How to Move a Bedridden Person with Two Caregivers (Without Causing Strain or Stress)

When someone you love can’t move on their own, the simplest tasks—like shifting positions in bed—become something bigger. Something physical. Something emotional. And when two caregivers are involved, it’s not just about teamwork—it’s about doing it right so no one gets hurt. Not the person you’re caring for. And not you.

Whether you're repositioning your elderly parent, helping your disabled sibling, or assisting a partner after surgery, knowing how to work together is key. This isn’t just a “nice to know”—it’s a must.

How to move a bedridden person with two caregivers

Here’s the short version: one person handles the top half, the other handles the bottom. You work in sync. Slow and steady. Communication is everything.

Start by lowering the head of the bed. Remove pillows, blankets, or anything else in the way. Place a draw sheet or an SPC quilted underpad (30 x 36) under the person—this gives you a surface to grip that slides easily and protects the sheets from leaks.

Stand on opposite sides of the bed. Bend your knees (not your back), and grip the sheet close to their body. On a count of three, shift them toward the head of the bed or turn them to the side—whatever's needed. The sheet does the gliding, not your arms.

SPC incontinence products are great for this—those quilted underpads stay in place, absorb a ton of liquid, and let you slide without tugging or causing friction burns.

Proper technique for repositioning a person in bed with help

Let’s get real for a second—if you’re not using proper body mechanics, you will feel it later. Shoulders. Back. Wrists. It all adds up. So here’s what actually works:

• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart for balance.
  
  

• Bend your knees, not your waist.
  
  

• Keep the person close to your center of gravity.
  
  

• Avoid twisting—move your feet instead.
  
  

• Count together so you move as a team.
  
  

Before you even start, make sure the person knows what’s about to happen. Talk them through it. Tell them when you’re going to move and how they can help—if they can. Even lifting their arm or bending a knee makes it easier.

Transferring a bedbound patient safely using two people

Transferring can mean moving up in bed, turning to the side, or even getting out of bed and into a wheelchair. When you're working as a pair, one of you should lead the transfer and communicate step-by-step. The other follows, keeping their focus on safety and alignment.

Use friction-reducing sheets or transfer boards if you have them. If not, the SPC quilted underpads are thick enough to use for sliding, and their high absorbency means you won’t be dealing with surprise damp spots mid-transfer.

It’s also okay to pause. If your loved one is uncomfortable or tense, stop, recheck their position, and try again. This isn’t a race.

How to turn a person in bed with two caregivers

This part’s important, especially if you’re preventing pressure sores or helping with hygiene. You’ll need a plan—and maybe a little patience.

One caregiver handles the head and shoulders. The other takes the hips and legs. Work together to roll the person gently onto their side, using the draw sheet or underpad to assist. Place pillows behind their back or between their knees for comfort. If you’re cleaning or changing incontinence products, work quickly but kindly.

SPC reusable underwear and bladder control liners make cleanup less stressful. They’re super absorbent, so you're not fighting wet sheets or struggling to keep skin dry.

Moving an elderly person in bed without injury

Older skin tears easily. Joints are stiff. And you’re probably doing this multiple times a day. The goal is to move slowly and avoid pulling directly on arms or legs.

Use soft, steady movements. Communicate as you go. Protect skin with barrier creams, and watch for redness around bony areas like hips, heels, and shoulders.

Keep a few pairs of gloves, wipes, and SPC incontinence supplies on hand so you’re not scrambling when it’s time to change them. The less time they spend in a wet pad or position, the healthier their skin stays.

Step-by-step repositioning techniques for caregivers

Let’s talk rhythm—it’s not about strength, it’s about coordination.

1. Lower the head of the bed.
   
   

2. Place a draw sheet or SPC underpad under your loved one.
   
   

3. One caregiver stands on each side.
   
   

4. Communicate: “On three, we’ll shift up.”
   
   

5. Use your legs to slide, not lift.
   
   

6. Reposition pillows and adjust the body for alignment.
   
   

7. Check for signs of discomfort or skin irritation.
   
   

Repeat this every 2-3 hours, or more if they’re prone to pressure injuries. It sounds like a lot, but you’ll fall into a rhythm—and it gets easier with practice.

How to prevent bedsores by repositioning regularly

Pressure sores start small—just a little redness at first. But they can get serious fast if someone stays in one position too long.

That’s why moving them every few hours is crucial. Shift them from their back to their side. Prop their heels up. Use SPC quilted underpads to wick away moisture and reduce skin breakdown.

And don’t forget to check their skin. After every reposition, look for discoloration, heat, or pain. That’s your early warning system.

Best incontinence supplies for repositioning bedridden patients

Let’s be honest—none of this is easy. But having the right supplies changes everything.

SPC incontinence products were made for this. The quilted underpads? Super absorbent and soft. The reusable underwear? Comfortable and washable. The liners and guards? Discreet but strong. These are medical-grade supplies that don’t feel stiff or plastic-y, and they’re tested to hold up under real daily use.

Caregivers deserve peace of mind. So do your loved ones. That’s what these products were built for.

At San Pablo Commercial, we're a family-run business dedicated to supporting seniors and caregivers by offering dependable, affordable incontinence supplies. From SPC disposable underpads to reusable underwear and sanitary pads, our range is designed for comfort and confidence. We understand the challenges of managing incontinence and strive to make it easier for you to stay clean, dry, and independent every day.