What is the standard bed making procedure? A Senior Care Guide

According to the National Institute on Aging, a clean and properly made bed is a vital component of a healthy environment, particularly for seniors who spend a lot of time in bed. Mastering the standard bed making procedure is a fundamental skill for caregivers to ensure safety, comfort, and good hygiene.

Quick Summary

The standard bed making procedure involves specific steps and infection control measures to create a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for an occupant, with special considerations for occupied and unoccupied beds, using proper techniques to prevent pressure sores and promote hygiene.

Key Points

• Hygiene and Infection Control: Proper bed making prevents the spread of infection by handling soiled linens carefully and not shaking them to disperse airborne pathogens.

• Pressure Sore Prevention: Keeping sheets smooth and wrinkle-free is crucial for bedridden seniors to prevent skin irritation and dangerous pressure ulcers.

• Occupied vs. Unoccupied Beds: Different procedures exist for making beds with or without a person in them, with occupied bed-making focusing on patient safety and dignity.

• Caregiver Safety: Caregivers should use proper body mechanics, like raising the bed and bending with their knees, to avoid back strain and injury.

• Comfort and Dignity: A fresh, neatly made bed contributes positively to a senior's emotional well-being, providing a sense of comfort and a respectful environment.

• Toe Pleat Technique: Creating a small pleat in the top sheet and blanket provides freedom for foot movement, reducing pressure and preventing foot drop in bedridden patients.

Why Proper Bed Making is Essential for Seniors

For many seniors, especially those with limited mobility or those who are bedridden, the bed is more than just a place to sleep. It is a central hub for daily activities, including eating, reading, and receiving care. As a caregiver, understanding and following the standard bed making procedure goes beyond aesthetics; it is a critical aspect of preventative care.

Preventing Pressure Sores

Wrinkled or bunched-up sheets can cause friction and pressure on delicate skin, leading to painful and dangerous pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores. Proper bed making ensures linens are smooth and taut, reducing this risk. For seniors with fragile skin, this is a non-negotiable step.

Maintaining Hygiene and Infection Control

Soiled or damp linens are a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms, increasing the risk of infection. By following strict hygiene protocols during the bed making procedure, caregivers can limit the spread of pathogens. This includes proper handling of soiled linens, thorough hand hygiene, and frequent linen changes, particularly for those with incontinence.

Promoting Comfort and Well-being

Beyond the physical benefits, a fresh, clean, and neatly made bed contributes significantly to a senior’s mental and emotional well-being. A comfortable environment can improve mood, promote better sleep, and provide a sense of dignity and respect.

The Standard Unoccupied Bed Making Procedure

This is the protocol for making a bed that is empty. It is a straightforward process that is foundational to all bed making techniques.

Step-by-Step Guide for an Unoccupied Bed

1. Gather Supplies: Collect all necessary clean linens, including a fitted sheet, top sheet, blanket, and pillowcases. Keep them on a clean surface, like a chair, to prevent contamination.
2. Ensure Safety and Hand Hygiene: Before you begin, perform hand hygiene. If the bed is adjustable, raise it to a comfortable working height to prevent back strain. Lock the bed wheels.
3. Remove Soiled Linens: Untuck and carefully roll soiled linens toward the center of the bed, away from your body. Place them immediately into a designated linen hamper. Never shake linens, as this spreads airborne microorganisms.
4. Place Fitted Sheet: Unfold the clean fitted sheet and place it on the mattress. Secure the corners firmly under the mattress, pulling taut to eliminate wrinkles. If using a flat bottom sheet, perform mitered corners for a tight fit.
5. Add Top Sheet and Blanket: Place the top sheet over the fitted sheet, with the finished hem at the top of the bed. Position the blanket over the top sheet. Fold the top sheet down over the blanket to create a cuff.
6. Create Hospital Corners: At the foot of the bed, tuck the sheets and blanket under the mattress. Create hospital corners by folding a 45-degree angle at the corner and tucking the excess fabric under.
7. Add Pillowcases and Final Touches: Place clean pillowcases on the pillows and arrange them neatly. Ensure the call bell is within easy reach and lower the bed to a safe height.

The Standard Occupied Bed Making Procedure

This is a more complex procedure used for bedridden individuals and requires careful communication and technique to ensure the senior's comfort and safety throughout the process.

