How to Use a Hospital Bed at Home: A Caregiver's Step-by-Step Guide
- Alicia Kimmel
- Aug 7
- 8 min read
When someone you love comes home with a hospital bed, it's rarely because life is getting easier.
Whether you're caring for a parent, spouse, grandparent, or close friend, the arrival of a hospital bed often marks a new chapter—one filled with uncertainty, questions, and a deep desire to do everything right.
If you've found yourself standing beside the bed wondering, "How do I raise this?" "What do these buttons do?" "Am I positioning them correctly?"—you're not alone.
Many family caregivers have never used a hospital bed before. It can feel intimidating at first, but the good news is that modern hospital beds are designed to make caring for your loved one safer, easier, and more comfortable.
This guide will walk you through how to use a hospital bed at home, explain the most common controls, share important safety tips, and help you feel more confident providing care.
How to Use a Hospital Bed at Home
Learning how to use a hospital bed at home doesn't require medical training. Most home hospital beds are electric or semi-electric and operate using a simple handheld controller.
The bed allows caregivers to safely reposition patients, improve comfort, reduce pressure injuries, and make transfers easier.
Common reasons someone may use a hospital bed at home include:
Hospice care
Recovery after surgery
Advanced illness
Limited mobility
Chronic medical conditions
Frequent repositioning needs
Understanding the Parts of a Hospital Bed
Before using the bed, become familiar with its basic components.
Head Section
Raises and lowers the patient's upper body.
This helps with:
Eating meals
Watching television
Reading
Breathing more comfortably
Reducing acid reflux
Knee Section
Raises the knees and legs.
This can:
Reduce pressure on the lower back
Prevent sliding down in bed
Improve comfort while sitting up
Bed Height
One of the most important features.
The entire bed raises and lowers to make caregiving safer.
Raise the bed when:
Providing personal care
Changing linens
Repositioning your loved one
Lower the bed when:
The patient is getting in or out
The patient is sleeping
Leaving the room
Keeping the bed low greatly reduces fall risk.
Side Rails
Hospital bed rails are designed primarily as positioning aids—not restraints.
They can help patients:
Reposition themselves
Feel more secure
Hold onto something while turning
Always follow your hospice or healthcare team's recommendations regarding side rail use.
Watch: How to Use a Hospital Bed at Home
Sometimes it's easier to see the controls in action than to read about them.
Watching a short demonstration can make learning how to use a hospital bed at home much easier, especially if this is your first time caring for a loved one.
The instructional video below demonstrates how a typical home hospital bed operates, including how to adjust the head, foot, and bed height. While your loved one's hospital bed may look slightly different, the basic controls and functions are very similar across most home models.
Remember: This is a general instructional video and may not show your exact hospital bed model. While most home hospital beds operate similarly, button layouts and features can vary by manufacturer. Always follow the instructions provided by your hospice team or durable medical equipment (DME) provider for your specific equipment.
How to Use a Hospital Bed at Home Safely
Safety should always come first.
1. Lock the Wheels
Before providing care or helping someone transfer:
✔ Lock all four wheels.
Unlocked wheels can cause the bed to shift unexpectedly.
2. Keep the Bed Low When Unattended
After finishing care:
Lower the bed completely.
Lock the wheels.
Keep frequently used items within reach.
3. Watch for Cords
Make sure:
Power cords aren't stretched.
Cords don't create trip hazards.
The hand control isn't hanging where it could be damaged.
4. Never Force the Bed
If a section doesn't move:
Check that it's plugged in.
Verify power to the outlet.
Make sure nothing is blocking movement.
If the bed still won't operate, contact your medical equipment provider rather than forcing the motor.
How to Position Someone Using a Hospital Bed
Proper positioning improves comfort and helps prevent complications.
For Eating
Raise the head of the bed approximately 45–90 degrees.
If possible:
Keep the patient upright for at least 30 minutes after meals.
This helps reduce aspiration risk.
For Sleeping
Most people are comfortable with:
Slight elevation of the head
Small elevation of the knees
Every patient is different.
Comfort should guide positioning.
For Breathing Problems
Many patients with:
Heart failure
COPD
Lung disease
Breathe easier when the head of the bed is elevated.
Your healthcare team can recommend the best angle.
To Help Prevent Pressure Injuries
Patients who spend much of the day in bed should usually be repositioned regularly unless their healthcare provider recommends otherwise.
Small adjustments can relieve pressure on:
Hips
Tailbone
Heels
Shoulders
Hospice and home health teams can teach safe turning techniques.
Using a Hospital Bed During Transfers
One of the biggest benefits of learning how to use a hospital bed at home is making transfers safer.
Before helping someone stand:
Raise the bed to an appropriate height.
Lower the head section if needed.
Allow the person's feet to touch the floor.
Ensure they are sitting upright before standing.
Use assistive devices if recommended.
Never pull on someone's arms to lift them.
If you're unsure how to transfer safely, ask your hospice nurse, physical therapist, or occupational therapist for instruction.
Cleaning and Caring for the Hospital Bed
Keeping the bed clean helps reduce germs and prolongs equipment life.
