Below are some steps when upgrading / patching a database:
1. Install SOFTWARE in new OH
2. BACKUP database
3. SHUTDOWN DB
4. Update ORATAB for database so that it is pointing to new OH.
5. RUN oraenv for DB and check that env parameters are pointing to the new OH.
6. COPY network and database parameter files are copied to new OH.
7. RUN PREUpgrade Steps
8. RUN UPGRADE STEPS
9. RUN POST UPGRADE STEPS (backup configuration, monitoring, etc)
10. BACKUP Database.