Setting up a home care bed area

Before the bed arrives

• Ask us for the size of the bed you are renting, then measure doorways, corridors, the lift and any turns on the stairs. Tell us about tight spots before delivery day.
• If you can, choose a room on the same floor as a toilet, with a window for fresh air and daylight.
• Leave space on both sides of the bed, so two people can help with turning and changing, and at the foot for a wheelchair or commode chair.
• Motorised beds and air mattresses need a working wall socket near the head of the bed.

Making the space safe

• Clear loose rugs, wires and clutter from the path between the bed and the toilet.
• Keep a night light on, and a light switch or lamp within reach of the bed.
• Put a phone or bell, water, glasses and anything else the person needs often within easy reach.
• If the floor gets slippery, wipe spills straight away and wear non-slip footwear.

Using the bed safely

• Keep the wheels locked, except when you are moving the bed.
• Keep the bed at its lowest height while the person rests, so any fall is a short one. Raise it to about your waist height while you help them, to protect your back, and lower it again afterwards.
• Use the side rails as the doctor, nurse or physiotherapist advises, and check that nothing, including an arm or a leg, can get trapped in a gap.
• Keep the remote control of a motorised bed away from children, and out of the person's reach if they might press it by accident.

Air mattress and skin care

• Keep the air mattress pump plugged in and switched on. Check every day that the mattress is inflated and its tubes are connected.
• Keep pins, sharp objects and pets off the air mattress.
• Use one smooth cotton sheet on top. Extra layers can stop the air mattress from working well.
• Help the person change position as often as the doctor or nurse advises, and keep their skin clean and dry.

Keeping it clean

• Wipe the rails, controls and frame with a damp cloth and mild soap. Don't pour water on the motor or the controls.
• Change sheets as soon as they are wet or soiled.
• Ask us before using strong disinfectants on the mattress cover.

Getting help

The technician sets up the bed, shows you how each part works and answers your questions. If something stops working, call us and we will repair or replace it.