Ultimate Guide: How to Move a Hospital Bed Safely and Easily

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population aged 65 and older is projected to nearly double by 2060, increasing the need for in-home medical equipment like hospital beds. For families and caregivers, learning how to move a hospital bed safely is an essential skill to master.

Quick Summary

Safely moving a hospital bed involves a multi-step process including disconnecting power, disassembling components like headboards and side rails, securing all parts, and using proper lifting techniques or specialized equipment to prevent personal injury or equipment damage during transport.

Key Points

• Safety is Paramount: Always enlist help and prioritize safe lifting techniques to prevent injury. A hospital bed is heavy and difficult for one person to move safely.

• Disassembly is Key: For easier transport, disassemble the bed by removing the mattress, side rails, headboard, and footboard, organizing all parts and hardware.

• Use the Right Equipment: Moving straps, dollies, or transport carts can significantly reduce strain and simplify the process of maneuvering heavy components.

• Professional Help May Be Best: For complex situations like navigating stairs or particularly heavy beds, professional medical equipment movers are a safer, insured option.

• Always Unplug First: Before any disassembly or movement, ensure electric hospital beds are fully disconnected from power to prevent accidents.

• Test Everything After Reassembly: Once the bed is reassembled, test all functions, including electrical adjustments, to confirm everything is working correctly before use.

Preparing to Move a Hospital Bed

Before attempting to move a heavy or complex piece of medical equipment, proper planning is essential. A hospital bed can weigh hundreds of pounds, and moving it improperly can result in serious injury or damage to the equipment or property. Start by gathering your team and equipment, and planning the route.

Safety First: Essential Preparations

• Recruit Help: Never attempt to move a hospital bed alone. Most models require at least two strong people. For heavier sections, three people may be necessary to ensure safe lifting and maneuvering.
• Gather Your Tools: You will need basic tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, or hex keys for disassembly. Moving straps can transfer weight off your back, making lifting safer. A dolly or transport cart is also extremely helpful.
• Plan the Route: Measure all doorways, hallways, and corners. Most hospital beds are designed to break down into smaller parts to fit through tight spaces. Clear the path of all obstacles, including rugs, cords, and furniture. Protect your floors and walls with blankets or cardboard.
• Read the Manual: Consult the manufacturer's instructions for model-specific disassembly and reassembly details. This is especially crucial for electric beds to ensure no components are damaged.

Step-by-Step Disassembly

For most home-use hospital beds, disassembly is the safest and most efficient moving method. Follow these steps carefully to break the bed down into manageable pieces.

1. Disconnect Power: For electric models, completely unplug the bed from its power source and secure the cable. Lower the bed to its lowest possible position before starting.
2. Remove the Mattress: Detach and roll up the mattress. Securing it with a cover or plastic wrap will protect it during the move.
3. Detach Headboard and Footboard: These are often secured with bolts or locking mechanisms. Use the appropriate tool to loosen and remove them, storing all hardware in a labeled bag.
4. Remove Side Rails: If present, side rails can be removed by pressing a release button or loosening a wing nut, depending on the model.
5. Separate the Frame: The main bed frame often splits into two parts. A driveshaft may connect these two sections and will need to be disengaged. For some models, the frame can be folded inward for more compact transport. Label any cables or components to simplify reassembly.

Transporting the Bed Components

Once the bed is disassembled, you can transport it to its new location. Use proper techniques to avoid strain and navigate tight corners.

Navigating Corridors and Doorways

• Use Proper Lifting Ergonomics: Bend at your knees, not your back, and keep the heaviest side of the object close to your body.
• Employ a Cart: A transport cart can make rolling the folded frame through hallways much easier.
• Maneuver Around Corners: If the bed is still in one piece, a helper at the opposite end is crucial. For tight turns, engage the 'steer' mode if your bed has one, which locks two wheels and allows for easier pivoting.
• Consider Professional Movers: If the bed is exceptionally heavy, complex, or needs to go up or down stairs, consider hiring professional medical equipment movers.

Reassembling the Hospital Bed

Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly. Take your time and follow these steps to ensure the bed is put back together correctly and safely.

1. Start with the Frame: Place the frame sections on the floor and reconnect them. If your model folds, unfold and secure the central latch.
2. Attach Headboard and Footboard: Align and fasten the headboard and footboard back into place, ensuring they are stable before proceeding.
3. Install Side Rails: Click or bolt the side rails securely onto the frame.
4. Reconnect Electricals: Plug the driveshaft back in place and re-connect all electrical components. Ensure all wires and cables are securely fastened and out of the way.
5. Place the Mattress: Put the mattress back on the bed. Once fully assembled, test all electronic functions to ensure they work properly before the bed is used.

Professional vs. DIY: A Comparison

To help you decide the best approach for your situation, here is a comparison of moving the bed yourself versus hiring professionals.

Feature	DIY (Do-It-Yourself)	Professional Movers
Cost	Minimal (tools, moving straps)	High (specialized service)
Physical Strain	High risk of back injury	Low, experts use specialized equipment
Time	Can be time-consuming, requires coordination	Efficient and fast
Expertise	Relies on manufacturer manual and self-knowledge	Qualified personnel with specific training
Insurance	No coverage for damage	Insured for equipment and property damage
Maneuverability	Challenging for stairs or tight spaces	Equipped with special tools for tricky spots

Conclusion

Moving a hospital bed is a significant task that requires careful planning, proper technique, and often, extra assistance. By prioritizing safety, disassembling the bed methodically, and using the right equipment, you can successfully transport the bed without causing injury or damage. For complex or particularly heavy models, hiring a professional medical equipment moving service offers peace of mind and reduces personal risk. Regardless of your chosen method, always put safety first to ensure a smooth transition. For more information on safe patient handling, refer to guides from authoritative sources such as the Workplace Safety and Health Branch, Manitoba.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one person move a hospital bed by themselves?

No, it is highly discouraged and unsafe for one person to move a hospital bed alone. These beds are very heavy and can cause serious injury or damage if not handled with proper lifting techniques by at least two people.

Do I have to disassemble an electric hospital bed to move it?

Disassembly is the safest and most efficient method, especially for navigating tight spaces. It makes the bed much lighter and the individual parts are easier to handle. Ensure the bed is unplugged before you begin.

What is the best way to move a hospital bed around a tight corner?

For beds that don't disassemble, use the 'steer' mode on the casters if available. This locks two wheels, allowing the bed to pivot more easily. Moving the bed in smaller, controlled adjustments with a helper is key.

How should I store screws and parts during the move?

Store all small parts like screws, bolts, and washers in clearly labeled plastic bags or containers. This prevents them from getting lost and makes the reassembly process much smoother and faster.

What should I do if my bed does not fit through a doorway?

If the fully assembled bed frame is too wide, you will need to remove the headboard and footboard. If it still doesn't fit, most home hospital beds can be split into two main frame sections for easier transport.

Is it better to hire a professional moving company or do it myself?

Hiring professionals offers expertise, specialized equipment, and insurance coverage against damage. DIY is cheaper but poses a higher risk of injury and requires more time and effort. For peace of mind and complex moves, professionals are the better option.

How do I move a hospital bed up or down stairs?

Moving a hospital bed up or down stairs is extremely difficult and dangerous, even with disassembly. For this task, it is highly recommended to hire specialized professional movers who have the right equipment and experience.