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The bed sheets of someone who is bedridden should be changed after the shower and whenever they are dirty or wet, to keep the person clean and comfortable.
Generally, this technique for changing bed sheets is used when the person does not have the strength to get out of bed, as in the case of patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. However, it can also be used after surgery in which it is advisable to maintain absolute rest in bed.
A person alone may be able to change the bed sheets, however, it is recommended that, if there is a risk of the person falling, the technique should be done by two people, allowing one to take care of the person in bed.
6 steps to change bed sheets
1. Remove the ends of the sheets from under the mattress to loosen them.
Step 1
2. Remove the bedspread, blanket and sheet from the person, but leave the sheet or blanket in case the person is cold.
Step 2
3. Flip the person to one side of the bed. See a simple way to turn a bedridden person.
Step 3
4. Roll up the sheets on the free half of the bed towards the person's back.
Step 4
5. Extend the clean sheet to the half of the bed that is without a sheet.
Step 5
6. Flip the person over the side of the bed that already has the clean sheet and remove the dirty sheet, stretching the rest of the clean sheet.
Step 6
If the bed is articulated, it is advisable to be at the level of the caregiver's hip, thus avoiding the need to bend the back too much. In addition, it is important that the bed is completely horizontal to facilitate changing the sheets.
Care after changing the sheets
After changing the bed sheets it is important to change the pillowcase and stretch the bottom sheet tightly, securing the corners under the bed. This prevents the sheet from getting wrinkled, reducing the risk of bedsores.
This technique can be done at the same time as bathing, allowing you to immediately change the wet sheets. See an easy way to bathe the bedridden person.