The ABCs of Bed Adjustment Every Caregiver Should Know
Safety is a priority. We cannot overemphasize this in healthcare. Caregivers and other healthcare workers are often reminded to put safety above everything else. More than you might realize, you can do a lot as a caregiver in this regard by simply understanding bed adjustments and when they are needed.
Here are the basic ways where bed adjustments play an important role in ensuring safety in the workplace:
1. Fall prevention
The death rate from falls in the US has increased 30% in the last 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For every four older people, more than one falls each year. In fact, about 3 million are brought to the ER because of injuries from falling.
Caregivers are on the forefront in keeping patients safe while they are in bed, and one of the best ways to prevent falls in patients is following these recommended bed adjustments:
a. Keep the bed in the lowest position when helping patients out of bed or when transferring them from the bed to a wheelchair or chair.
The idea is to have their feet completely touching the floor and to gain full balance before standing up.
If the patient attempts to move out of a bed which has not been lowered, they slide and usually fail to support themselves fully. Because of this, they lose their balance and fall. This kind of accident is common in weak or disoriented patients.
b. Keep the wheels of the bed locked at all times, except when there is a need to move the bed.
Unlocked wheels can cause the bed to slide out of position, especially when the patient attempts to get out of bed in a hurry. It can also wiggle when the patient moves or turns in bed, causing dizziness or loss of balance.
When you need to move the bed, such as to change sheets, put the side rails up before unlocking the wheels, and don’t forget to put the wheels back in the locked position after the procedure.
c. For weak, dizzy, and disoriented patients, raise the side rails.
Note, however, that these patients will also need constant supervision and assistance when moving out of bed, because they may attempt to crawl over the side rails, making a potential fall worse.
If you are unsure of what to do, consult your supervisor or check the care plan for instructions.
Raise the side rails of the nonworking side of the bed before turning or moving the patient on the opposite side of the bed. This technique prevents the patient from rolling over the side of the bed and falling.
2. Prevention of pressure sore development
When a patient is bedridden and at risk for having pressure sores, do not elevate the head of the bed more than 30 degrees.
This is to prevent the patient from sliding down the head of the bed, causing shearing forces that can tear the skin on their buttocks and other bony areas.
3. Prevention of aspiration
When feeding a bedridden patient, elevate the head of the bed.
Prop with pillows as appropriate, so that the patient is sitting upright. This prevents aspiration, or getting food or liquid particles inside the lungs instead of the stomach.
Aspiration is dangerous because it can cause breathing difficulties, choking, or lung infections. This technique also holds true when performing mouth care for a patient who can gargle or use mouthwash.
4. Prevention of physical injury in the caregiver while performing care procedures
To observe proper body mechanics for caregiver safety, raise the bed to waist-level before starting a care procedure such as a bed bath. Working at this level prevents you the caregiver from bending over and straining your back.
5. Promotion of breathing comfort
Elevating the head of the bed slightly, or up to 45 degrees, can help patients breathe easier. This bed adjustment is best for patients with heart or breathing problems. Always check the care plan for specific instructions regarding the degree of elevation of the head of the bed. Before leaving the bedside, ask if the patient is comfortable in their position.
Every caregiver task is meaningful, just like making bed adjustments. By merely knowing when to lower or raise the patient’s bed, or by simply locking the wheels after moving the bed, you can make positive impact on the patient’s health and help protect your own well-being as well.
