Manual Adjustments

• Hand Cranks: 

  These are used to raise or lower the entire bed’s height and to adjust the head and foot sections independently. 
• Patient Positioning: 

  Adjusting the head and foot sections allows for patient comfort during activities like eating or watching TV, and can provide therapeutic benefits. 

  

Durability & Reliability 

• No Motors: The lack of electrical components means no motor failure, reduced maintenance needs, and greater reliability over time.
• Sturdy Construction: Manual beds are built to be durable and provide long-term care.

Safety Features

• Side Rails: 

  Secure, adjustable side rails are a critical feature to prevent accidental falls, especially for elderly or mobility-impaired patients. 
• Locking Mechanism: 

  A locking mechanism helps to keep the bed stable and secure during adjustments. 

  

Cost-Effectiveness 

• Affordable Option: Manual beds are typically more affordable than electric or semi-electric models, making them a cost-effective choice for long-term care.

Portability & Mobility 

• Casters: Many manual beds are equipped with casters or wheels, which allow for easy movement within a home or healthcare facility.

• Operation: 

  Require physical effort via hand cranks to adjust the bed’s height, head, and foot positions. 
• Functions: 

  Can be 1-, 2-, 3-, or 5-function beds, with the number of functions indicating the available adjustable positions (backrest, footrest, height, etc.). 
• Pros: 

  Economical choice and a good option when frequent repositioning isn’t needed or when power isn’t readily available. 
• Cons: 

  Requires physical strength and effort, which can limit independence for patients or be challenging for caregivers. 

Semi-Electric Hospital Beds 

• Operation: 

  Feature an electric motor for head and foot adjustments, controlled with a hand pendant (buttons). The bed’s overall height is adjusted manually with a hand crank.
• Pros: 

  Easier and faster adjustments for the head and foot sections compared to fully manual beds, while still offering some manual control for cost-effectiveness.
• Cons: 

  Requires someone to manually crank the bed’s height, but is still more convenient than a fully manual bed for frequent position changes.

Key Considerations for Manual Beds 

• Budget: Manual beds are typically the most economical option.
• Physical Capability: They are best for individuals who can physically operate the hand cranks or for caregivers who have the strength and ability to do so.
• Frequency of Adjustments: If frequent repositioning is required, a semi-electric or fully electric bed might be a better choice for comfort and ease of use.

Applications by Setting

• Acute Care & Hospitals: 

  Can be found in hospitals, especially where reliable, non-electric equipment is needed or in emergency situations. 
• Long-Term Care Facilities: 

  Commonly used in nursing homes and assisted living centers to accommodate patients with extended stays. 
• Rehabilitation Centers: 

  Aid in patient recovery by allowing therapists to position patients for exercises and treatments. 
• Palliative & Hospice Settings: 

  Offer comfort and support by enabling positioning to alleviate discomfort for terminally ill patients. 
• Home Care: 

  Provide comfort and support for patients recovering at home, offering a cost-effective option when electricity isn’t a concern. 

Specific Patient Needs

• Limited Mobility: 

  Ideal for patients who have minimal mobility and can be assisted by caregivers to operate the hand cranks. 
• Minimal Repositioning: 

  Suitable for patients who don’t require frequent or complex position changes throughout the day. 
• Cost-Conscious Settings: 

  A practical and economical choice for facilities with limited budgets or where high upfront costs are a concern. 

Benefits in Application

• Reliability in Power Outages: 

  Manual beds work without electricity, making them dependable during power failures. 
• Durability & Easy Maintenance: 

  They are less prone to technical malfunctions than electric beds, and their sturdy construction makes them easy to clean and maintain. 
• Patient Comfort: 

  Adjustable head and foot sections allow for improved patient comfort and positioning for activities like eating or reading. 
• Therapeutic Positioning: 

  The adjustable features help in positioning patients for various medical treatments and procedures. 

Key Features to Consider

• Manual Adjustments:

  • Crank System: Check that the cranks are easy to operate for both the patient and caregivers to adjust the head, foot, and overall bed height. 
  • Range of Motion: Ensure the bed allows for a wide enough range of motion to provide comfort and support for the user’s specific needs. 
• Weight Capacity:

  • Verify the bed’s weight capacity is sufficient to safely support the intended user. Some models offer bariatric options for heavier patients. 
• Mobility and Maneuverability:

  • Wheels/Casters: Look for a bed with sturdy, locking wheels to allow for easy movement for cleaning and repositioning, as well as to keep the bed stable when in use. 
• Safety Features:

  • Side Rails: Essential for fall protection, ensure the side rails are designed to be easily raised and lowered for access. 
• Mattress Compatibility:

  • Confirm the bed is compatible with specialized pressure-relief or therapeutic mattresses to help prevent bedsores for patients at risk. 
• Dimensions:

  • Standard hospital beds are typically 80 inches long and 36 inches wide. Check that the bed will fit the user and the room. 

Other Considerations

• Budget: 

  Hospital beds can be a significant investment, so establish a budget beforehand. 
• Space and Placement: 

  Measure the space where the bed will be placed to ensure there is enough room for the bed itself, as well as for patient and caregiver movement. 
• Add-ons: 

  Consider if you will need accessories such as overbed tables, trapeze bars for assistance with movement, or IV poles.