What Are Draw Sheets? A Simple Guide for Hospice and Nursing Caregivers
Caring for someone in hospice can raise many questions—often at moments when you’re tired, worried, or unsure what to do next.
This article is designed to provide clear, practical information in plain language, so you can better understand what’s happening and feel more confident in your caregiving role.
You don’t need to read everything at once. Take what’s helpful, and remember that your hospice team is always there to support you.
What Is a Draw Sheet?
A draw sheet is a smaller sheet placed crosswise across a bed, underneath a person’s torso. It is commonly used in hospice, nursing homes, and home caregiving settings to help with repositioning, comfort, and bed care.
Unlike a regular bedsheet that covers the entire mattress, a draw sheet usually covers only the middle portion of the bed—roughly from the shoulders to the thighs.
Draw sheets are sometimes also called:
- Lift sheets
- Turning sheets
- Repositioning sheets
Why Are Draw Sheets Used in Hospice and Nursing Care?
As people become weaker or spend more time in bed, moving or repositioning them safely becomes more difficult. Draw sheets are used to help caregivers move someone gently without pulling on their arms, legs, or skin.
In hospice care, draw sheets are especially helpful because they:
- Reduce strain on caregivers
- Make repositioning more comfortable for the patient
- Help prevent skin irritation and pressure injuries
- Allow care to be provided with dignity and ease
They are a simple tool, but they make a big difference.
How Draw Sheets Help with Repositioning
One of the most common uses of a draw sheet is turning or repositioning someone in bed.
Instead of pulling directly on the person, caregivers can:
- Hold the edges of the draw sheet
- Gently lift or shift the person using the fabric
- Keep movements smooth and controlled
This approach:
- Reduces discomfort
- Protects fragile skin
- Helps caregivers avoid injury
In hospice care, comfort and gentleness are always the priority.
Draw Sheets and Skin Protection
People who spend a lot of time in bed are at risk for skin breakdown, especially over bony areas like the hips, tailbone, and shoulders.
Draw sheets help by:
- Making repositioning easier and more frequent
- Reducing friction when someone is moved
- Helping keep bedding smooth and dry
Many draw sheets are made of cotton or absorbent material, which can also help manage moisture and protect the skin.
Do Draw Sheets Replace Regular Sheets?
No — draw sheets are used in addition to regular bed linens.
A typical bed setup may include:
- A fitted sheet on the mattress
- A draw sheet placed crosswise on top
- Additional bedding as needed for comfort
The draw sheet can be removed or changed independently if it becomes soiled, without needing to remake the entire bed.
Are Draw Sheets Only Used in Hospitals?
No. While draw sheets are common in hospitals, they are also widely used:
- In hospice care at home
- In nursing homes
- In assisted living settings
Hospice teams often recommend or provide draw sheets for home caregivers because they make daily care tasks safer and easier.
If you are unsure whether you should be using one, your hospice nurse can help guide you.
What If I’ve Never Used a Draw Sheet Before?
Many family caregivers worry they might use equipment incorrectly or hurt their loved one.
That’s a common concern — and it’s okay.
If you’re new to draw sheets:
- Ask your hospice nurse to show you how to use one
- Watch a short instructional video if available
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification
Using a draw sheet correctly should feel gentle and controlled, not forceful.
When a Draw Sheet Might Be Especially Helpful
Draw sheets are often useful when:
- Your loved one is weak or unable to assist with movement
- Turning in bed causes discomfort
- You are worried about pulling on fragile skin
- Bed care feels physically difficult
They are a supportive tool — not a sign that you’re doing something wrong or that care has become “too medical.”
A Gentle Reminder for Caregivers
Providing hands-on care can feel intimidating at first. Simple tools like draw sheets exist to make caregiving safer, easier, and more comfortable for everyone involved.
If something feels awkward or uncertain, your hospice team is there to help guide you. You are not expected to figure this out on your own.
Caring for someone in hospice is not about having all the answers—it’s about paying attention, offering comfort, and knowing when to ask for help.
If something feels concerning or confusing, reaching out to your hospice nurse is always the right choice. You are not expected to do this alone.
Partner for Care is here to support you with clear, compassionate information—so you can feel more confident and less overwhelmed as you care for your loved one.