How do you raise a manual hospital bed?

Elders, especially those who need complete care, are prone to pressure ulcers and other related diseases. These can be prevented and treated easily through constant repositioning to allow proper blood circulation on the affected area. There are lots of hospital beds for sale today, each with great features to boast and claims to highlight. However, choosing the best among them is challenging since we should take into account various considerations.  

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There&#;s no doubt we&#;re amazed by the comfort and technology brought by electric beds, but the cost might really be a pain in the pocket. Thankfully, manual hospital beds are cheaper and have the same purpose as the fully electric ones, making them economical and worth it for families with tight budgets. 

What is a manual hospital bed?

A manual hospital bed is a bed specifically made to aid patients with minimal to no mobility. It features a different level of comfort and safety for both the patient and the health care worker. Manual hospital beds are operated using a hand crank. Patients can control the movement of this bed because the crank is often located near the head and the foot area. However, cranking may require a little force and strength, depending on the weight on the bed. In case the patient is immobile, the assistance of the caregiver is needed. 

How do you raise a hospital bed?

Manual hospital beds often come with three cranks for control. They are located either on the lower part of the headrest or the lower part of the footrest. The first crank is the head crank, in the middle is the crank to lower or raise the bed, and on the other side is the foot crank. There are also caster locks on the bed&#;s wheels to keep it stable and for safety purposes.

Beds for homecare are raised to have better positioning of patients. It promotes movement and reduces pressure on the back of their back area. You can raise it by cranking the high-low crank clockwise. You can also tilt the head and foot portion of the bed for up to 45 degrees. It is done by rotating the head and foot crank clockwise. The most common inclination used for patients is from 15 to 30 degrees. 

Can you manually lower a hospital bed?

YES! To be able to lower the bed, you must first secure the locking system. Make sure that all the levers of the caster locks are pressed down. It ensures that the bed is intact in its desired location keeping the patient free from falling. Then, you can start rotating the middle crank counterclockwise to lower the bed. Meanwhile, if you want to lower or decrease the inclination of the bed, you can rotate the hand and foot crank counterclockwise. 

How much does a manual hospital bed weigh?

Most manual hospital beds weigh in the range of 400lbs to 500 lbs. Since they are made from high-grade welded steel, they cost more than ordinary beds. The maximum weight capacity of manual beds ranges from 300lbs to 400lbs. You can also choose the size of hospital beds depending on your preference. There are standard sizes, pediatric sizes, and bariatric sizes. 

How do you lower the side of a hospital bed?

No matter how safe we think it is for patients, there is always this possibility of falling. Thus, side railings are made to give extra protection. Manual hospital beds have detachable side railings. They are technically not part of the bed itself but an accessory to it. You can slightly pull the rail with one hand to lower the side rail and remove the plunger that locks the rails. Then, you can slowly drop it to the bottom. To raise the rails, you can raise it back to the original position, then put the plunger, and it&#;s all set. 

How low does a hospital bed go down?

Hospital beds can be lowered from 15 inches to 25 inches, depending on the type and size of the bed. However, some beds available in the market can go down to 9.5 inches if the patient is shorter than usual, those are more commonly known as a high low hospital bed. Pediatric hospital beds are the best example. 

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How high can a hospital bed go?

Manual Hospital beds can be raised from 30 inches to 35 inches depending on the type of bed. Bariatric beds are examples of beds which heights can go up to 34 inches to 39 inches. One perfect example is the bariatric beds. These are heavy-duty beds that have a maximum weight capacity of 750lbs. 

Quick Turnaround 

The best hospital beds are not always the ones with high remote controls and technology. Instead, the best hospital beds are the one that serves its purpose to bring comfort and safety to both the patient and the healthcare aid. It is the one that fits the budget of families that genuinely wants what&#;s best for their loved ones. Sometimes, words are deceiving, and if we generalize the features and characteristics of hospital beds, we would see that it all narrows down to a common purpose. 

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. 

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 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.

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.

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.

What should I know about safety while using a Hospital Bed?

• Keep the wheels of the bed locked at all times. Unlock the wheels only if the bed needs to be moved.
• Put a bell and a within reach of the bed. These should be available so the person may call for help when needed.
• Keep the side rails up. If there is danger of the person falling off the bed, keep the rails up at all times.
• Never light matches, candles, or smoke while in or around the bed. Do not let others smoke or light matches or candles near your bed.
• Follow the specific manufacturer's instructions for using the bed.
• Put night lights where needed as they may help prevent falls.
• If a footstool is needed for the person to get out of bed, make sure it is strong and stable.
• Put the bed control pad within easy reach of the bed for the person to adjust positions. Learn to use the control panel, and practice the different positions. Test the bed's hand and panel controls to be sure the bed is working correctly. Some hospital bed controls may be locked so that a person in bed cannot change bed positions themselves. If the bed has this locking feature, test it to be sure it is working correctly.
• Check for cracks and damage to the covering of all the bed controls. If covers are damaged, liquids may get into the controls which may cause them to stop working and may cause a fire.
• Have a professional look at all parts of the bed, as well as the floor underneath and around the bed, for dust and lint build-up. These areas should be kept clean.
• Call the bed manufacturer or other professional if there are burning smells or unusual sounds coming from the bed. Do not use the bed if there is a burning smell coming from it. Call if the bed controls are not working correctly to change positions of the bed.

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.
• When adjusting the head, foot, or any part of the bed, be sure the bed is able to move freely. It should extend to its full length, and adjust to any position. Be sure bed movement does to affect the bed's power cord, plug, or outlet. Hand control and power cords should not be threaded through moving parts of the bed, or through bed rails. Watch the hand control cables and the power cord as you are adjusting the bed. Normal bed movement should not pinch or damage these cords.

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?

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• 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.