Beds

For many patients, a bed is more than a just a place to sleep. It’s a place where they spend a majority of their time. With so many patient populations bed-bound for more than 50 percent of the day, the right bed can help patients live comfortably, as well as prevent medical complications, sleepless nights, depression, resentment against caregivers and in the worst instances, death.

While instances are rare, providers should take bed safety into account when choosing beds to offer. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “Practice Hospital Bed Safety” pamphlet, between 1985 and 2009 the administration received reports of 803 incidents of patients caught, trapped, entangled, or strangled in hospital beds. The incidents amounted to 480 deaths, 138 nonfatal injuries, and 185 cases where someone could intervene to prevent an injury.

Bed options include adjustable, electric (both semi-electric and full-electric), bariatric, manual, pediatric and multi-height. Adjustable beds often feature quiet motors, ergonomic designs, a durable frame and massage options. Bariatric beds offer options that apply both to the client and caregiver, such as accessibility, userfriendly set up, weight capacities and quiet operation.