What are Sliding Sheets?

Sliding Sheets are a user friendly moving and handling solution. Sliding Sheets are a carefully designed system of Base Sheets and Draw Sheets that work together to make positioning and transferring easier for users and care givers. The sheets can be used either independently, just using a Base sheet as a mattress cover, or with assistance using a Base Sheet and Draw Sheet combined. They can be used in a variety of settings including the home, care homes and hospitals.

 Why use Sliding Sheets Systems?

There are many benefits to using Sliding Sheets for both individuals and carers. Sliding Sheets can allow individuals more independence to turn and move themselves in bed.  The smooth sheets can also help minimise friction under pressure points. In turn this can help to reduce pressure sores and shearing damage to the skin.  Sliding Sheets can also be used in conjunction with pressure relieving mattresses, without affecting the pressure qualities of the mattress. A further benefit of the Sliding Sheets is that as the sheets stay on the bed, they enhance comfort for the user, reducing the amount of handling required to reposition, transfer or turn.

Who can Sliding Sheet systems help?

 Sliding Sheets are versatile and are beneficial to many. They are a great tool for people with varying degrees of mobility as they can help enhance what mobility they have. Sliding Sheets are the perfect aid for carers who need to turn, position or move people in bed. They are also a great option for heavier users and those who may be at risk from pressure ulcers.

Sliding Sheets can also be extremely beneficial to carers as they can help reduce physical strain on the caregivers when turning and moving those they care for in bed. This can help prevent injuries. Using Sliding Sheets can save time. They may help reduce the number or carers needed to move and turn a patient.

Sliding Sheets System

 There are two main components to the Sliding Sheet system, Base Sheets and Draw Sheets. Base Sheets can be used alone to aid in side to side movement and increased mobility in bed. Draw Sheets are used alongside Base Sheets to make assisted movement easier.

What does a Base Sheet do?

A Base Sheet is a cotton/polyester sheet, which is fitted on  the mattress  with a low friction sliding panel in the centre allowing sideways movement. The cotton edges on each side of the sheet act as a brake to stop the user sliding off the bed whether they are lying down or sitting on the edge.  It has a non slip surface on the underside which helps keep it in place. The person lies directly on the satin panel which reduces the friction between the bedding and nightwear, this makes turning and moving easier.

 Types of Base Sheets

• Flat Sheet–  A traditional sheet that can be tucked under the mattress.
• Corner Sheet– A single mattress sized flat sheet with elasticated corner straps for fitting to the mattress.
• Fitted Sheet– Available in single and double with locking strings or elasticated fitting, for standard depth mattresses.
• Double Bed– For a single occupant in a double bed.
• Double Offset-The sliding surface is only on one side of the sheet for couples sharing a bed.

Draw Sheets

Draw sheets are designed to be used on top of a Base Sheet.  The user lies on top of the Draw Sheet which can then be gripped, pulled or eased using micro movements by the carer in a variety of ways to move, reposition or provide assistance to turn a user in bed.

Types of Draw Sheets:

There are two types of Draw Sheets. The type used is dependent upon the individual user’s level of need.

 2 Direction

A 2 Direction Draw Sheet works best for users who require some assistance moving in bed. 2 Direction Draw Sheets allow side to side movement on the bed and can prevent movement up and down and prevent sliding down in the bed. 2 Direction Draw Sheets  can reduce shearing and friction forces. Many users find that this makes it easier to move and turn in bed.

4 Directions

4 Direction Draw Sheets are best for users who are dependent on a carer. A 4 direction Draw Sheet is a cotton sheet with a satin underside which sits on the Base Sheet and allows movement up and down and side to side. This makes turning and moving a person or positioning them much easier for the carer.

Types of draw sheets

• Mid length- These are suitable when low friction is required beneath the head, shoulders and hips
• Maxi /full length- These are suitable when low friction is required for the entire body.
• We also supply a wide range of draw sheets that are suitable for people with incontinence issues.

What is a transfer board?

A Transfer Board, also known as a slide or banana board, is a piece of moving and handling equipment that aids in moving a person from one surface to another, for example from a bed to a wheelchair or wheelchair to toilet. It is used to bridge two surfaces for a smoother and easier transition. Transfer Boards can help people move from seat to seat or can be used to transfer a person in a supine position from bed to bed. There are also Transfer Boards that are especially designed to help position people who are seated.

How do Transfer Boards work?

Transfer Boards allow the user to move in several small movements instead of one large movement, meaning less strain is put on the user and allows them to gradually move at their own pace .  When using a transfer board the surface being transferred to should be the same height, or preferably lower than the surface the user is transferring from.  They should never be used to push or pull a person to a different surface; instead it should be used to help the user gently slide into their desired position.

Who can use Transfer Boards?

Transfer Boards should only be used if advised by a Health Care Professional. The boards can be used independently by the user or with assistance from carers. Initially most independent users require help from carers when using the board before they can use the board independently.  Transfer Boards are an ideal solution for users who have limited upper body strength.

Having gained the moniker “The Most Dangerous Room in the House” the bathroom certainly lives up to its reputation. The American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2008 that over 21.8 million people sustained an accidental injury in the bathroom. With so many potential hazards care needs to be taken to avoid any slips, falls or accidents.

At Nordic Care, we want to help make the Bathroom a safe and accessible place for all. Our ability to bath unaided is often something that is taken for granted until it is taken away. We want to ensure that as many people as possible keep their independence when bathing . We offer a variety of solutions that can aid in comfortable and easy independent bathing.

Assisted Bathing

However we are aware that this isn’t possible for all. This is why we strive to ensure all our assisted bathing solutions maintain the dignity of the user.

Nordic Care’s Top Tips for Assisted Bathing

Bathing is often a very private matter. It is essential to maintain the persons dignity when helping with their personal hygiene. Assisting someone bathing takes a lot of tact, care and respect. Here are some tips that can help when assisting someone with bathing.

Communicate: Be clear and open. Make sure the person you are assisting knows what is going to happen and that they are comfortable with it. Listen to the persons directions and always be respectful of their wishes.

Support:  Encourage the person to assist in their own bathing as much as possible.  Give them a sponge or a flannel to clean themselves. Assist in places they are unable to do themselves.

Time- Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to assist the person bathing. Be patient and try not to rush them.

Warmth: Make sure the bathroom is warm and inviting to entice the person to bath. Ensure the bath or shower water is at an appropriate temperature and that the bather is not a risk of becoming too cold or scalding themselves. Once the person is finished bathing make sure you have warm towels to hand for them to dry off in.

Prepare: Make sure you have all you need to bathe the person close. Gather soaps and shampoos so they are close at hand and ready to use. Lay out clothes before bathing that the person can change in to once they are finished.