Changing a Hospital Bed Sheet While the Patient Stays in Bed
Not every patient can get out of bed for a sheet change. Here is how family carers change a hospital bed sheet while the patient stays lying down.
Changing a sheet looks like ordinary housework until the person sleeping on the bed cannot get up. For a bedbound patient, the sheet has to be changed while they stay lying down. On hospital wards, nurses use what is called the occupied-bed technique. Families at home can learn the same method.
This guide is written for family carers using a hospital bed at home. It does not replace hands-on guidance from a nurse or physiotherapist. If the patient has wounds, tubes or movement restrictions, ask the medical team how to turn them safely before you try.
Getting Ready
This job goes smoothly when everything is already at the bedside. You do not want to leave the patient half turned because you forgot a pillowcase.
What to have ready
- A clean sheet that fits the hospital bed mattress.
- A waterproof or disposable underpad if you use one.
- A clean pillowcase and a light blanket to keep the patient covered.
- A basket or bag for the used sheet, so it never goes on the floor.
- Disposable gloves if the sheet is soiled.
Set up the bed
Lock the wheels first. If your bed has adjustable height, like the Flexi II or the Electric Auto hospital bed, raise it to the carer's waist level so you are not stooping. Lower the head section as flat as is comfortable and allowed for the patient.
One person or two?
One carer can do it, but two people make it much easier and safer, especially with a heavier patient. One holds and reassures the patient on one side while the other works on the opposite side. If you are alone, use the side rail on the side the patient faces as a barrier.
Changing the Sheet, Step by Step
The principle is simple: work on half the bed at a time. The patient is rolled to one side, half the sheet is changed, then they are rolled to the other side so you can finish.
The first half
- Tell the patient what you are about to do, even if you are not sure they understand.
- Help the patient roll onto one side, facing the raised side rail or the second carer.
- Untuck the old sheet on the empty side and roll it lengthways up against the patient's back.
- Lay the clean sheet on the empty half, tuck its corners onto the mattress, and roll the other half of the clean sheet up snugly next to the old roll.
The second half
- Warn the patient they will roll over a small bump, then help them onto the opposite side, over both rolls.
- Pull out the old sheet and put it straight into the basket.
- Pull the clean roll through, stretch it flat and tuck in the corners.
- Help the patient back onto their back in the middle of the bed.
Keep the sheet tight
A wrinkled or folded sheet is uncomfortable for someone lying in bed for long hours. Before covering the patient, smooth the sheet with your hand and check the corners.
After You Finish
The job is not over once the sheet is on. A few small steps make the bed safe for the patient again.
Return the bed to a safe position
- Lower the bed to a low height if the patient will be left alone for a while.
- Raise the side rails again if that is what has been advised.
- Bring the head section back to the angle the patient usually uses.
- Put the bell or phone within the patient's reach.
Deal with the used sheet
Wash a soiled sheet as soon as you can and wash your hands after handling it. If anything has reached the mattress, wipe it down following the surface cleaning guidance for the bed, and let us know if the mattress cover is damaged.
About KatilCare rental beds
Every monthly rental includes the bed, a Hopkins mattress, delivery and installation. The Standard hospital bed rents at RM225 a month (purchase price RM1,250), the Flexi II at RM325 a month (purchase RM1,800) and the Electric Auto at RM580 a month (purchase RM3,200). Details of each bed are on our homepage. Delivery and installation are free in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, including Subang Jaya and Kajang. Outside those areas, such as Seremban, delivery is RM100–RM500 and we give you the exact figure on WhatsApp before you book.
Want advice on a bed that makes daily care easier? Get in touch.