If you would like to book a tour or enquire about one of our homes, please click here

Getting in and out of bed

Discover the safest and easiest way to get in and out of bed, especially if you use a walking aid, frame, or mobility device. This step-by-step guide covers essential techniques to help prevent falls, protect your body, and maintain independence, whether you're recovering from surgery, managing mobility issues, or looking to build safer habits.

Getting into bed

01
Pull back your covers on an angle to avoid trapping it when you lay down
02
Stand near the middle of the bed
03
Turn around to face away from the bed
04
Move back until you feel the mattress on the back of your legs
05
Put you hands on the bed one at a time
06
Sit on the bed and shuffle back as far as you can
07
Shift and walking aids out of the way, but still in reach
08
Remove slippers
09
Do NOT bend forward to do this
10
Place your hand across you lap, towards your pillow and place on bed
11
Bring your shoulders down while simultaneously ringing your legs onto the bed in one smooth motion
12
Move yourself to the middle of the bed and pull you covers into position

Getting out of bed

01
Pull the covers away
02
Roll over onto your side, placing your opposite hand flat on the mattress
03
In one smooth motion, push yourself up with your hand while simultaneously bringing you legs down
04
Shuffle forward to the edge of the bed Be careful not to go too far as you could slip off
05
Slide your feet into your slippers
06
Do NOT bend down to do this as you could fall
07
Using a long shoe horn can help
08
If you use a walker, bring it closer to you
09
Place both hands on the mattress
10
Lean forward and push yourself up
11
Bring one hand at a time to the walking frame
12
Take a moment to make sure you are not dizzy before moving off

Meet our experts

Rosalind Gray

A compassionate and versatile Occupational Therapist and AHP Manager with over 30 years’ experience across the NHS, local authorities, private and charity sectors. I specialise in supporting adults with physical disabilities, dementia, rehabilitation needs, environmental adaptations, and palliative care. I’m committed to putting people at the centre of everything I do, delivering genuinely person-centred services and ensuring accessibility for all. I have a proven track record in interdisciplinary leadership, change management, innovation, creative problem-solving, service design, environmental adaptation, performance management, mentoring, customer service, and delivering outcomes that make a meaningful difference. In my spare time, I’m a passionate nature photographer!

Vanessa Marques

Vanessa graduated from London South Bank University in 2022 with a Postgraduate Degree in Occupational Therapy. She brings a wealth of experience having worked with both children and adults in the NHS and various charity organisations, which include settings specialised in learning disabilities and palliative care. Vanessa has worked within the Therapy Team at Nightingale Hammerson since 2022, supporting residents through personalised therapeutic interventions to enhance independence, well-being and improve quality of life. Vanessa enjoys enabling residents to engage and participate in their meaningful activities and tasks, as well as supporting the learning and development of team members within the organisation.

Was this useful? Please let us know

The resources available are not, and are not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances.  The resources are for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgment before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action. Full terms and conditions