How To Use A Hospital Bed

1. What is a Hospital Bed? A hospital bed is a special bed that may be needed to care for a person who is ill. You can buy or rent a hospital bed for use at home from ACG Medical Supply. Most hospital beds look like a twin bed made of heavy metal parts. The bed has movable side rails. Hand cranks or electricity may be used to change positions of the bed.

2. Why do I need a Hospital Bed? A hospital bed may be needed if you or a family member is ill or recovering from an illness at home. Hospital beds can be manual or electric. Electric hospital beds may be easier for most persons to use. Bed positions may be changed on hospital beds. You may raise or lower the head, knees, or foot of the bed. This may help a person in bed breathe more easily and be more comfortable. You may also change the entire height of the bed, making it more comfortable for caregivers working with someone in bed. You may be able to change the position of an electric bed by pushing a button, without having to call for help.

3. What kind of Hospital Bed should I use? When choosing a bed, think of your needs, as well as the needs of those caring for you. There are several kinds of hospital beds from which to choose: Manual Hospital Bed - With this bed you need to change bed positions by hand using cranks. If you are unable to do this, you will need someone to help you. The cranks are located at the foot or head of the bed. Manual beds may not move to as many positions as an electric bed. Most manual beds can be raised to make it easier for caregivers to help you. The bed may also be lowered to make it easier for you to get in and out of bed. A manual bed may be very difficult for a person who has limited hand or arm strength to use. You may good hand strength to turn the cranks. A person with a back condition or knee problems may also have trouble. A person may need to bed or kneel to use the bed cranks. Semi-Electric Hospital Bed - A semi-electric bed has a motor and a cord to plug into an electrical outlet. There is a control pad hooked to the bed that may look like a television remote control. Each button on the control may have a picture showing how the bed will move when you push the button. Many persons like a semi-electric bed because the positions of the bed can be changed easily.

4. What kind of mattress should I use? There are many kinds of mattresses available for a hospital bed, including mattresses filled with air, gel, or foam. Some special mattresses can reduce pressure on certain body areas, and help prevent pressure sores. You can buy or rent the mattress at ACG Medical Supply where you buy or rent the hospital bed. The mattress usually comes with a waterproof cover. You may need other pads or bed attachments. You might consider renting extra bed equipment, if needed. Where should the Hospital Bed be placed at home? Place a hospital bed where there is enough room for it when it is in any position. Put the bed in a place where there is room on the sides of the bed to walk around the bed. Be sure others can hear you if you are in the bed and you call for help. You may want to place the bed near the bathroom and place it on the main level to avoid having to climb stairs. Place the bed away from windows or doors where there may be cold drafts of air. The best place for a bed may not be a bedroom, but where the family activities are yet still providing privacy.

5. What should I know about using electrical outlets and extension cords for the Hospital Bed? • Check the bed's power cord for damage. It may be crushed, pinched, sheared, cut, or worn through. Place furniture (such as rocking chairs) away from the cord. Avoid placing or rolling the bed over the power cord. Do not allow clothing, sheets, blankets, books, or anything else to be in contact with the wall outlet. Do not let items get stuck between the cord and outlets when the bed is plugged in. This may cause a fire, or damage the cord or the plug. Do not place a rug or carpet, or any other item, over the power cord for the bed. Carpets and rugs may cause the cord to heat up too much and lead to a fire. Do not place the cord in a location where persons walk, as this may cause falls or damage the power cord. Do not use an extension cord or power strip having more than one plug-in outlet. Any damage to these can cause a fire. If you must use an extension cord or power strip, have a professional check it first. It will also need to be checked regularly for as long as you use it. Avoid using outlet boxes that more than one cord may be plugged into. If you must use an outlet box, place it where there are no risk or damage or spilling liquids. Plug the power cord from the bed directly into an outlet on the wall. Have a professional check the outlet to see if it is working correctly. The outlet should also be checked to be sure it is the right type for the cord. The prongs on the plug should be tight. The cord should fit tightly into the outlet. The plug, outlet and wall plate should not be chipped or cracked. • • • •

6. What are the advantages of having Side Rails on the Hospital Bed? • • • Providing a place to fasten bed controls within easy reach of the person in bed Providing a place to hold on when getting in and out of bed May allow a person in bed to help with repositioning (turning) themselves What are the dangers of having Side Rails on the Hospital Bed? • Injury from a fall if a person climbs over the side rail and falls. You may have a higher risk of injury than falling from the bed itself. The fall may be more awkward, causing more serious injury. Injury if a part of the body gets caught between the bed rails, or the rails and the mattress. •

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