A Comprehensive Guide on How to Make a Bed in an Aged Care Facility

Proper bed-making is a cornerstone of patient hygiene and comfort, playing a vital role in preventing skin irritation and infection. This comprehensive guide explains how to make a bed in an aged care facility, covering all essential safety and procedural considerations for caregivers.

Quick Summary

Caregivers can effectively make a bed in an aged care facility by prioritizing resident safety and privacy, gathering necessary supplies, and following strict infection control protocols. Different methods apply for unoccupied or occupied beds, with wrinkle-free, smooth sheets being essential for skin integrity and comfort.

Key Points

• Preparation is crucial: Always gather all supplies before starting the bed-making process to ensure resident safety and procedural efficiency [1, 2].

• Safety first: Prioritize resident safety by using side rails appropriately, locking bed wheels, and communicating clearly throughout the process [2, 4].

• Infection control matters: Never shake or toss linens. Handle all soiled items carefully and practice meticulous hand hygiene before and after the procedure [1, 4].

• Wrinkle-free beds prevent skin issues: Smooth out all sheets, especially the fitted sheet and any underpads, to prevent skin breakdown and pressure sores [1].

• Use proper body mechanics: Raise the bed to a comfortable working height and use proper posture to avoid back strain and injury during bed-making [1, 4].

• Protect resident dignity: Always ensure privacy by closing the door and curtains, and communicate with the resident to keep them informed and comfortable [4].

• Master the occupied bed technique: Use the side-to-side method for changing linens while a resident is in bed to maximize safety and minimize effort [2, 4].

Preparation: The Foundation of Safe and Efficient Bed-Making

Proper preparation is key to safe and efficient bed-making in an aged care setting, minimizing disruptions and reducing injury risks for both residents and caregivers [1].

Gathering Your Supplies

Collect all necessary items before starting to ensure a smooth process without leaving the resident unattended [2]. Essential supplies include clean linens (fitted sheet, flat sheet, blanket, pillowcases), protective padding or incontinence sheets, a draw sheet if needed, a laundry bag for soiled linens, and gloves for infection control [2, 4].

Prioritizing Resident Safety and Privacy

Always explain the procedure to the resident to gain cooperation and reduce anxiety. Ensure privacy by closing doors and curtains [4]. Protect your back by raising the bed to a comfortable height and use good body mechanics [1, 4].

Step-by-Step: How to Make an Unoccupied Bed

Making an unoccupied bed involves a systematic approach to create a clean and comfortable space for the resident [3].

Removing Soiled Linens

Remove soiled linen and place it directly into a laundry bag without shaking to prevent spreading microorganisms. Keep soiled linens off the floor and away from your uniform [1, 4]. Always wear gloves when handling soiled laundry [4].

Applying Clean Linens

Begin by placing the clean fitted sheet with the center crease in the middle of the mattress. Fit the corners snugly and smooth out all wrinkles [1]. If using a draw sheet or soaker pad, place them smoothly across the middle of the bed and tuck them firmly [1]. Place the flat sheet and blanket over the bed, ensuring they are centered. Create a 'toe pleat' at the foot of the bed to allow foot room and prevent pressure [1].

The Mitered Corner Technique

The mitered corner secures bedding neatly. Tuck the sheet under the foot of the mattress, create a 45-degree angle with the side edge, tuck the hanging portion, and then drop and tuck the flap to form a smooth diagonal fold [1].

Step-by-Step: How to Make an Occupied Bed

Changing linens with a resident in bed requires careful handling and communication, often using a side-to-side rolling method [2, 4].

Explaining the Procedure to the Resident

Clearly explain each step to the resident, such as helping them roll to their side to change sheets [4]. Ensure they are comfortable and supported with a pillow [4].

The Side-to-Side Technique

Raise the bed to a comfortable height and the side rail on the far side [2, 4]. Loosen linens on the side nearest you [4]. Gently assist the resident to roll onto their side towards the raised rail [2, 4]. Roll soiled linens inward towards the resident. Place clean, fan-folded sheets next to the resident and tuck them in on your side [2, 4]. Lower your side rail, raise the opposite one, and help the resident roll over the clean linens [2, 4]. Move to the other side, remove soiled linens, and pull the clean sheets through, tucking them in smoothly [2, 4]. Add the top sheet and blankets, create a toe pleat, change the pillowcase, and ensure the call bell is accessible [2, 4]. Lower the bed for safety [4].

Infection Control and Linen Management

Strict adherence to infection control is crucial in aged care [1, 4]. Handle soiled linens carefully without shaking, keep them away from your uniform, and use designated laundry bags [1, 4]. Thorough handwashing before and after bed-making is essential [4].

Specialized Equipment and Bed Types

Comparison: Standard vs. Hospital-Style Beds

Feature	Standard Bed	Hospital-Style Bed
Adjustability	Non-adjustable	Fully adjustable height, head, and foot
Side Rails	Typically none	Integral or add-on rails for safety
Mattress	Standard mattress	Medical-grade, often pressure-relieving
Maneuverability	Not easily moved	On wheels with locks for easy positioning
Bed-Making	Requires bending and lifting	Bed can be raised to an ergonomic height
Risk of Injury	Higher risk for caregivers	Significantly reduced risk due to adjustments

Pressure-Relieving Mattresses and Pads

Specialized mattresses and overlays are used to prevent pressure injuries [1]. When using these, ensure linens are smooth and do not impede the mattress's function. A draw sheet or lift sheet may be needed for repositioning to minimize friction [1].

Conclusion: Resident Dignity and Caregiver Safety

Making a bed in an aged care facility requires skill, combining clinical practice with compassionate care. Proper techniques for both occupied and unoccupied beds ensure resident safety, comfort, and dignity. Following infection control and using good body mechanics are fundamental to quality care. For more information, consult resources like the CDC Guidelines on Linen Management [5].

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplies do I need to make a bed in an aged care facility?

You will need a clean fitted sheet, a flat sheet, blankets, pillowcases, a draw sheet and soaker pad if required, gloves for safety, and a laundry hamper for soiled linens [2, 4].

How do I change sheets on a bed with a resident still in it?

Use the side-to-side technique. Roll the resident toward one side of the bed with the rail up, change the linens on the empty side, then assist them to roll over the clean linens to finish the process on the other side [2, 4].

What is the mitered corner technique and why is it important?

A mitered corner creates a crisp, neat corner that keeps the bedding taut and secure. This is important to ensure a wrinkle-free surface, which reduces the risk of skin irritation and pressure sores [1].

How often should I change the bed linens in aged care?

Linens should be changed at least weekly, or immediately whenever they become soiled [4]. Some facilities have specific schedules based on resident needs and condition.

What infection control measures should I follow for bed-making?

Never shake linens, as this spreads airborne pathogens. Avoid touching clean or soiled linens to your uniform. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after the procedure, and use gloves when handling soiled items [1, 4].

How can I ensure the resident's comfort during the bed-making process?

Communicate each step clearly, ensure privacy by closing curtains, and work efficiently. Ensure the resident has a pillow and a light blanket for comfort while linens are being changed. Check in with them regularly during the process [4].

What is a draw sheet and when is it used?

A draw sheet is a smaller, folded sheet placed across the middle of the bed under the resident's torso. It is used to help reposition the resident and minimize friction and shearing on their skin, protecting against injuries [1].

Why is it important to ensure a bed is wrinkle-free for an aged care resident?

Wrinkles in the bed linens can create pressure points on fragile skin, increasing the risk of painful skin breakdown, sores, and pressure injuries. A smooth, taut surface is crucial for skin integrity [1].