Canopy Bed, Crib or Hospital Bed?

Choose the appropriate bed for your patient

Caring for a patient with a chronic illness or disability is a challenge. For long-term home medical care an ordinary hospital bed may seem to be adequate but could create new problems. The side rails of a hospital bed are spaced for an adult and make the bed unsuitable for a child. Crib bars are closely spaced to prevent a child from slipping partially through and becoming trapped. But some patients may get their arms or legs caught in the crib bars—then a Canopy Bed is the better choice.

Why is an enclosure necessary?

Falling from a bed or crib can cause serious injury. An enclosed bed or a crib with a top prevents a child from climbing over the side and falling to the floor. Any patient who roams unsupervised during the night when caregivers are sleeping can be a danger to himself or others in the house. An enclosed bed is an important safety measure in this case.

Do you need high or low mattress height?

If you want the patient to be able to get in or out of bed on his own the mattress level needs to be low to the ground. If the patient is not mobile and needs frequent medical attention you need a crib height mattress level. The Height- Adjustable Hydraulic Canopy Bed allows you to raise and lower the bed by a handoperated crank. The mesh enclosure moves with the mattress support so no gaps or pouches are created when you raise the bed.

Do bumper pads provide enough padding?

If a patient suffers injuries from seizures or head banging you should choose the completely padded environment of a Canopy Bed. Crib bumper pads may not provide enough protection.

Do you need head elevation?

Elevating the upper body can be necessary for the treatment of reflux or respiratory problems. The standard Canopy Bed has a fixed position, flat mattress support. An optional Head Elevation Crank is available. Foam wedges are also available for head, knee or foot elevation.

Is the patient destructive?

The Canopy Bed is made of a strong polyester mesh and is suitable for most patients. If the patient is destructive you may need to consider the Pedicraft Institutional Crib.

When a crib or canopy bed is not the solution?

By the time a healthy child is two years old, he or she will try to climb out of a crib. It might be tempting for the parent of a problematic child to use an enclosed crib or bed, but children who need special attention do not necessarily need to be confined; the underlying problems need to be addressed. Some children with behavior problems need special protection. If you are concerned that a particular patient is being treated improperly you should contact your local child welfare agency for help in evaluating the situation.

Please remember that the need for an enclosed crib or bed at home is rare. It is for a medically fragile patient with chronic illness such as cerebral palsy, brain trauma or other severe disability. It must not be used as a restraint for a difficult, but otherwise healthy, child or adult.