Steps

1. Choose the room. Pick a room on the main floor if you can, close to a bathroom. Many families use the living room or a downstairs bedroom.
2. Measure before delivery. Measure doorways, hallways and the space where the bed will go. Tell intake the measurements so the bed fits through.
3. Leave room on both sides. Keep space on both sides of the bed so a caregiver can help from either side, and room at the foot for a walker or wheelchair.
4. Plan the power. Electric beds need a nearby wall outlet. Keep the cord where nobody will trip on it or roll over it.
5. Lock the wheels. Once the bed is in place, lock every wheel. Check they are locked each time the bed is moved.
6. Keep the hand control in reach. Show the person how the hand control works. Keep it, a phone and a drink within easy reach.
7. Light the way. Add a night light between the bed and the bathroom, and clear that path of rugs, cords and clutter.
8. Ask about rails and mattress. Side rails and mattress type are choices for the care team. Ask how they want them used, and follow that plan.

Checklist

• Doorways and room measured
• Space cleared on both sides of the bed
• Outlet close by, cord out of the walkway
• All wheels locked
• Hand control, phone and water within reach
• Night light on the path to the bathroom
• Care team asked about rails and mattress

Equipment in this guide

• Semi-Electric Hospital Bed
• Full-Electric Hospital Bed
• Pressure-Relief Mattress
• Overbed Table