How To Use A Hospital Bed

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How to use a Hospital Bed
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.
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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.
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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-Elect
ric 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.
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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.
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• 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.

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• 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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