ANSWERS: 1
  • When you first change an occupied bed, you may feel clumsy, but your dexterity will improve with practice. If the bedridden person cannot roll over himself, it is a good idea to have an assistant for the first few times to help you gently move him.

    Supplies

    Unfold and lay out the clean linens (one fitted sheet, one unfitted sheet and a pillowcases) nearby. Lay out a clean under pad (a light, waterproof piece of material placed under the person's bottom to catch urine or feces) if using and an extra folded sheet (the "draw sheet") for a patient unable to roll over unaided. Lay out a fresh blanket if needed. Put on disposable gloves to keep from getting urine, feces or other body fluids on your hands.

    Preparation

    Explain to the bedridden person how you are planning to change the sheets. If the patient is on a hospital bed, lower the rails on your side and crank the bed flat if needed. Lock the wheels. The rails on the side opposite from you should be raised so the patient will not roll off the bed. Put the bed at a height that is comfortable for you to bend over.

    Bottom Sheet

    Check the bed for items that may be tucked in the bedding, such as glasses and books, and store them. Remove the blanket and top sheet. If the patient can roll herself, ask her to roll away from you to the opposite side. If she cannot do this, hand the draw sheet on the bed from your side to your assistant. Ask him to gently pull on the draw sheet while you gently roll the patient to the side of the bed away from you. Untuck the two corners of the soiled bottom sheet on your side, and roll it to the middle of the bed, together with the soiled draw sheet and soiled under pad. Tuck in the corners of the clean sheet ,and place a clean draw sheet and under pad over it in the middle. Tuck the draw sheet into the mattress. Roll the clean linens toward the middle of the bed. There will now be two rolls of linens in the middle of the bed, one soiled and one clean. Switch sides with your assistant. Raise the bed rail on the other side to protect the patient, and lower it on your side. Have the patient roll over the sheet rolls to the clean side, or help him do so. Untuck the corners of the soiled bottom sheet on the unoccupied side and remove it with the soiled under pad and draw sheet. Unroll the clean sheet, tuck the corners in, and pull it tight. Unroll the clean draw sheet and tuck it into the mattress. Unroll the under pad, and smooth everything free of wrinkles.

    Top Sheet and Blanket

    Ask the patient to roll to the center of the bed on his back, or roll him. Lay the clean top sheet over the patient, and then lay the blanket over him. Tuck these into the mattress, making hospital corners. Fold the top of the sheet over the top of the blanket.

    Completion

    If your patient cannot lift her head, place one hand under her head for support, and gently pull the pillow out from under it. Remove the soiled pillowcase and put on the clean case. Fluff the pillow. Gently lift the patient's head, and slide the pillow back under. If using a hospital bed, raise the rails on both sides, and adjust the bed so the patient is comfortable. Place the call button or bell within easy reach. Put the soiled linens in the laundry basket, and remove and discard your gloves.

    Source:

    Drugs.com: Making a Bed with a Person In It

    Abbey Hospice: Making an Occupied Bed

    Resource:

    Youtube.com: Making an occupied bed with a patient able to roll

    Youtube.com: Making an occupied bed with a patient who cannot roll

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