More Details

Electric beds can be used to
* Enable a person to sit up in bed or change position independently
* Enable a person to get into or out of bed
* Make assisting the person easier for a carer
* Help make a person more comfortable

Electric bed operation
* Most often adjusted using a low voltage hand control
* A button would be pushed to raise or lower the headrest, knee break or Hi-Lo mechanism (See below).
* The controls can sometimes be customised if someone is unable to operate them for example, buttons or levers can be made bigger and / or repositioned

Options available with electric beds
* Headrest angle adjustment brings the headrest from 180 degrees to around 90 degrees although the angle varies with each bed
* Knee break or knee bend which supports under the knees to help prevent a person from sliding down the bed
* A mechanism is available which elevates the foot section, instead of under the knees only
* Hi-Lo mechanism can adjust the height off the ground. Some beds will go down to nearly floor level, but may not go as high as required
* Some beds can be customised in features required, or size
* Inbuilt massage units are available
* Trendelenburg Tilt allows the entire bed to tilt so a person's feet can be higher than their head. Reverse Trendelenburg tilts the bed in the opposite direction
* Mattress can be inner spring or high density foam
* Lockable base castors can very in size, but can alter overall height
* Extensions can be put on the base to increase overall height of the bed
* Base can be slatted or a metal frame
* Extension boards can increase base length if required
* Head and foot boards may be removed to ease changing the bed
* Looks can vary with a metal frame, skirting to hide electrics or a wooden base. Panel designs can vary also
* Size of bed can vary including single, 3/4, Double, Queen, and King size
* For those bigger than a single bed size, headrest angle adjustments can be as one, or split for two people. It may be worth considering joining two single beds, as there can be complications with the sheets being untucked when one person sits up while the other is lying.

Issues to consider when selecting an electric bed
* What options are required?
* Does the headrest angle rise as high as required?
* Does the position of the hinges match the required position for sitting up or requiring a knee break? - They may push a person forward at the chest instead of their hips which may make breathing more difficult for some
* Is the height adjustment range suitable?
* Is there clear access under the bed for a mobile hoist if required?
* If a mobile hoist is required, can it lift high and far enough over a bed to lay a person in a comfortable position? - i.e. Not too close to the edge
* Is the mattress appropriate? Does it conform to the angle changes?
* What size bed would be most appropriate?
* What is the weight capacity of the bed.
* Does the bed need to be moved around?

Bed poles,rails or bed protectors
In certain circumstances there is an element of risk involved in the use of a device that attaches to the side of a bed such that there is the possibility of entrapment between the device and the mattress. This includes but is not limited to a bed pole (stick), bed rail or bed rail protector. The device may increase the risk of injury or even death to the bed occupant. Entrapment of limbs or body parts may occur with parts of the bed and the device. Some bed occupants may try to climb over a bed rail to get out of bed.

A risk assessment should be undertaken in each circumstance of use. The device should not be used in circumstances where there is a gap between the vertical components and the mattress. Users most at risk include those with physical or cognitive challenges or where the intended user's alertness is affected by medication.

Regular monitoring is recommended, particularly where the user's condition is changing.

The following are other alternatives to an electric bed which may assist a person to be independent
* Bed Stick
* Self Help Poles
* Bed Rails and Bed Rail Protectors
* Mattresses designed to prevent people rolling out of bed
* Silk Sheets
* Backrests
* Wedges and different shaped pillows
* Bed Cradles
* Bed Rope Ladders
* Cocoons or sheets zipped to the bed

* For more information on these beds and for supplier details, contact Assistive Technology Australia (ILC NSW). Many companies make or sell electric beds. It may also be worth doing a Google search or contacting larger bedding stores.

For further information please see Assistive Technology Australia's website www.at-aust.org or phone our Infoline1300 452 679 to talk to a health professional. You can also visit our centre at Blacktown - see Supplier details for address. Please note that Assistive Technology Australia's purpose is to provide impartial information. We do not buy or sell assistive technology but provide supplier details.

Considerations

In certain circumstances there is an element of risk involved in the use of a device that attaches to the side of a bed such that there is the possibility of entrapment between the device and the mattress. This includes but is not limited to a bed pole (stick), bed rail or bed rail protector. The device may increase the risk of injury or even death to the bed occupant. Entrapment of limbs or body parts may occur with parts of the bed and the device. Some bed occupants may try to climb over a bed rail to get out of bed.

A risk assessment should be undertaken in each circumstance of use. The device should not be used in circumstances where there is a gap between the vertical components and the mattress. Users most at risk include those with physical or cognitive challenges or where the intended user's alertness is affected by medication.

Regular monitoring is recommended, particularly where the user's condition is changing.

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology Australia (Assistive Technology Australia) website are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.