How can I raise a bed with wheels?

Hi Julie,

We just went through a similar situation last year with my elderly mother who also had back issues. Mom had no trouble getting into bed, but getting out was tough because the bed was so low.

Your bed has wheels so it can be moved, is it really a necessity to move the bed? Just wondering because beds are generally not moved, it is the patient who does the moving.

Since it is a rental and the company probably does not want their property to be tampered with (much), one suggestion would be to remove the wheels and put it on risers, they can be bought at Walmart or Amazon-the wood and metal ones are sturdier and would probably cost in the neighborhood of $15-$20. Someone would have to take off everything down to the frame, tip it up, release the wheels-probably has a pin near the top of the wheels-set it on the risers and then remake the bed. Then reverse the process when the rental is over.

Another more expensive way is to get a thicker mattress out of pocket. Hopefully you'll never need to get a lift for your patient.

An important point is also to protect yourself if you are assisting with lifting the patient, please be educated in the proper way to lift them so you do not injure yourself. It is a natural thought process to lift (pull) them and strain your back, you have to consider your safety as a caregiver.

Best to you and your patient.

Bed risers work very well if the wheels are small and will fit in the indentation on top of the risers. You might not have to take the wheels off. The unfortunate thing is once the bed is set up on the bed risers you will not be able to move the bed as the bed risers will make the bed stationary.

Larger wheels will raise the bed. It may be easier to add another box spring or thicker mattress- just a thought...