How to Help an Elderly Person Get In and Out of Bed Safely

Getting in and out of bed happens at least twice a day, which makes it worth doing safely and consistently, both to protect the person moving and to avoid strain on whoever’s helping them.

The Basic Safe Sequence

A generally safer approach is to roll onto one side first, rather than sitting straight up from lying flat, then use the arms to push up into a seated position on the edge of the bed. From seated, pausing for a moment before standing helps avoid the dizziness that can come from standing up too quickly, which is a real and often underestimated fall risk.

Using Support Along the Way

A bed rail, a sturdy nearby piece of furniture, or a helper’s arm gives something stable to push against while moving from lying to seated to standing. See our bed rail buying guide if a rail isn’t already in place.

If You’re Assisting Someone

Stand on the side they’re moving toward, let them lead the movement with their own strength as much as possible rather than lifting them entirely, and keep your own back straight, bending at the knees if you need to help lift. If the person is unable to bear much of their own weight, it’s worth getting guidance from a physiotherapist on safe transfer techniques rather than improvising, both for their safety and yours.

Watch for Dizziness on Standing

A drop in blood pressure on standing (sometimes linked to medication) can cause lightheadedness right after getting up, which is a common but under-recognized fall trigger. Pausing seated for a moment, then standing slowly with support nearby, reduces this risk.

Preparing the Bed and Room

• Set the bed at a height where your parent’s feet rest flat on the floor with knees at about a right angle when sitting on the edge.
• Keep slippers with a back strap beside the bed, and a clear, well-lit path to the door and bathroom.
• Place a lamp or light switch within reach before getting out of bed.
• Use a firm mattress edge. Very soft mattresses make it harder to sit up and push off.

Getting Into Bed Safely

• Sit on the edge of the bed near the pillow end, with the backs of the legs touching the bed first.
• Lower onto one elbow, then lie down on the side while lifting the legs onto the bed together.
• Roll onto the back once settled, and adjust pillows for comfort.

Night-Time Precautions

Many falls happen when getting up at night, often in the dark or while rushing to the bathroom. A night light, a bedside commode or urinal, and a clear path reduce this risk. A call button beside the bed lets your parent ask for help instead of attempting a difficult move alone.

Related Guides

• How to Make a Bedroom Safer for Elderly Parents
• Bedside Safety Products for Older Adults
• Bedridden Elderly Care at Home: A Practical Guide for Family Caregivers

Frequently Asked Questions

Should someone always sit up before standing, rather than standing directly from lying down?
Generally yes — moving through a seated position gives the body time to adjust and gives a natural pause to check balance before bearing full weight.

When should a physiotherapist be involved?
If getting in or out of bed has become consistently difficult, painful, or has led to a fall or near-fall, it’s worth getting a professional assessment rather than relying on general guidance alone.