How to Safely Use a Hospital Bed at Home

Hospital beds are some of the most important (and useful) types of home medical equipment you can get. If your loved one is recovering from a surgery or injury or suffers from a certain health condition, an in-home hospital bed can offer much-needed support.

Not only do hospital beds maximize comfort, but they help users manage simple tasks, such as getting in and out of bed, sitting up to eat, and finding a comfortable resting position.

But bringing a hospital bed into your home can present some unforeseen problems.

Below, we’ve listed the steps you should take to ensure you are safely using your in-home hospital bed.

Home Hospital Bed Safety Tips

Review the manufacturer’s instructions – If any in-home assembly is required, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions to a T. Then, once built, review the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe use.
Double-check all the parts & mechanisms – As you set up the bed, keep an eye out for parts that are damaged or just don’t fit correctly. Don’t forget to test out the positioning mechanisms.
Lock the wheels at all times – There’s really no reason for you to unlock the bed’s wheels unless you are going to change the location of the bed in your home.
Use those side rails – Designed to prevent dangerous falls, the side rails should be up anytime the patient is not getting in or out of bed.
Get a good night light – Users and caretakers need to see clearly to avoid falls during night-time trips to the bathroom.
Provide easy phone access – A phone and a bell should be placed within reach of the user so they can contact their caretaker when they need assistance.
Make sure the user understands how to change position – The control pad should be within reach at all times. Avoid tangling the control pad cord in the bed rails.
Do NOT use the bed if it produces a burning odor – Call the manufacturer if you notice a strange burning smell or abnormal noises coming from the bed.

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