Regularly:
Wipe rails with mild disinfectant.
Clean the mattress according to manufacturer instructions.
Check cords for damage.
Remove dust from moving parts.
Report mechanical problems promptly.
Avoid soaking electrical components with liquids.
Common Mistakes Caregivers Make
Most new caregivers make at least one of these mistakes—and that's okay.
Common mistakes include:
Leaving the bed too high
Forgetting to lock the wheels
Raising the head too quickly
Letting cords become tangled
Ignoring unusual motor noises
Attempting repairs themselves
If something doesn't seem right, call your durable medical equipment (DME) provider.
When to Ask for Help
You should contact your hospice nurse or equipment provider if:
The bed won't move.
The remote stops working.
The bed makes loud grinding noises.
The patient appears uncomfortable despite repositioning.
You aren't sure how to safely move your loved one.
There is never a "silly" question when it comes to patient safety.
Caring for Yourself Matters Too
Learning how to use a hospital bed at home isn't just about making your loved one more comfortable—it's also about protecting yourself.
A properly adjusted hospital bed reduces strain on your back, makes daily caregiving easier, and helps prevent injuries that can happen from bending, lifting, or reaching awkwardly.
Remember, you are learning something entirely new during one of the most emotional seasons of your life.
Give yourself grace.
No caregiver gets everything right on the first day.
The fact that you're searching for answers means you're already doing one of the most important things—you care enough to learn.
Key Takeaways
A hospital bed is designed to improve both patient comfort and caregiver safety.
Learn the functions of the head, knee, and height controls before providing care.
Watching a visual demonstration can make it easier to understand how the bed operates.
Always lock the wheels and lower the bed when it is unattended.
Proper positioning can improve breathing, comfort, eating, and help reduce pressure on the skin.
Don't hesitate to ask your hospice team or equipment provider for hands-on instruction if you're unsure how to use any feature.
Confidence comes with practice, and every caregiver starts somewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a hospital bed at home?
Most home hospital beds are controlled with a handheld remote that raises or lowers the head, knees, and overall bed height. Always keep the wheels locked and lower the bed when the patient is unattended.
Is it okay to leave the hospital bed raised?
No. Whenever the patient is resting or you are leaving the room, lower the bed to its safest position to help reduce the risk of falls.
What position should a patient sleep in on a hospital bed?
The most comfortable position varies by the patient's condition, but many people sleep well with the head of the bed slightly elevated and the knees raised slightly. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best position for your loved one's needs.
Should hospital bed rails stay up all the time?
Not necessarily. Bed rails are often used to help with repositioning and provide support, but they are not appropriate for every patient. Follow the recommendations of your hospice team or healthcare provider.
How often should someone be repositioned in a hospital bed?
Many patients who remain in bed for long periods benefit from regular repositioning to reduce pressure on the skin, unless their healthcare provider advises otherwise. Your care team can recommend a schedule based on the patient's condition.
What should I do if the hospital bed stops working?
First, check that the bed is plugged into a working outlet and that the remote is connected properly. If the problem continues, contact your durable medical equipment provider or hospice team rather than attempting repairs yourself.
Key Takeaway
Using a hospital bed at home can feel overwhelming at first, but you don't have to figure it out alone. By understanding the basic controls, following a few simple safety practices, and using your hospice team as a resource, you'll become more comfortable and confident with each passing day. Remember, every experienced caregiver was once a first-time caregiver, too. Learning how to use a hospital bed at home is one more way you're providing safe, compassionate care for someone you love.
Continue Learning About Hospice Care
Choosing hospice often comes with many questions, and understanding what to expect can help families feel more prepared and confident. Explore our additional hospice education articles to learn about hospice eligibility, the services hospice provides, and what you can expect throughout the end-of-life journey.
Hospice Symptom Management: How Hospice Keeps Patients Comfortable
How to Choose the Right Hospice Care Provider: Essential Questions to Consider
Who Pays for Hospice Care? Understanding Hospice Coverage and Costs
How Hospice Care Supports Families Emotionally and Practically
Benefits of Home Hospice Care for Patients and Families
Looking for more helpful information? Explore our Hospice Education, Health & Disease Education, Community Resources, and Emotional Wellness & Support categories for compassionate guidance, practical resources, emotional support and answers to common questions about hospice care, caregiving, chronic illness, and the end-of-life journey.
Why Families Trust Oasis Hospice:
Oasis Hospice has been recognized as one of the highest-rated hospice providers based on Medicare.gov quality ratings. Families searching for compassionate, high-quality hospice support can compare hospice providers and learn more through Medicare.gov Care Compare. For additional education, caregiving guidance, and end-of-life support resources, families may also find helpful information through the Hospice Foundation of America.
From Houston to Huntsville, Houston to Livingston, and the many communities in between, Oasis Hospice is committed to providing compassionate hospice care, guidance, and support for patients and families during life’s most difficult moments. If you or a loved one have questions about hospice support services, Oasis Hospice is here to help families throughout Southeast Texas navigate care with compassion, dignity, and guidance every step of the way. To learn more about our hospice services and family support resources, please visit our website below.
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