How to Move a Hospital Bed: Quick and Easy Guide

By Maurice

If you have a bed-bound loved one at home, or you work in a hospital or nursing home, moving a hospital bed might be a possible engagement. While this might seem quite simple, there is more to it than you think. A hospital bed is a complicated machine that requires the proper process to safely move from one room to another or wherever you might be prompted to move it.

This article will come in handy to offer you helpful steps for safely moving a hospital bed supplemented with critical demonstrative YouTube videos. It will also inform you about the different hospital bed sizes so you can choose accordingly.

Typical Hospital Bed Sizes

Of course, people are of different sizes; you might be petite, small, medium-sized or huge-bodied. Consequently, different hospital beds come in different sizes to suit different-sized users. The most common hospital bed sizes are as follows:

Width

Most hospital beds range between 35 and 60 inches in width. A good example is the twin bed, which is about 39 inches in width. The average width of most of these beds is 42 inches, although bariatric beds might extend up to the 60-inch limit.

Length

Hospital bed lengths usually range from 74 to 88 inches, but most are about 80 inches long. However, smaller and larger beds are available for people who prefer shorter beds or require more room. Others are fully adjustable such that they can extend up to 88 inches without the need for tools or additional equipment.

Height

Most hospital beds have adjustable heights ranging between 7.25 and 26 inches tall. The height is one of the essential features to consider when choosing a hospital bed. The height of the bed you need and its adjustability depends on the patient’s and the caregiver’s individual needs.

For example, a low bed makes it easy for people with limited mobility to access or egress from it. On the other hand, caregivers can conveniently lift patients from a higher bed.

How to Choose the Right Bed Size

Choosing the right bed size for your loved ones starts with safety and comfort considerations. You can start by selecting the best dimensions that perfectly suit the patient’s body mass index (BMI). If the patient has a BMI of 45 or lower, a 36” standard bed is alright. However, if their BMI extends above 45, you might need to get a 39″ bed, and if it is more, extensions will be required.

Other factors that you have to consider include the patient’s condition that is prompting them to use the hospital bed. You can ask yourself the following question before deciding on the appropriate size:

• Does the patient’s illness, injury, or mobility issues demand a wider or longer bed?
• In what bed size will the patient be most comfortable?
• Is the patient prone to bedsores?

How to Move a Hospital Bed – Step-By-Step Instructions

You might participate in hospital relocation, patient transfer in a hospital, setting up a new hospital facility, or even moving a patient from one room to another at home. In such cases, you are likely to move a hospital bed, and the following tips can guide you:

• Before you start moving the bed, have another pair of helping hands with you as a safety precaution. Hospital beds are often heavy, and you might not be in a position to lift one on your own. If you do not take this precaution might result in injury or damage.
• Begin the moving process by disconnecting the bed from the wall socket. You can then disassemble it since most of these beds are adjustable and can be disassembled with ease. However, there might be no need to do this, especially if you are moving to a nearby apartment or location.  
• When you’re ready, lift the bed carefully and ensure you bend your knees, but not your back.
• Where applicable, try and perform the move using the proper protective equipment for safety and efficiency.
• Use specialized equipment such as transport carts and moving straps for more complex hospital beds. They come in handy in maintaining the bed’s stability and make moving through doorways and halls much easier.
• If you are unsure about the process, refer to the YouTube videos below. They will simplify these steps for you for efficiency. Moreover, you can also contact the manufacturer for professional assistance.

Best Videos for Moving a Hospital Bed

YouTube videos will help you understand better the bed moving process. They supplement the above tips and give you a more realistic view of the moving process. Here are helpful links to some of the most reliable videos:

Hospital Beds | Instructional Video | Moving & Braking | Stiegelmeyer

Hospital bed movement operation

Tips To Avoid Injury When Moving a Hospital Bed

Safety is a critical consideration when you are moving a hospital bed. You have to ensure the patient is as comfortable and safe as possible if you are moving the bed from room to room. Moreover, as the caregiver, you also do not need to incur avoidable injuries during the process. The following tips can help you avoid unnecessary injuries when moving a hospital bed:

• Predetermine the number of staff necessary to transfer the patient off the bed.
• Position the patient towards the side of the bed and raise the bed to a safe working height
• Disconnect the bed from the power supply and disassemble it.
• If you are moving a bed with a patient, ensure it is stable and does not expose the patient to any risks.
• Use proper protective equipment such as moving straps to make the moving process easier.

Conclusion

Moving a hospital bed demands prior strategic planning. Ideally, the moving process in a hospital setting often happens after the recovery of patients, during patient transfer to an advanced level, or when in need of access to emergency services such as surgery. For home care hospital beds, the bed movement is only common when moving from one house to another or room to room.

Nevertheless, in spite of the context of use, the beds and their accessories are delicate. Consequently, ensure you map out the route you will take and clear any obstacles in advance to prevent inconveniences.

It is also advisable to consult the bed manufacturer or get professionals to help if you have any reservations about your ability to move the bed safely.