Why Enclosure Beds Are Used

Some medications or illnesses may cause the patient to be confused. A patient may not remember where he or she is or why they are there. Bed enclosures help to keep patients from harming themselves.  Bed enclosure can help prevent such things as:

• Getting out of bed, when they are not yet safe to do so on their own

• Falling out of  bed

• Wandering out of a safe area

Care of Patients in Enclosure Beds    

Patients that are provided enclosure beds may alse require special care to meet their additional needs which may include:

• Their nursing staff will check on the patient more frequently, at least every two hours to ensure safety

• The nursing staff will offer fluid and toileting more frequently

• Hospital staff will get the patient out of bed for meals as appropriate

• Hospital staff will check the bed daily for defects, such as torn netting

• The nursing staff will place any lines or tubes the patient has through provided openings in the bed

• The hospital staff will ensure bed is completely zipped and secured before leaving the patient's room

Guidelines for Use of Enclosure Beds 

Very strict guidelines say how enclosure beds can be used, and for how long.  Health care providers should do the following:

• Use the least limiting restraint possible

• Stop  the use of the enclosure bed as soon as it is no longer needed

• Preserve the patient's safety and dignity at all times