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Proper Use of the Bed
WARNING:
Follow the instructions for assisting patients in and out of the bed to
avoid a fall or injury to the patient and/or care provider.
To get in the bed, position the bed at the proper height by following these steps:
1.
Lower the side rails as desired.
2.
Have the patient stand next to the bed where he/she is planning to sit with the back of the
patient’s legs or buttocks next to the bed.
3.
Using the hand control, raise or lower the entire bed, positioning the bed so the top of the
mattress is even with the lower buttocks of the patient.
4.
Have the patient sit on surface and recline comfortably.
This will prevent the patient from “dropping” down onto the mattress, causing stress on the center
joint of the bed.
To get out of the bed, position the bed at the proper height by following these steps:
1.
Using the hand control raise or lower the entire bed.
2.
Firmly plant feet on the ground.
3.
Have patient slowly rise to standing position.
It is not recommended to use the head or foot section functions to assist the patient in and out of
the bed, damage to the bed may occur.
Reaching or Leaning
WARNING:
Reaching or leaning affects the patient’s center of balance. Follow
the instructions for patients reaching or leaning from the bed to avoid a fall or injury
to the patient and/or care provider.
Have the patient avoid reaching or leaning over the side of the bed. Have the patient ask for help
or use a device to extend his/her reach.
Never allow the patient to reach with both hands. In doing so, the patient may not be able to catch
himself or herself to prevent a fall.
If the patient must reach or lean from the bed, the patient should steady himself or herself by firmly
grasping a side rail with one hand.
