A positioning device for people in hospital beds is disclosed. The device includes a sheet which is placed under the patient. This is connected by rope to an apparatus on the headboard of the bed. Either by the bed's existing motor, or an independent motor, the patient is moved up in bed towards the headboard. This action eliminates the need for two or more people for the job of positioning a person in bed. The chance of an on-the-job injury is also greatly reduced with this positioning aid.