How to Safely Set Up and Use Your New Home Hospital Bed
You understand that setting up a hospital bed for home is one of the first vital steps to maintaining comfort, safety, effective care, and support for a loved one. Whether you are caring for an aging family member, someone who just came home from a hospital stay, or someone with chronic medical needs, the appropriate set-up and use of a home hospital bed can be transformative. Here is a complete guide to safely set up and get your home hospital bed ready for use.
1. Choose an Appropriate Location
- First, choose an appropriate room, ideally:
- Near a bathroom
- On the first floor (if mobility is challenged)
- Well-ventilated and well-lit
- Large enough to easily allow caregivers to function and maneuver with equipment
Ideally, there should be at least 2 feet of free space to either side of the institution to allow room for a caregiver and freedom for equipment such as IV stands or other assistance such as wheelchair or walker.
2. Prepare the Floor and Environment
Making the setup area safe and functional is important:
- Remove rugs or mats that can be tripping hazards
- Floor should be perfectly even and clean
- Put a non-slip mat underneath the bed if required
- Make sure there are power outlets around for the electric beds
- Clear away clutter and particularly confusions lying around are medications, remotes, water, etc., lift these to at least a surface-level height.
3. Assemble the Bed Properly
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions step by step. An electric bed:
- Plug directly into a grounded outlet, avoiding extension cords
- Check the motors, cords, and remote controls
- Test bed functions — head, foot, and height adjustment — prior to use.
If a medical supply provider delivers and sets up your bed, request a demonstration and instruction for safe operation.
4. Install Safety Features
Safety features in hospital beds are best used to prevent patients from falling or injuring themselves. Ensure you have:
Side rails attached securely and are locked firmly
- The brakes on the bed wheels are tested and locked once the bed is positioned
- The bed height is adjusted in a way that benefits easy access on and off
- The use of bed alarms or call systems should be activated if the patient is a fall risk or will require help should said fall happen.
5. Practice Safe Use of the Bed
- Do not overload the bed with excessive weight (max. load)
- Do not place heavy objects on moving mechanisms of the bed
- Do not place cords or remote controls in locations where someone can trip over them or become entangled in them
- Keep the bed clean and inspect it regularly for wear and tear
Provide safe working instruction on the bed and it settings to both patients and caregivers.
End Note
At-home hospital beds in Vaughan is significantly improve the quality of care; however, much depends on their being properly set up and used. Time dedicated to preparing the space and learning the equipment pays off with peace of mind for both patient and caregiver. Whenever unsure, well, that is when you contact the supplier or a health care professional for information.
