Try: Talk to the cr about what will happen during the transfer speak slowly and clearly tell cr what will happen at each step before transfer begins tell cr that he and the cg must work together during the transfer learn about the cr cr’s condition and if he is able to move talk and follow commands check for catheters tubes drainage bags and other items that might need to transfer with the cr ask cr if he prefers being transferred one way more than another way make sure that cg and cr are wearing shoes that will not slip on the floor make sure that the wheelchair and the transfer aids that will be used are working right check material stitching straps chains and hooks if the transfer aids look weak or broken do not use them check the brakes on the wheelchair and on the bed to be sure they lock as they should make sure there is enough space to make a safe transfer

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: wheel chair transfers available at

Keywords: Wheelchair transfer transferring

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Reposition cr if he has to stay in bed or in a wheelchair at least every 2 hours or according to the cr’s care plan take the bedpan out from underneath the cr as soon as he is finished using it check cr’s skin for changes at every opportunity like when assisting with repositioning bathing and dressing and when changing wet or soiled linens or when giving a back rub when bathing cr clean the skin gently and thoroughly and rinse off the soap well make sure the skin is dried well and use lotion to keep the skin healthy and soft thoroughly clean and dry areas where skin touches skin such as under the breast and apply a light dusting of powder to keep the skin dry

Materials: Mild bath soap moisturizing skin lotion body powder

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: lippincott’s essentials for nursing assistants by pj carter 2007 philadelphia lippincott williams & wilkins pp 448-9

Keywords: Bedbound bath bathing pressure ulcers pressure sores

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Assist cr to the bathroom or provide a bedpan or urinal frequently check on incontinent cr every hour or so if cr can walk ask him to take a walk with caregiver (cg) every 2 hours remind paralyzed cr to change positions in the wheelchair or move to the bed for a while make sure the bed linens are clean dry and wrinkle free at all times give cr frequent back rubs minimize skin injury caused by friction or shearing try using lift devices and lift sheets when moving and repositioning cr try using elbow pads and heel booties avoid raising the head of the bed more than 30 degrees offer refreshing drinks frequently encourage cr to eat well

Materials: Bedpan or urinal clean bed linens lift devices and lift sheets elbow pads heel booties refreshing drinks cr’s favorite healthy foods snacks

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: lippincott’s essentials for nursing assistants by pj carter 2007 philadelphia lippincott williams & wilkins pp 448-9

Keywords: Bedbound pressure ulcers pressure sores wheelchair

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Try positioning the cr’s bottom above the middle of the bed keep the foot of the bed slightly elevated

Materials: n/a

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: Compassionate community care 2009 best practice caring for the bed bound client available at

Keywords: Bedbound bed scrunches down

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Get at least 4 pillows include one of those long body pillows and place them between the knees ankles under the arms and behind the back when cr is laid on his her side

Materials: 3 regular sized pillows 1 body pillow

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: Compassionate community care 2009 best practice caring for the bed bound client available at

Keywords: Bedbound pressure sores repositioning

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Always use a draw sheet and place it under the hips and buttocks of the client do not place the draw sheet behind the cr’s back use folded sheets try using commercially sold water-proof pads because they are strong enough to support the cr avoid using the cr’s arms and legs to re-position him in bed cr should be turned every 2 hours to prevent bed sores which can occur in just a few hours

Materials: Folded sheet commercially sold water-proof pads

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: best practice caring for the bed bound client by compassionate community care 2009 available at

Keywords: Bedbound pressure sores repositioning pull sheet draw sheet

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Check the cr cr’s skin twice a day if possible or daily at a minimum pay close attention to the skin on the back of the ears buttocks heels and back avoid electric blankets or heating pads because they quickly become warm enough to burn use heel protectors to protect the skin of the heels this is a common site of bed sores

Materials: Heel protectors

Categories: Medical Physical, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from the internet website www docstoc com – compassionate community care – best practice caring for the bed bound client 2009

Keywords: Bedbound pressure sores skin heels

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Wash hands put on gloves place waterproof protective pad under buttocks to prevent soiling of bedding wash and dry the penis and scrotum hold the penis at a 90-degree angle and roll the catheter sheath down as is done with a condom leave about 1 to 2 inches at the end of the sheath between the penis and the tubing attachment site secure catheter with velcro or elastic holder if the sheath is nonadhesive around the penis 1 to 2 inches from base insert drainage bag tubing into sheath attachment tape tubing to secure in place remove and dispose of gloves and wash hands thoroughly consult a healthcare worker if needed

Materials: Sterile disposable gloves first aid tape

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Gender, Male, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: how to use a texas catheter by diana price 2010 available at

Keywords: Catheter external catheter male incontinence

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Change a texas catheter daily trim any pubic hair that may get caught before applying the catheter sheath monitor skin for signs of sores rash redness or swelling with each catheter change if cr is uncircumcised pull the foreskin back down after cleansing before applying the catheter sheath

Materials: Scissors

Categories: Sage, Topic, Medical Physical, Gender, Male

Information: n/a

References: how to use a texas catheter by diana price 2010 available at

Keywords: Catheter external catheter male incontinence

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Change the cr’s position frequently to relieve pressure on the back buttocks and hips if possible try raising the head of the bed to assist the cr at meal times when taking medications or with breathing if cr has good upper body strength try using a bed trapeze so that he or she can use upper arm strength to help you with repositioning

Materials: n/a

Categories: Medical Physical, Mobility, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile

Information: n/a

References: Adapted from the www docstoc com internet website best practice caring for the bed bound client 2009

Keywords: Bedbound pressure sores repositioning

*This information is listed as a Tip and is not explicitly medically licensed