Changing Linens

Contents Resources

Setting up the bedding

Let them know it is time to change the sheets.
If they are sitting upright, ask if it is alright that you lay them down flat.
Check the state of the linens. You may not have to replace all the bedding every day.
However, you may need to change the bottom and top sheets and the pillowcase regularly. The mattress pad, bedspread and blanket can remain if they are dry and unsoiled.
Bedding that is at all dirty or wet from urine, stool, blood, emesis or perspiration should be changed.

Make sure there are no hearing aids, dentures, jewelry, glasses, tissues or other items in the bed before changing the linens.
This way you will be able to remove soiled sheets without shaking them. Make sure no tubes are tangled in the bed sheets.

Put the bed at a comfortable height, and flat if possible.
Ensure that you won’t have to stretch or bend over the bed in order to replace thebedding
If there are side rails, pull them up so they won’t roll out and will have something to grasponto. If the bed does not have side rails, you may need two people for this process: one formaking the bed and the other for holding the patient securely on the bed.

Wash your hands and put on gloves if linens are soiled.
Have a clean surface such as a rolling table ready for holding the clean items. You can alsouse the overbed table as a work area.
Put the clean items you need on the clean area. For example, a flat sheet, fitted sheet, anda pillow case. Also include a clean privacy blanket, and a draw sheet if desired.

Hold soiled linens away from your clothing when transferring them to a hamper.
Don’t shake the linens, as this can introduce germs into the air.
If a hamper is not immediately available, place soiled sheets in a plastic bag or laundrybasket. Try not to place them on the nightstand or floor.

Gently roll them onto their side away from you.
Remove the fitted sheet by rolling it towards the them.
Place the clean rolled up sheet next, partially underneath them lengthwise so you canroll it out towards you.
Then roll the clean linen towards you. Carefully roll them onto the clean linen.
Go to the other side of the bed and repeat.
Tuck the corners and sides of the clean fitted sheet neatly under the mattress. Pull theclean linen tightly on the bed so that it’s wrinkle-free.
Use a draw sheet if you’re working with a partner. This will allow you to movethem from side to side during the process. Fold a sheet in half and stretch it across themiddle of the bed to use for this purpose. Place the draw sheet on top of the bottomsheet, from their shoulders to buttocks with at least six inches of sheet left on eachside.

Place a privacy blanket over them.
Loosen the top bedding at the end of the bed.
Fold the bedspread to the foot of the bed and take it away by holding it at the center.
Repeat with the blanket.
Only put the bedrail down on the side you’re working on. Never step away from the bedat all when the side rail is down.
If the blanket and bedspread are dirty, replace them with clean ones. Otherwise placethem over a chair while you change the sheets.

Support their head and neck as you remove the pillow.
Gently rest their head back down on the bed.
Remove the dirty pillowcase by unrolling it away from you. Put the pillowcase in thelaundry hamper.