Patient Education Materials

Bed Transfer: Toward Your Weaker Side

This page will tell you how to safely get in and out of bed by leading with your weaker side.

Getting into bed

1. Sit on the edge of your bed.
2. Scoot back while angling toward the head of the bed.
3. Slide your weaker leg onto the bed while pushing back with your stronger leg (see picture below). Do this until you are well positioned on the bed.
4. Gently lower yourself back onto the bed.

Getting out of bed

1. Sit up in bed.
2. Scoot to the edge of the bed using your stronger leg.
3.  Lower your stronger leg to the floor.
4. Turn toward the stronger leg while sliding the weaker leg off the bed and toward the floor.

Safety tips

• If you have had a total hip replacement, remember your hip precautions (keep your knees apart).
• Use a leg lifter as your therapist showed you.

Note: Your therapist may show you different ways to get in and out of bed depending on your situation. Follow the instructions you are given.

 Reviewed January 2011