Question on repositioning Obese patient

[Rainscape]

I work with a patient that weighs 200+lbs. At night a Hoyer lift is used to get him into bed. My problem is when I try to reposition him later in the night (he has to be positioned on his side). I do use a draw sheet but it is just so difficult to do. I don't seem to have enough strenghth in my wrists. Is there anyone that can give me some tips as to how to make this easier on both of us?

There is no one available to help with repositioning.

Thank you :)

[casi, ASN, RN]

What can he do himself? Is he able to reach and pull? And why do you have no help?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Use the bed for a gravity assist.

[caliotter3]

When moving someone in bed, not repositioning from side to side, I would tell the patient that I was going to do this a little at a time and proceed to move one shoulder, then the other. Then I would take as many tries to get each of the legs and both hips placed the way I wanted. I couldn't do it any other way and I never had a patient tell me that they minded. Most tried to help if they could.

[nightmare, RN]

You say you use a draw sheet.Do you have access to slide sheets?These are better for turning if you have to do it on your own.

[One Flew Over]

When you put him in bed, whatever side you plan to put him on, give it a lot of extra slack. Then get on the opposite side, bend his leg over and give the draw sheet a miiiiiighhttttyyyyyyy pull. Then, get on the other side and roll him towards you. It's easier to pull than try to hold him up. Use plenty of pillows, I had a guy who was 300 lbs and night shift would use 2 lousy pillows that would go flat under his weight. Even better, you could ask if your therapy dept could get you a nice positioning wedge.

And if you can't figure out how to do it without hurting yourself, you need to get help, you might set yourself up for an injury. Even if there isn't another aide, (which happens, I understand) have one of the nurses help you.

[nightmare, RN]

We have residents who are designated as 'doubles' we make time to help turn these residents as no one wants a back injury!

[Rainscape]

This patient lives at home and is a quadriplegic. There is only one of us present on each shift. That is why no one is available to help with repositioning.

Thanks so much for your input.

[nightmare, RN]

Oh that makes a difference!Does he sleep with the hoyer sling in position? It may be possible to lift him slightly with the hoist and then use your draw sheet to pull him into the right position.