How to Make a Turning Sheet for the Bedridden

Bedridden patients need to be turned at least every 2 hours to prevent development of decubitus ulcers or pressure sores. These sores develop first as reddened areas where bony areas are compressed by the bedridden patient's body weight and circulation is compromised. Necrosis or tissue death results and open pressure sores appear. Frequent repositioning can help avoid this complication. However, bedridden patients are often weak and sometimes unconscious and unable to assist in their repositioning. A turning sheet, also known as a "draw sheet," can assist you in turning and repositioning the patient.

Things You'll Need

• Extra cotton or flannel flat sheet

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Instructions

• 1

  Fold an extra cotton or flannel top sheet in half, from top to bottom. This is your "draw sheet" or turning sheet.

• 2

  Draw back the top sheet and the bedspread together and accordion pleat the linens loosely at the foot of the bed.

• 3

  Tuck 1 to 2 feet of one of the lengthwise ends of the draw sheet beneath a side edge of the mattress. Position the draw sheet to lie beneath the patient, in the area between her shoulders to beneath her buttocks. Accordion pleat the remaining length of the draw sheet temporarily on top of the fitted sheet.

• 4

  Turn the patient to face in the opposite direction. Unfold the pleated draw sheet to the patient's torso and tightly pleat the edge. Tuck as much of the edge as you can comfortably beneath the patient's torso.

• 5

  Roll the patient over the edge of the draw sheet and turn her to face in the direction where the draw sheet is already tucked under the mattress.

• 6

  Unroll the pleated remainder of the draw sheet, pull it tightly to remove wrinkles, smooth the sheet and tuck the last lengthwise edge of the draw sheet beneath the mattress. Your draw sheet is completed and in place to assist in patient repositioning. Recover the patient with the top sheet and bedspread at the foot of the bed.