pulling them towards the edge of the bed. Do not rush, as the aim is to move the person calmly and avoid any discomfort. Place one arm under their body, roughly at shoulder height, to help them slide across in a controlled, unhurried way.
Support the back and prepare to sit them up
Support the person's back with one arm and, with the other, hold them under the armpit, helping to sit them up on the bed. Remember to bend your knees and keep your back straight to avoid injury. Lift the person gently, pushing with your legs, until they are sitting upright but comfortable.
Position the legs
Now that the person is sitting, pull their knees out over the side of the bed, leaving the legs hanging over the edge. This movement helps to stabilise the person and prepares them to be transferred safely to the armchair or wheelchair.
Move the person out of bed
With the legs already positioned over the edge of the bed, gently move the person out of bed until their feet touch the floor. If necessary, adjust their position to make sure they remain balanced before continuing.
Hold them close and lift carefully
Wrap your arms around the person from underneath, supporting them firmly. With your other hand, hold the back of their clothing, such as the waistband of their trousers. If the person is able to, ask them to hold on to your neck, which helps provide stability. Remember: keep your back straight and use your legs to lift the person gently and safely. This movement is essential to avoid overloading your spine.
Transfer to the chair
Once the person is standing or almost standing, turn their body to direct them towards the wheelchair or armchair. Lower yourself and, calmly, settle them into the seat. Adjust their position, making sure they are comfortable and secure, placing their arms over the back of the chair for greater stability.
Additional tips for lifting bedridden people
- Regular repositioning. If possible, move the person every two hours to avoid complications such as bedsores (pressure ulcers) and to improve blood circulation. Even if the patient cannot move on their own, you can help by turning the person onto their side or into a sitting position
- Use assistive equipment. Using specialised equipment can greatly ease the physical effort for the carer. Beds that can be raised or adjusted make movement easier while providing additional comfort for both the carer and the patient
- Maintain correct posture. Posture is essential to avoid injury. When lifting the bedridden person, bend your knees and use your legs for strength, never your spine. This way, the movement is carried out more efficiently and without overloading your body.
- Communicate with the patient. It is important to communicate with the bedridden person throughout the process. Always ask how they feel and whether they are comfortable during the movement. It may seem a small gesture, but it helps build confidence and makes the process less stressful
- Keep the environment safe. Before you start, make sure the environment is safe and tidy. Remove any object that could get in the way, such as loose rugs or furniture out of place. A space free of obstacles makes all the difference in preventing falls and ensuring the safety of both of you
How to keep bedridden people clean: tips
- Prepare the environment in advance. Gather all the necessary materials (towels, hygiene products, disposable gloves, clean clothes, bed linen, etc.). Make sure the environment is warm and comfortable for the person
- Maintain privacy and respect. Cover the person with towels or sheets to ensure their privacy. Always ask how they are feeling and make sure the environment is welcoming and comfortable
- Careful, gentle cleaning. Use gentle movements, starting with the cleanest areas (such as the face), and then move on to the arms, legs, torso and finally the intimate area. Dry the skin well to avoid irritation and pressure ulcers
- Take care with at-risk areas. Pay special attention to areas prone to bedsores, such as the back, hips and heels. When cleaning and bathing, use gentle movements and avoid rubbing these areas. If necessary, use soft towels or cloths and, when drying, do so delicately, without pressing the sensitive areas.
- Use gentle, suitable products. Choose gentle hygiene products, without strong fragrances and easy to rinse off, to prevent allergies and irritation. Products specifically for sensitive skin are ideal
- Hand and material hygiene. Wash your hands well before and after the process. Use disposable materials or ones that are easy to clean to avoid the transmission of germs and keep everyone safe.
Need to transport the bedridden person? Count on Ambula!
If you need to transport the bedridden person to tests, appointments or other journeys, Ambula is here to help. With adapted vehicles and trained professionals, Ambula ensures the person is transported with dignity, without rushing and with the utmost attention to their needs. Count on Ambula for safe, secure transport, always with care for the patient's well-being.
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