How to Change Sheets in an Occupied Bed

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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There are many elements involved in caring for an invalid. Changing bed sheets is a task that is often overlooked until it is necessary. Learn to change the sheets on an occupied bed without removing the invalid. The first attempt may be difficult, but this task will become easier with time and practice.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Assistant
Clean sheet set
Draw sheet

Step1

Keep a draw sheet between the invalid and the sheets at all times to make moving her easier and less painful. Use the draw sheet to rotate the patient from side to side.

Step2

Have an assistant available to help the first few times you attempt to change the sheets. Have the assistant stand on one side of the bed, and you stand on the other.

Step3

Hand the draw sheet from your side to the assistant. Have the assistant pull on the draw sheet while you gently push the invalid to roll her on her side.

Step4

Undo the corners on your side of the bed. Push the sheets to the center of the bed. Put the corners of the clean sheet on your side. Push the clean sheet up against the soiled sheet.

Step5

Gently roll the invalid back on her back. Roll her to face you by pulling the draw sheet towards you as your assistant gently pushes on her back.

Step6

Instruct your assistant to remove the soiled sheet from the bed and then put the clean sheet on the bed. Roll the invalid more towards your side if your assistant has trouble pulling the sheets toward himself.

Step7

Roll the invalid back on her back. Replace the top sheet with a clean one, put on a fresh pillow case, and then replace the blankets.