Abstract: The apparatus for preventing and healing bedsores in long-term inpatients comprises a bed which is supported by four elements arranged in pairs at the longitudinal sides of the bed. Each element is constituted by a tubular upright fixed to the bed frame, inside which a column is telescopingly accommodated. A roller is rotatably supported at the top of both columns arranged on each longitudinal side of the bed. A piece of fabric closed in a loop is wound around the two rollers. The fabric is moved with respect to the bed by lifting and lowering the columns, whereas the fabric can be caused to slide transversely with respect to the bed by actuating the rollers. Therefore, the patient is first lifted off the bed on which he is laying and is then turned in the required position by virtue of the lifting and sliding motion of the fabric.