How To Use Bed Cradles And Footboards

What are bed cradles and footboards?

Bed cradles and footboards are devices that attach to your bed to help prevent muscle and skin problems. You may need a bed cradle or a footboard if you need to stay in bed for long periods of time. You may need a bed cradle or a footboard due to an injury or certain health conditions.

• Bed cradles: A bed cradle is a frame used to keep the sheets and blankets from laying directly on you while in bed. You can buy or rent many kinds of bed cradles at medical supply stores. Some cover the whole bed and others only cover the feet. Other bed cradles cover just one side of the bed. Many bed cradles have a piece that slides under the mattress to keep it in place. Your caregiver or medical equipment supplier will help you choose the bed cradle that is right for you.
  
  
• Footboards: A footboard is a device at the end of the bed to keep your feet upright. The bottoms of your feet rest against the footboard. There are different kinds of footboards. Some are "L" shaped and some can be changed to fit your needs. Another type has support strips to keep your feet from falling to the side. You can buy or rent a footboard at a medical supply store. Your caregiver or medical equipment supplier will help you choose the footboard that is right for you.

Using a bed cradle:

You may need a bed cradle if you have burns, open skin sores, or infections (in-FEK-shuns). A bed cradle can help if your skin is sensitive to touch. You may be more comfortable in bed when using a bed cradle. A bed cradle can help keep the weight of your bedcovers from laying directly on you, or rubbing against your skin. The bed cradle also helps with air circulation and helps keep the skin dry. Follow these steps to attach the cradle to the bed:

• Remove the top sheets and blankets.
  
  
• Carefully put the cradle in place.
  
  
• Hook the cradle to the bed. Follow the directions that came with the bed cradle if it comes with straps or securing devices. If it does not, secure it by wrapping gauze bandage strips around the cradle. Tie the gauze strips to the bed frame. Use a tie that can be untied quickly in case of emergency. Do not use knots.
  
  
• Drape the bedcovers over the cradle and tuck them under the mattress to keep them in place.

Using a footboard:

When a person is in bed for a long time their toes or feet may start to droop down. Their feet also may fall to the side. A footboard will keep this from happening. Follow these steps to put the footboard on the bed:

• Put the footboard at the end of the bed so it makes an "L" with the bed. Or follow the instructions that come with your footboard.
  
  
• Move the footboard so that your feet rest against it when you are lying in bed. Use pillows and folded blankets as padding if the board cannot be moved close enough to support your feet.
  
  
• Pad the footboard with a towel or a blanket if the board is bare.
  
  
• Put a rolled towel or a pillow next to each foot so that they do not fall to the side.
  
  
• Put the top bedcovers over the board so that the covers do not put weight on the feet. Tuck the top bedcovers under the mattress to keep them in place.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.