Moving someone in bed
Your family member or friend may need to stay in bed more. They might find it difficult to get comfortable or change position, and may need help to do this. It's OK if you don't feel confident doing this yourself – there are other options and people who can support you.
On this page:
Relieving pressure
When someone stays in the same position for a long time, the parts of their body that carry the most weight can become sore and numb. This pressure can cause the skin to break down and create pressure ulcers (bed sores).
Someone may have one or more of these signs of a pressure ulcer:
- Discoloured patches of skin that may not fade when you press them:
- People with lighter skin tones may get red patches.
- People with darker skin tones may get purple or blue patches, or patches that are a different colour than the surrounding area – usually darker.
- An area of skin that is a different temperature or feels harder or softer than the surrounding skin.
- Swelling, pain or itchiness in the affected area.
Do not rub the area. If you see any of these signs, tell their GP or district nurse as soon as possible. These can all be signs of bed sores, even if the skin is not broken.
Helping them change position regularly can relieve the pressure and help your friend or family member feel more comfortable.
Get more information on pressure ulcers from the NHS.
Before you try to move someone in bed
If the person you are providing support to has experienced a significant change to their mobility or function, you should seek advice from a relevant healthcare professional before moving the patient. This could be an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or district nurse.
They can review the situation and provide appropriate support to make sure your needs, and the needs of the person you are caring for, are met safely. This may involve:
- further assessment of the patient
- equipment provision
- education for you and the person you're caring for on how to move someone safely.
It's important to remember that:
- you must look after your own health, and not move or handle someone else unless you are fit and well and have been advised by relevant healthcare professionals
- you should only help someone get out of bed, stand up, or walk if they are unable to do it safely on their own
- you should not bear all or even most of the weight of another person – you could injure the person you are trying to help and yourself.
Read more about professionals who might be part of a palliative care team.
Getting support with moving someone in bed
You may not feel confident moving someone yourself, even after speaking with a healthcare professional. Or you may be concerned the person's needs have changed since they were last seen by a healthcare professional to assess their mobility.
This is OK and there are professionals who can offer further advice and support. Speak with a health or social care professional, such as:
- an occupational therapist, if you are already in touch with one
- your GP, for a referral to professionals with experience in helping people move.
Carer's assessment
You can get a carer's assessment from your local social care services too. This isn't to assess how good you are at caring, but to ask you about your needs and how being a carer impacts your life. The person you care for can also ask for an assessment.
You may find that you're entitled to equipment or a home adaptation to help you provide care. Social services can provide equipment and training with moving and handling. You can also find equipment online.
Find out how to apply for a carer's assessment.
Read more about adapting your home and getting equipment.
Getting extra equipment
The GP, district nurse or occupational therapist can give information about suitable equipment. You might find it helpful to ask about:
- bed guards and rails
- electric profiling beds to help someone sit up
- ‘active’ mattresses with air pockets that inflate and deflate to help prevent pressure ulcers.
More information and support
It can be distressing to see your loved one needing more support. Our nurses, trained officers and volunteers are here to support you:
- Call our free Support Line on 0800 090 2309
- Chat to us on webchat
- Send us an email at support@mariecurie.org.uk
- Speak with other people in similar situations on our online community
Our Support Line is open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am – 5pm on Saturday. On bank holidays we're open 10am – 4pm.
About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
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