If you have a loved one who needs to recover from an illness, injury, or surgery and needs to stay in bed for an extended period of time, having the right hospital bed at home can make their recovery much more comfortable.
But how to choose a hospital bed for home? With so many options out there, it can get pretty overwhelming. Well, fear not! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
1. Understanding What’s Available: Different Types of Hospital Beds
Before going into specifics, let’s start by explaining the basic types of hospital beds:
1.1 Manual Beds
These beds are simple and cheap, making them great for short-term use. They are operated with hand cranks and offer basic adjustments without any electric connections needed. While they might not have all the bells and whistles of electronic beds, manual beds are straightforward and easy to operate for quick recovery periods after minor surgeries or injuries.
1.2 Semi-Electric Beds
A mix of manual and electronic features gives these beds a best-of-both-worlds kind of deal. They feature a bottom motor, which requires an electric connection to work correctly.
While head and foot adjustment is done electrically, height adjustment still relies on manual operation. These beds provide more comfort than manual ones, making them good choices for people needing medium assistance during their recovery process.
1.3 Full-Electric Beds
These are the most advanced hospital beds available today. Fully electric with remote control operation makes adjusting your position as easy as pie.
With these beds’ customization buttons, users can adjust their sleeping position exactly how they want it at any time without needing extra help from others. Although these might come with a heftier price tag than other types of hospital beds, if you plan on using them long-term, their advanced features definitely make up for it.
2. Things to Consider Before Making a Decision
Now that you know all the different types of hospital beds, let’s go over the factors you should consider before buying:
2.1 The Amount of Time You’ll Use It For
The first thing you need to figure out is how long your loved one will need this bed. If it’s for short-term recovery from an injury or surgery, then a manual or semi-electric bed is more than enough.
But if they have to be on bed rest for a while due to chronic illness or long-term care needs, investing in a full-electric bed will make their life much easier and more comfortable.
2.2 Patient’s Mobility
Another thing you should think about is how limited your patient’s mobility is. Can they adjust themselves in bed easily? Or do they require external help to reposition frequently?
If it’s the latter, then getting a full-electric bed with easy positioning adjustments is definitely recommended, as it would reduce discomfort and strain for your patient.
2.3 Caregiver’s Physical Strength
If you’re going to be their primary caregiver, then taking into account your physical capabilities should also play a part in your decision-making process.
Full-electric beds can save lives (or backs) when compared to manual ones, as they make repositioning much easier. This is especially important if the patient needs frequent changes in position throughout the day.
That being said, thoroughly assessing your strength and stamina will definitely point out what type of beds are best suited for both- the caregiver and the patient.
2.4 Patient’s Size and Weight
Make sure the bed can support the patient. If they are on the heavier side, you may need a bariatric bed that has a higher weight capacity. The same goes for children and pediatric beds to ensure they’re safe and comfortable.
2.5 Positioning Features
Look for beds with easy-to-use positioning features such as buttons to control frame adjustments, head, and feet.
These controls make it super convenient for the patient and caregiver to quickly adjust them in order to promote comfort and proper positioning.
2.6 Safety Features
Choose a bed that is built with safety features to reduce accidents and injuries. Side rails are necessary for preventing falls, especially if the patient is prone to moving around in their sleep or has mobility issues.
It’s also important that the bed is made of sturdy materials so it’s stable enough not to break under pressure of movement.
2.7 Budget
Take your budget into consideration while choosing a hospital bed. Full-electric beds typically come with advanced features but also have a higher price tag.
Evaluate how much you’re willing to spend against which features matter most so you don’t overspend or underspend on essentials. Remember that buying a quality hospital bed will improve the patient’s comfort, so choose accordingly.
3. Tailoring Your Choice To Specific Needs
Now that you have general knowledge of what hospital beds should look like let’s get down into tailoring your specifics:
3.1 Mobility Issues
If your patient has problems getting around, then you’ll want a hospital bed with adjustable frames and hand controllers for easy movement.
The last thing we want is them depending on someone else all of the time just to get settled in their own place of sleep— it’s like having an itch on your back but no way of scratching it.
Bed rails are also essential when dealing with patients who are prone to falls because, due to another condition, they aren’t able to lay still while sleeping.
3.2 Room Space
Measure the space you have at home before purchasing a hospital bed to avoid the unnecessary hassle of returning it due to size.
The patient should be able to get up and move around the bed quickly without feeling cramped or bumping into much. It’s also helpful for quick access to nearby supplies or storage while staying in bed.
3.3 Transfer Needs
If the patient needs assistance transferring themself from their bed to another mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs or patient lifts — then make sure the bed’s highest point matches those.
This way, when you’re transferring them, it will be safer and more efficient for both of you.
3.4 Aesthetics
Functionality is essential, but so is creating that comforting environment for the patient’s recovery.
Choose a hospital bed that matches your home decor with style, finish, and design so they feel good about where they’re resting.
Beds that look pleasing can go a long way in comforting one’s mind, which plays a big part in healing and recovering well.
Closing Thoughts
Congrats! Now, you have the tools to make a good choice regarding home hospital beds. Just keep in mind not to rush; really think about your options, and if you need help, don’t hesitate to consult with healthcare professionals.
All you have to do is consider how long you’ll be using it, how mobile the patient is, how strong their caregiver is, what safety features are available and, of course, your budget. Do all that, and I guarantee that finding the perfect bed will be a piece of cake.
Ultimately, it’s all about giving your loved one the care they need when they’re most vulnerable. With this bed, you can make their recovery more accessible and comfortable for patients and caregivers.
Last Updated on by shubham