Preparing for the Procedure
Before beginning the process of making an occupied bed, it is crucial to gather all necessary supplies and prepare the patient to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Preparation helps to avoid interruptions and allows for proper technique, which is essential for patient well-being.
Gathering Supplies
A well-prepared caregiver will have all needed items readily available before starting. Essential supplies for making an occupied bed typically include clean sheets (bottom, top, and draw sheet if used), a clean pillowcase(s), a blanket, a soiled linen hamper, disposable gloves, and a bath blanket for privacy. Having these items organized and nearby simplifies the process.
Patient and Bed Preparation
Patient safety and communication are paramount. Begin by explaining the procedure to the patient and ensuring their privacy is maintained by closing the door or pulling the curtain. Adjust the bed to a comfortable working height for the caregiver, ensuring the wheels are locked to prevent movement. Use proper body mechanics when turning or moving the patient to prevent injury to both the caregiver and the patient.
The Side-by-Side Method: Changing Linens
The most common and safest procedure for making an occupied bed involves working on one side of the bed at a time. This method allows the patient to remain in bed while the linens are changed, minimizing disruption and maintaining safety.
Changing Bottom Linens
- Lower the rail and turn the patient: Start by lowering the side rail on the working side. Gently assist the patient in rolling onto their side, facing away from you, towards the opposite side of the bed. Ensure the opposite side rail is raised for safety.
- Roll soiled linens: Roll the soiled bottom sheet and any other soiled layers (like a draw sheet or bed pad) inward towards the center of the bed and tuck them against the patient's back. This contains the soiled material.
- Place clean linens: Position the clean fitted sheet on the now-empty half of the mattress. Fanfold the top half of the clean sheet and place it next to the rolled-up soiled linens under the patient. Smooth out your side of the clean sheet and tuck it under the mattress.
- Move to the other side: Raise the side rail on the working side before moving to the opposite side of the bed. Lower the side rail on this new working side.
- Turn patient onto clean side: Gently assist the patient in rolling over the ridge of soiled and clean linens onto the clean side of the bed.
- Remove soiled linens: From this side, pull the soiled linens from under the patient, rolling them inward, and place them immediately into the soiled linen hamper.
- Complete bottom linen change: Pull the clean linens through and smooth out all wrinkles. Securely tuck the clean sheet under the mattress on this side.
Changing Top Linens
Once the bottom sheet is changed and smooth, the top linens can be replaced.
- Apply clean top sheet: Place a clean top sheet over the patient. Ask the patient to hold the clean sheet while you carefully remove the soiled top sheet from underneath, placing it in the hamper.
- Add blankets and bedspreads: Layer additional blankets or bedspreads as needed. Create a toe pleat at the foot of the bed by making a fold in the top linens over the patient's feet to allow for movement and prevent pressure.
- Secure top linens: Tuck the top linens in at the foot of the bed, using mitered corners if desired for a neat finish.
Post-Procedure Care
Completing the bed change involves a few final steps to ensure the patient's comfort, safety, and the proper finish of the bed.
Final Adjustments and Safety Checks
Change the pillowcase by carefully removing the pillow, changing the case, and replacing the pillow under the patient's head. Return the bed to its lowest safe position to minimize fall risk. Ensure the call light and any personal items are within easy reach of the patient. Adjust the side rails according to the patient's care plan and facility policy. Finally, remove gloves and perform thorough hand hygiene.
Comparison: Occupied vs. Unoccupied Bed Making
Making an occupied bed differs significantly from making an unoccupied bed because the patient remains in the bed throughout the process. This requires a specific technique focusing on patient safety, privacy, and minimal disturbance, such as the side-to-side method and potentially using a draw sheet for assistance. In contrast, an unoccupied bed is empty, allowing for a more straightforward process of changing linens by moving around the bed. Prioritizing patient comfort and dignity is paramount when making an occupied bed, while efficiency might be a greater focus for an unoccupied bed.
| Feature | Occupied Bed Making | Unoccupied Bed Making |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Presence | Patient remains in bed. | Bed is empty. |
| Technique | Side-to-side method. | Change linens by moving around the bed. |
| Key Concern | Patient safety, comfort, dignity. | Speed and efficiency. |
| Tools | May use draw sheet. | No special repositioning tools needed. |
| Privacy | High priority. | Standard privacy measures. |
The Importance of a Smooth Bed
A smooth, wrinkle-free bed is not just about appearance; it's a critical aspect of preventative care for bedridden patients. Wrinkles in the linens can create pressure and friction on the skin, significantly increasing the risk of developing pressure ulcers or bedsores. Ensuring the bottom sheet is pulled taut and free of wrinkles is a vital step in maintaining skin integrity, especially for individuals with limited mobility who are at higher risk.
Avoiding Common Issues
Caregivers can face challenges when making an occupied bed. To provide the best care, it's helpful to anticipate and avoid common pitfalls. Always have all supplies ready beforehand to prevent leaving the patient unattended. Protect yourself from injury by using proper body mechanics and adjusting the bed height. Clear communication with the patient throughout the process is essential to alleviate anxiety. Avoid shaking linens, as this can spread microorganisms; instead, roll soiled linens inward and place them directly into the hamper.
For additional resources on safe patient care techniques, including bedmaking, consult authoritative sources such as the BC Open Textbooks, which offer valuable insights for healthcare assistants and caregivers.
Conclusion
Mastering the procedure for making an occupied bed is a fundamental skill in providing compassionate and effective care. This process goes beyond simply changing linens; it's about maintaining a patient's dignity, ensuring their comfort, and actively preventing complications like skin breakdown. By diligently following the step-by-step method outlined here, caregivers can confidently provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for individuals who are unable to leave their beds. This skill is a testament to attentive care and a commitment to patient well-being.
