How to Help a Loved One with Parkinson’s Get In and Out of Bed Safely

How to Help a Loved One with Parkinson's Get In and Out of Bed Safely

Here's how to safely help your loved one with Parkinson's get in and out of bed: use the log-roll technique to move them onto their side, then assist them into sitting before standing. This step-by-step guide covers both directions — getting out in the morning and getting back in at night. If you have an adjustable hospital bed, the electric head and knee positioning does most of the work. April is Parkinson's Awareness Month — the perfect time to learn these techniques that protect both your loved one and your back.

Getting Out of Bed: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bed and Yourself

• Raise the bed to waist height using the hi-low function — this eliminates bending
• Stand on the side of the bed your loved one will exit from
• Raise the half rail on the opposite side as a safety barrier
• Remove extra pillows from under their head
• Tell them: "I'm going to help you roll onto your side, then sit up"

Step 2: Log-Roll to Side-Lying Position

The log-roll moves your loved one from their back to their side while keeping their spine aligned:

1. Cross their far leg over their near leg (this creates momentum for the roll)
2. Place their far arm across their chest
3. Put one of your hands behind their far shoulder blade — never pull on the arm
4. Put your other hand behind their far hip
5. Count: "One, two, three, roll"
6. Lean back and shift your weight to roll them toward you — don't pull with your arms

Your body mechanics: Keep your back straight, knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart. The movement comes from shifting your body weight backward, not from lifting.

Step 3: From Side-Lying to Sitting on the Edge

If you have an adjustable bed (recommended):

1. With your loved one on their side facing the bed edge, use the remote to raise the head section to 60-65 degrees
2. Raise the knee section slightly to prevent sliding
3. The bed mechanically lifts their torso — this does about 70% of the work
4. Help them bend their knees and lower their feet over the edge
5. Support their upper back as they pivot to sitting

If you don't have an adjustable bed:

1. Place one arm under their knees and the other behind their upper back
2. Count: "One, two, three, up"
3. As you bring their legs down over the edge, help lift their trunk
4. Shift your weight toward their feet — the momentum of lowering legs helps raise the torso

Step 4: Pause in Sitting Position

• Let your loved one sit for 30-60 seconds before standing
• This prevents dizziness from blood pressure changes
• Check that their feet are flat on the floor with knees at about 90 degrees
• If the bed is too high or low, adjust the height now

Step 5: Sit-to-Stand Transfer

1. Have your loved one scoot forward until their weight is over their feet
2. Place their hands on the bed rails, your forearms, or a gait belt
3. Stand facing them with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent
4. Count: "Nose over toes — one, two, three, stand"
5. They push through their heels while you provide stability (not lifting)
6. Wait for full balance before taking any steps

If freezing occurs: Stop immediately. Do not pull. Try rhythmic counting ("march, march, march"), have them shift weight side to side, or ask them to step over an imaginary line.

Getting Into Bed: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Standing to Sitting

1. Position your loved one with the backs of their legs touching the bed
2. Adjust bed height so their feet will rest flat when seated
3. Have them reach back for the half rail or bed surface
4. Guide them to lower slowly, bending at knees and hips
5. Stay in contact throughout to prevent "crash landings"

Step 2: Sitting to Lying Down

1. Have them scoot back until their hips are fully on the mattress
2. Stand at their side
3. Support their upper back with one arm, their knees with the other
4. As they lower their upper body, help lift and swing their legs onto the bed
5. If using an adjustable bed, the lowering head section assists the controlled descent

Step 3: Final Positioning

• Use the log-roll technique to center them if needed
• Adjust pillows for comfort
• Set head elevation for any respiratory needs
• Lower the bed height for nighttime safety

How an Adjustable Bed Makes Transfers Easier

An adjustable bed transforms from passive furniture into an active caregiving partner. Here's how each feature directly assists with transfers:

Why the Supernal 3 Is Ideal for Parkinson's Transfers

The Supernal 3 addresses the specific challenges of Parkinson's bed mobility. Its 65-degree head adjustment mechanically lifts patients into a seated position, eliminating the most dangerous lifting moment for caregivers.

The 10.5-inch low height allows patients to place feet flat on the floor when sitting, creating the stable base needed for safe sit-to-stand transfers. During nighttime bathroom trips, this low profile also reduces fall injury severity.

The wall-hugging technology keeps the nightstand within reach as the head elevates, so patients can access water, medication, or call buttons without stretching. The wireless illuminated remote allows caregivers to adjust bed position in darkness without stepping away from the patient mid-transfer. Optional half rails with bamboo covers provide the secure handholds that Parkinson's patients need during the sit-to-stand transition.

Specifications: Height range 10.5"-20.5" | Head 0-65° | Foot 0-35° | 400-500 lb capacity | Twin, Full, Queen, Dual King sizes

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5 Rules to Protect Your Back During Every Transfer

1. Adjust bed height first — raise to waist level before any transfer
2. Shift your weight, don't lift — lean back during the log-roll instead of pulling
3. Bend your knees, not your back — let your leg muscles do the work
4. Stay close — every inch of distance multiplies the effective weight
5. Pivot your feet, never twist — twisting while bearing weight causes disc injuries

According to NIOSH research, one person manually lifting a patient can exert 1,424 to 2,062 pounds of force on the lumbar spine — far exceeding the 764-pound safe limit. Using proper technique and equipment prevents the cumulative damage that leads to chronic back injury.

Handling Parkinson's-Specific Challenges

Freezing Episodes

If your loved one freezes mid-transfer, stop immediately and do not pull. Their torso may continue forward while their feet stay planted, creating fall risk. To break a freeze:

• Count rhythmically: "March, march, march" or "Step, step, step"
• Have them shift weight side to side
• Ask them to step over an imaginary line
• Wait — rushing increases fall risk

Morning Stiffness

Parkinson's symptoms are often worst before the first medication dose takes effect. For morning transfers:

• Allow extra time — don't rush
• Gently move their knees side to side while lying down to loosen stiffness
• Consider timing the first dose 30 minutes before getting up

Medication "Off" Periods

When possible, schedule transfers during "on" periods when medication is working. If you must transfer during an "off" period, rely more heavily on the bed's mechanical assistance and expect slower movements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you help a loved one with Parkinson's get in and out of bed safely?

Log-roll them from back to side, use the bed's electric head to assist into sitting, then stand with "nose over toes." The Transfer Master Supernal 3 does 70% of the lifting work mechanically.

What is the log-roll technique?

Cross the patient's far leg over near leg, place their far arm across chest, then roll them toward you by shifting your weight backward while supporting their shoulder and hip.

What if my loved one freezes during the transfer?

Stop immediately and do not pull. Use rhythmic counting, weight shifting, or ask them to step over an imaginary line to break the freeze.

What height should the bed be for transfers?

Raise the bed to your waist height during transfers to eliminate bending. Lower it at night so the patient's feet touch the floor when sitting on the edge.

Do bed rails help with Parkinson's transfers?

Half rails at the head of the bed provide secure handholds during sit-to-stand and give patients something to push against, reducing how much the caregiver must lift.

How does an adjustable bed help with transfers?

Electric head positioning raises the patient to sitting mechanically, and hi-low adjustment allows transfers at ergonomic heights, eliminating the dangerous lifting that causes caregiver injuries.

Get the Right Equipment for Safe Transfers

The right bed and rails make daily transfers safer for both you and your loved one. Explore the Transfer Master Adjustable Hospital Bed collection or call 833-499-4450 to discuss your specific caregiving needs.