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Positioning in Lateral (Side-Lying) Position

Lateral positioning places the resident on their side and is used for pressure ulcer prevention, comfort, and post-procedure care.

18 steps·5 evaluator checkpoints·5 common mistakes

1Step-by-Step Procedure

1
Wash hands.
2
Identify the resident and explain the procedure.
3
Raise the bed to a comfortable working height; lower the side rail on the side toward which you will turn the resident.
4
Lower the head of the bed to flat.
5
Ensure the resident is in the center of the bed.
6
Cross the resident's far arm across their chest.
7
Cross the resident's far leg over the near leg.
8
Place one hand on the resident's far shoulder and the other on the hip/thigh.
9
Roll the resident toward you onto their side, using a smooth, controlled movement.
10
Place a pillow under the resident's head to maintain spinal alignment.
11
Place a pillow between the resident's knees and ankles to prevent pressure between bony prominences.
12
Position a pillow behind the resident's back for support and to prevent rolling.
13
Flex the top arm slightly and support it with a pillow.
14
Ensure the resident's spine is in a straight line from head to tailbone.
15
Raise the side rail on the side the resident is facing; ensure the opposite rail is also up.
16
Lower the bed to the lowest position.
17
Place the call light within reach.
18
Wash hands and document the position and time.

⚠
Forgetting the pillow between the knees — this is critical for pressure relief and is frequently missed.
⚠
Not placing a support pillow behind the back — the resident can roll supine.
⚠
Rolling the resident away from you rather than toward you — this decreases control.
⚠
Failing to check that the spine remains in alignment.
⚠
Not raising side rails before leaving.

→
Three pillows: head, between knees, behind back — memorize this.
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Roll toward yourself for maximum control and safety.
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Cross far arm and leg first to make the roll smooth.
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Check spinal alignment after positioning — head, spine, and hips should be in a straight line.

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