WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What do I need to know about making a bed with a person in it? A neat and clean bed helps keep a person comfortable and helps prevent bedsores. You may need to have someone help you change the bed. Follow these steps to make a bed with a person in it:

• Gather supplies:
  • Clean sheets, pillowcases, and blanket or bedspread
    
    
  • Folded sheet or a draw sheet
    
    
  • Disposable gloves
    
    
  • Laundry bag or hamper for dirty sheets
    
    
  • Waterproof pads
  
  
• Remove the dirty sheets on your side of the bed:
  • Put on gloves to protect your hands from urine, bowel movement, or other body fluids.
    
    
  • Check the bed for any loose items and put them in a safe place.
    
    
  • Remove the top sheet and blanket or bedspread. Put them in the laundry bag or hamper.
    
    
  • Ask the person to roll so that he faces the opposite side of the bed with his back to you. You may need to help the person move.
    
    
  • Loosen the bottom sheet from the head and foot of the bed on your side. Roll the sheet tightly toward the center of the bed. Tuck the rolled sheet under the person's back.
  
  
• Put clean sheets on your side of the bed:
  • Unfold the clean fitted, or bottom, sheet so it runs from the head of the bed to the foot.
    
    
  • Pull the sheet over the corners of the bed, and pull the side of the sheet down.
    
    
  • Roll and tuck the sheet under the person's body.
    
    
  • Roll and tuck a waterproof pad or draw sheet (if used) under the person's mid-section.
    
    
  • Make sure the linens are smooth.
    
    
  • Roll the person toward you over the clean linens.
  
  
• Move to the other side of the bed:
  • Remove the dirty linens and put them in the laundry bag or hamper. Throw away disposable pads.
    
    
  • Pull the roll of clean linens toward you so that it unrolls. Continue to pull the linens tight so that they are smooth.
    
    
  • Pull the sheet over the corners of the bed, and pull the side of the sheet down.
    
    
  • Help the person roll back so they are in a comfortable position.
    
    
  • Change the pillowcases and rearrange the pillows for comfort.
    
    
  • Put a clean top sheet and blanket or bedspread over the person.
    
    
  • Take off your gloves and wash your hands.

How can I help make a person comfortable in bed?

• Change draw sheets, waterproof pads, and all bed linens regularly. Change them immediately if they get dirty.
  
  
• Choose linens that are soft.
  
  
• Use blankets and bedspreads that are light.
  
  
• Wash all linens with mild soap to avoid skin irritation.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.