What kind of Hospital Bed should I use? When choosing a bed, think of your needs, as well as the needs of those caring for you. There are several kinds of Hospital Beds from which to choose:

· Manual Hospital Bed - With this bed you need to change bed positions by hand cranks. If you are unable to do this, you will need someone to help you. The cranks are located at the foot or head of the bed. Manual beds may not move to as many positions as an electric bed. Most manual beds can be raised to make it easier for caregivers to help you. The bed may also be lowered to make it easier for you to get in and out of bed. A manual bed may be very difficult for a person who has limited hand or arm strength to use.

· Semi-Electric Hospital Bed - A semi-electric bed has a motor and a cord to plug into an electrical outlet. There is a control pad hooked to the bed that may look like a television remote control. Each button on the control may have a picture showing how the bed will move when you push the button. Many persons like a semi-electric bed because the positions of the bed can be changed easily.

What are the advantages of having Side Rails on the Hospital Bed?

· Providing a place to fasten bed controls within easy reach of the person in bed

· Providing a place to hold on when getting in and out of bed

· May allow a person in bed to help with repositioning (turning) themselves

What are the dangers of having Side Rails on the Hospital Bed?

· Injury from a fall if a person climbs over the side rail and falls. You may have a higher risk of injury than falling from the bed itself. The fall may be more awkward, causing more serious injury.

· Injury if a part of the body gets caught between the bed rails, or the rails and the mattress.