The Olds Hospital and Care Centre has 48 new electric beds thanks to a community project that started more than two years ago.

The Olds Dream Home Committee started in 2006, with the goal

to raise money to replace the 35 manual continuing care beds & 13 acute care beds.

Ed Hildebrand, chair of Committee, & local business and community

owners threw their support behind the project to build a home to then auction off.

A home was auctioned off in 2008. Between the home & community donations,

more than $150,000, was raised, enough for 48 new beds.

Colleen Simon, site leader at the Olds Hospital and Care Centre, said the

electric beds are better for the patients and for staff. She said the new beds promote

independence, with patients now having the capacity to position themselves on their own.

Simon said the beds are safer because patients can raise or lower them, which helps

prevent falls, and the mattresses have different motions so patients’ skin doesn’t break down.

Hildebrand said the electric beds are amazing. He said it’s important to have proper equipment

so patients can be as comfortable as possible.

Adapted from the Red Deer Advocate March 21, 2009

March 21, 2009