A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Bed for Home Care

One of the most important things you can do to take care of a loved one at home is to pick the right bed. Patients who are recovering from surgery, dealing with a long-term illness, or need long-term care may not be comfortable, safe, or supported in a regular bed. An adjustable hospital bed for home use is especially helpful in these situations.

According to the National Library of Medicine, hospital beds designed for home settings not only improve patient comfort but also make caregiving easier while reducing the risks associated with immobility. Families have several choices, such as purchasing or renting an adjustable hospital bed for home use, and it’s important to consider which option best fits their needs.

Key takeaways: 

• You can adjust hospital beds to make them more comfortable, give you more freedom, and make them safer.

• If you only need a bed for a short time or aren't sure what you need, renting one is better. If you need a bed for a long time, buying one is better.

• The type of mattress, how easy it is to adjust, the side rails, and the height control are all important features.

• Caregivers should get beds that make everyday tasks easier on their bodies.

• Before you decide, always think about how long you'll need it, how much it will cost, and what your health needs are.

Why would you want to use an adjustable hospital bed at home?

A hospital bed that can be adjusted for home use is more than just a place to sleep. These beds are made with medical needs in mind, so they are good for people who are recovering at home, have disabilities, or need to be watched all the time.

First, they let you change the height of the head, foot, and overall height of the bed, which makes it more comfortable. This helps patients figure out the best way to sleep, sit, or rest, which can improve circulation, lower the risk of pressure sores, and speed up healing. Second, many models come with remote controls that let patients move around on their own, which makes them feel more independent.

Another important benefit is safety. Built-in side rails make it less likely that someone will fall, which is very important for older people or people who have trouble moving. Adjustable beds are easier on the bodies of caregivers. It's easier and safer to do things like bathing, dressing, and moving patients when you can raise the bed to a comfortable height.

Do you think you should rent a hospital bed for home care?

A lot of the time, families ask if they should rent or buy. For short-term needs, renting a hospital bed for home care is often the best option. If a patient needs extra help for a few weeks or months after surgery or an injury, renting gives you flexibility without having to pay for a full purchase.

Renting has other benefits as well. You don't have to worry about maintenance and repairs because most rental companies handle them. Some of them even let you add new features later if you want to. Rentals, on the other hand, may not be as good because you can't customize them as much, and older beds may wear out.

If you need a bed for a long time or forever, it is usually cheaper to buy one than to rent one. It lets families pick out certain features, like special mattresses or advanced positioning controls, and makes sure the bed meets the patient's ongoing care needs.

What to Look for in a Hospital Bed 

When choosing the right hospital bed, focusing on features that balance patient comfort and caregiver convenience is key. Here are some aspects to keep in mind:

1. Adjustability- Beds should allow head, foot, and height adjustments. This helps patients find the most comfortable position for resting or therapy.
   

2. Side Rails- Essential for preventing falls and offering additional support during repositioning.
   

3. Mattress Options- Foam, gel, or air mattresses can help prevent bedsores and provide varying levels of pressure relief.
   

4. Ease of Use- Electric controls and simple remotes make the bed easier to operate for both patients and caregivers.
   

5. Mobility- Lockable wheels make it easier to move the bed when needed, while keeping it safe when stationary.
   

6. Optional Features- Advanced beds may include quick-release functions for emergencies, alarms, or Trendelenburg positioning for medical procedures.
   
   

Each of these features should be considered alongside your loved one’s specific health conditions. For example, patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers may need an alternating air mattress, while those with respiratory conditions may benefit from frequent head elevation.

How long will you need the bed? Is it better to rent or buy?

The length of time you plan to use it is often a factor in whether you should rent or buy. If you only need the bed for a few weeks or months, renting is a good choice. But for people who need long-term care, like seniors who have trouble getting around or people with chronic illnesses, buying a bed is a better deal and lets you make it fit your needs better.

Health insurance or coverage is another thing to think about. If a doctor says you need one, Medicare or insurance may help pay for some of the cost of renting or buying a hospital bed. Always call your insurance company before you make a choice. This could save you a lot of money out of your own pocket.

Final thoughts on how to pick the best bed for home care

Choosing the right hospital bed isn't just a medical decision; it's also about making a space that is safe, comfortable, and respectful. You should choose whether to rent or buy an adjustable hospital bed for home use based on your loved one's health needs, how long you think you'll need care, and how much money you have.

If you want something that will last, the Prius AI1 premium All-in-One Med-Surg Expandable Low Bed from Slumber Source is an excellent choice. It is a good choice for home care because it has advanced medical features and is easy to use. Browse Slumber Source's selection to find the right fit for your caregiving journey and give your loved one the comfort they need.

Questions and Answers

1. Does Medicare pay for hospital beds that people can use at home?

Medicare Part B usually pays for up to 80% of the cost of hospital beds that a doctor says you should use at home.

2. What makes a hospital bed different from a regular adjustable bed?

Regular adjustable beds don't usually have the same features as hospital beds, which are made for medical use. These features include side rails, medical positioning, and safety features.

3. How much does it cost to rent a bed in a hospital?

Renting a hospital bed usually costs between $200 and $500 a month, depending on the type of bed and any extra features that come with it.

4. Is it possible to fit hospital beds in small spaces at home?

Yes, most models will fit in a bedroom that is the right size. But always measure your space before you order to make sure it will fit and be easy to get to.