An apparatus has a patient care apparatus, a sensor disposed at the patient care apparatus, and an indicator device mountable to the patient care apparatus. The indicator device has an input device that inputs a patient type to the indicator device and an indicator that outputs a status to a user. The indicator outputs the status to the user based on the patient type and a configuration of the patient care apparatus sensed by the sensor. The patient care apparatus is selected from the group consisting of: a bed, a patient lift or hoist, a patient trolley and a patient standing aid.