Detailed Steps for an Occupied Bed

1. Preparation: Gather all supplies, perform hand hygiene, and explain the procedure to the senior to gain their cooperation and reduce anxiety. Raise the bed to a working height and ensure the bed rails are up on the opposite side.
2. Roll the Senior to One Side: Gently help the senior roll onto their side, positioning them toward the opposite side of the bed. Ensure they are secure and comfortable with a pillow for support.
3. Change One Half of the Bed: Loosen the soiled bottom sheet and roll it tightly towards the senior's back. Place the clean fitted sheet on the exposed side, tucking the edges firmly. If using a draw sheet, place it and fan-fold it toward the senior.
4. Roll Senior to Other Side: Assist the senior in rolling back over the clean, fan-folded linens toward the freshly made side of the bed. Go to the other side and lower the rail.
5. Complete Bed Change: Pull the soiled linens out from under the senior and place them in the hamper. Smooth the clean linens across the bed, pulling taut to remove all wrinkles. Tuck in the remaining edges.
6. Change Top Covers and Pillowcases: Remove the dirty top cover while simultaneously placing the clean one over the senior, ensuring they remain covered for warmth and privacy. Change the pillowcases one at a time, providing support for the head and neck. Make a toe pleat in the top linens to prevent pressure on the feet.
7. Post-Procedure: Lower the bed to a safe position, ensure the senior is comfortable, and place the call bell within reach. Perform final hand hygiene.

Comparison of Bed Making Procedures

Feature	Unoccupied Bed Procedure	Occupied Bed Procedure
Patient Involvement	None, the bed is empty.	Requires the patient to assist by rolling or being repositioned.
Complexity	Straightforward, focused on neatness and hygiene.	More complex, requires careful handling to ensure patient safety and dignity.
Time Required	Quick and efficient.	Longer, requires patience and coordination, often with an assistant.
Infection Control	Emphasis on preventing spread of pathogens from soiled linens.	Highest priority, with careful handling of soiled linens near the patient.
Primary Goal	Creating a clean, welcoming environment for a new or returning occupant.	Maintaining patient comfort, dignity, and preventing skin breakdown.

Body Mechanics for Caregivers

Caregivers must protect their own bodies to prevent injury. When making a bed, especially an occupied one, remember to:

• Raise the Bed: Adjust the bed height to a comfortable level, typically waist-height, to avoid bending over.
• Use Proper Posture: Stand close to the bed, keeping your back straight and your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Bend Your Knees: Bend your knees, not your back, when tucking in sheets.
• Use Your Core Muscles: Tighten your abdominal muscles to protect your back during lifting or pulling.
• Work with a Partner: For heavier or less mobile seniors, always work with a partner to safely turn and reposition the person.

Conclusion

Mastering the standard bed making procedure is a cornerstone of effective and compassionate senior care. By understanding the specific steps for both occupied and unoccupied beds, along with the critical aspects of hygiene, safety, and body mechanics, caregivers can ensure a healthy, comfortable, and dignified living space for their loved ones. This dedication to detail significantly contributes to the overall health and well-being of seniors, making their environment not just tidy, but truly healing.

For more detailed guidance on caregiver safety, consider resources from reputable health organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should bed linens be changed for a senior?

For bedridden or incontinent seniors, linens should be changed daily or whenever they become soiled. For others, at least weekly is recommended to maintain optimal hygiene.

What are mitered or 'hospital' corners and why are they important?

Mitered corners are a way of folding a flat sheet to create a tight, neat corner that stays tucked in. This technique is important for preventing wrinkles and bunching, which can cause skin irritation and pressure sores for bedridden individuals.

What is a 'toe pleat' and how do I make one?

A toe pleat is a loose fold made at the foot of the bed in the top sheet and blanket. It provides extra room for the feet to move freely, preventing pressure and a condition called 'foot drop.' To make one, grasp the linen above the feet and pull gently upward before tucking.

Should I wear gloves during the bed making procedure?

Yes, always wear gloves when handling soiled linens to protect yourself from exposure to microorganisms. Change gloves and wash hands thoroughly after disposing of the soiled laundry.

How can I prevent back strain when making a bed?

If the bed is adjustable, raise it to a comfortable working height, typically at your waist level. Use proper body mechanics, bending your knees and using your leg muscles rather than straining your back, especially when tucking or pulling sheets tight.

What kind of sheets are best for sensitive senior skin?

Look for soft, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant materials like high-quality cotton or microfiber. Avoid rough or synthetic fabrics that can cause friction and irritate fragile skin.

Can I use a draw sheet or slide sheet?

Yes, a draw sheet is a smaller sheet placed over the bottom sheet from the senior's shoulders to hips. It can be used to help reposition the individual in bed, making the process easier for the caregiver and more comfortable for the senior.