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Bed Levers Guide for Patients

An information guide for patients and service users about how to use bed levers for their comfort and safety

What are bed levers?

A bed lever (also known as a grab handle or bed stick) is designed to assist someone getting in and out of bed and moving from a lying position to a seated position and vice versa.

It is not designed as a restraint or to prevent falling from bed and should not be used in place of bed rails.

Safe use of a bed lever

There is a risk of entrapment if this equipment is not used correctly. These tips are designed to help you use them safely:

  • Ensure the bed lever has been fitted by the prescribing health professional or the Community Equipment Service (CES) and is not moved without advice from a healthcare professional. Due to the potential risk of entrapment, it should always be fitted with a minimum gap of 318mm or 12.25 inches from headboard to lever
  • Ensure the bed lever is securely fitted to the bed frame or base
  • Do not loop your arms through the bed lever
  • Seek advice from a healthcare professional if there has been a significant change in the service user's or patient's physical or mental abilities since the equipment was issued
  • Seek advice from a healthcare professional if the bed lever creates access or moving and handling issues.

Further information

If you have any concerns, contact your local Community Equipment Services team for advice:

Liverpool CES - 0151 295 8595
Sefton CES - 0151 288 6208
Knowsley CES - 0151 351 8710

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens andresponds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.

If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and LiaisonService (PALS) and Complaints Team.

Telephone: 0151 471 2377Freephone: 0800 328 2941Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk

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Approval date: 28 March 2025

Review date: 23 March 2026

Version number: 1

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More information abour our Community Equipment Service (CES) teams across our region can be found on their dedicated webpage.

Community Equipment Services