Considering a Hospital Bed for Home? Here’s What You Should Ask

When putting a hospital bed into one’s home, it is often decided during a difficult time—recovery, long-term care, or palliative support. Hospital beds are a bit more comfortable, safe, and convenient than a standard bed, and choosing one requires much thought.

If you have begun working with the consideration of putting a hospital bed into a home, therefore, there are certain key questions to take into account prior to choosing.

1. What Is Going on With Their Medical Condition and Level of Mobility?

Start by looking at the very reason for the bed. Could the patient be recovering from an operation? Do they have any long-term condition such as ALS, multiple sclerosis, or severe arthritis? Are they fully mobile, are they half mobile, or are they already fully bed-ridden?

• Speaking about the need,  know what kind of bed is required.
• Type of bed: manual, semi-electric, or full-electric.
• Features: height adjustment, side rails, tilt, etc.
• Mattress: foam, low-air-loss, or alternating pressure.

2. Manual, Semi-Electric, or Full Electric?

Every type has its pros and cons:

• Manual beds most often require muscle power to adjust and are generally the cheapest.
• Semi-Electric Beds offer electric adjustment of the head and foot sections, with height alteration carried out manually.
• Full-Electric Beds are fully adjustable with a remote control, hence an ideal option for patients with very limited mobility, especially if caregivers assist frequently.
• Consider the comfort of the user and practical physical limitations that could affect the caregivers.

3. Is It the Proper Size for the Patient and the Space?

Hospital beds come in various sizes, generally slimmer than regular beds. You would:

• Check the size of the room to be sure it fits the bed comfortably.
• Think about bariatric beds for larger weight patients. 
• Look at the width of your door to ease delivery and installation access.
• Think about other equipment, including medical equipment, and more relative to caregiver access, too.

4. What Type of Mattress Is Required?

The mattress is as important as the bed frame. There are several types designed to avert pressure sores and afford comfort:

• Foam Mattresses – General use and good for simple comfort.       
• Alternating Pressure Mattresses – For patients with increased risks of pressure sores.

5. Side rails and accessories?

Side rails help:

• Prevent falls.
• Allow safe repositioning.
• Promote patient security, especially during sleep.

In certain cases, however, full-length bedrails may pose a restraint risk to patients with dementia. Are partial rails or other safety devices more appropriate?

Other accessories to look into:

• Over-bed tables
• Trapeze bars
• IV poles
• Transfer aids

6. Should You Rent or Buy the Bed?

• This often depends on the length of need for the bed.
• Renting is best for short stays attributed to recovery.
• Buying is more practical for a long-term or permanent stay.

Ask the insurance company or Medicare what is covered and what is not. Some home medical equipment suppliers also have rent-to-own arrangements.

7. Is Delivery, Setup, and Maintenance Included in the Price?

Hospital beds can be a challenge for delivery and maintenance. When talking to a supplier, make sure to ask:

• Will they assemble the bed and show you how to use it?
• What happens if it needs repairs or maintenance?

The provider will ensure the bed is correctly installed while making sure you feel confident in its operation.

8. Who Should Help in Making the Final Decision?

Don’t do it on your own! Consult:

• – Your doctor or physical therapist
• – A home health agency
• – A reputable home medical equipment supplier

They can direct you toward the best choices for your individual circumstances, ensuring that whatever choice is made meets any medical or insurance requirements.

Final Thoughts

A hospital bed for home use is not just a purchase; it is one of the steps toward improving the patient’s quality of life and safety. By asking the right questions and involving the right people, an informed decision can be made that offers peace of mind and the promise of better care at home.

Need help selecting the right hospital bed? [Contact Us Today] – so we’re here to help you every step of the way.