The ability to safely adjust a hospital bed’s height is fundamental to patient comfort and preventing injurious falls. Hospital beds are designed as “high-low” systems, allowing the entire frame to move vertically to accommodate different medical and safety needs. Understanding how to operate these beds ensures patients can safely get in and out and allows caregivers to perform their tasks without unnecessary strain. While most modern beds use electric controls, the underlying principles of safe operation remain consistent.
Pre-Adjustment Safety Checks and Control Identification
Before attempting any height adjustment, the bed must be completely immobilized to prevent unexpected movement. Engage the caster brakes, typically found near the wheels, and lock them down securely to ensure the bed frame is stable on the floor. A visual check of the power cord is also necessary to confirm it is securely plugged into an outlet and free of damage that could interfere with operation.
Next, locate and identify the appropriate control panel. Hospital beds typically have two sets of controls: a patient pendant and a caregiver panel. The patient control usually allows for adjustments to the head and foot sections, while the caregiver panel, often located on the side rail or footboard, provides full functionality, including vertical height adjustment. Height adjustment buttons are usually labeled with up and down arrows or a visual icon of the entire bed frame moving vertically.
Executing the Height Adjustment
Changing the bed’s height requires careful and deliberate action. For electric beds, the caregiver must continuously press and hold the appropriate height adjustment button to activate the motor. This constant pressure is a safety feature, ensuring the bed stops moving immediately if the operator releases the button or if an obstruction is encountered. The bed deck should move smoothly and uniformly, maintaining a horizontal plane.
During the height change, monitor the patient closely and inform them of the movement to prevent anxiety or injury. While less common, some beds may still feature a manual crank, which requires slow, steady rotation to engage the height mechanism. Regardless of the mechanism, the goal is always a controlled, gradual change in elevation to reduce the risk of jarring the patient.
Determining the Correct Bed Height for Safety and Care
The correct bed height is determined by the patient’s immediate need: resting, transferring, or receiving care. For independent patient transfers, the bed height should be set so the patient’s feet are flat on the floor with knees bent at approximately a 90-degree angle when sitting on the edge of the mattress. This positioning allows for a safer transition from sitting to standing by utilizing leg strength.
When the patient is resting or sleeping unattended, the bed must be lowered to its absolute lowest position (low-bed position). This setting minimizes the distance to the floor, significantly reducing injury severity should an accidental fall occur. For caregivers performing tasks like bathing or repositioning, the bed should be raised to a comfortable working height. This ergonomic height is typically aligned with the caregiver’s waist or elbow level, minimizing bending and the risk of musculoskeletal injury. After all care tasks are completed, the bed must be returned immediately to the low-bed position.