A hospital bed may be needed if you or a family member is ill or recovering from an illness at home. You can buy or rent a hospital bed at medical supply stores. Most hospital beds look like a twin bed made of heavy metal parts. The bed has moveable side rails. Hand cranks or electricity may be used to change positions of the bed. Talk to your healthcare provider about what kind of bed is best for you or your family member.
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Manual hospital beds need to be moved or adjusted by using hand cranks. This may be difficult if you have limited hand or arm strength. If you are unable to do this, you will need to ask someone to help you. The cranks are located at the foot or head of the bed. Manual beds may not move to as many positions as electric beds.
Electric hospital beds can be moved or adjusted by pushing buttons. These beds may be easier to use. An electric bed has a motor and a cord to plug into an electrical outlet. There is a hand control pad hooked to the bed that may look like a television remote control. Each button on the hand control may have a picture showing how the bed will move when you push the button. Many people like an electric bed because the positions of the bed can be changed easily. These beds may also have a built in scale.
There are foam, air, and gel mattresses available for a hospital bed. Some mattresses can reduce pressure on certain areas of the body and help prevent pressure sores. You can buy or rent the mattress at the same supply store where you buy or rent the bed. The mattress usually comes with a waterproof cover. You may need other pads or bed attachments.
Keep the wheels of the bed locked at all times. Unlock the wheels only if the bed needs to be moved. Once the bed is moved into place, lock the wheels again.
Put a bell and a within reach of the bed. These should be available so you can call for help when needed.
Keep the side rails up at all times except when you get in and out of bed. You may need a footstool next to the bed. Use a night light if you need to get out of bed at night.
Put the hand control pad within easy reach to adjust positions. Learn to use the hand control and practice moving the bed into different positions. Test the bed's hand and panel controls to be sure the bed is working correctly. You may be able to lock the positions so the bed cannot be adjusted.
Follow the specific manufacturer's instructions for using the bed. Check for cracks and damage to the bed controls. Call the bed manufacturer or another professional if you smell burning or hear unusual sounds coming from the bed. Do not use the bed if there is a burning smell coming from it. Call if the bed controls are not working correctly to change positions of the bed.
When you adjust any part of the bed, it should move freely. The bed should extend to its full length and adjust to any position. Do not place the hand control or power cords through the bed rails.
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
Jan 01,
Heritage Home Medical Equipment
In the realm of home care, selecting the right hospital bed is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the comfort and well-being of patients. As a trusted medical supply retail store located in Wichita Falls, we understand the importance of providing quality products to our walk-in customers. In this article, we will guide you through the essential features and options to consider when choosing a hospital bed for home care.
Adjustability and Positioning: One of the key features to consider is the bed's adjustability. Home care patients often spend extended periods in bed, and an adjustable bed can enhance their comfort and support various healthcare needs. Look for beds with options for height adjustment, backrest inclination, and knee elevation. These features can help alleviate pressure points, enhance circulation, and provide optimal positioning for specific medical conditions.
Mattress Selection: The right mattress is vital for ensuring both comfort and health. Different patients may have varying needs, such as pressure redistribution, moisture control, or temperature regulation. Consider options like alternating-pressure mattresses for pressure ulcer prevention or foam mattresses for overall comfort. Offering a variety of mattress choices can cater to the diverse needs of your customers.
Safety Features: Safety is paramount, especially for those with limited mobility. Hospital beds should come equipped with safety features like bed rails, locking mechanisms, and emergency controls. Bed rails provide support for repositioning and prevent accidental falls while locking mechanisms secure the bed in place during transfers. Emergency controls ensure quick adjustments in case of emergencies.
Mobility and Ease of Use: Consider the mobility features of the hospital bed, especially if the patient requires frequent repositioning or transfers. Beds with wheels should have a locking system to ensure stability when needed. Additionally, user-friendly controls and intuitive mechanisms make it easier for both caregivers and patients to operate the bed efficiently.
Durability and Maintenance: Investing in a durable hospital bed is essential for long-term use. Beds constructed with sturdy materials withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring longevity. Additionally, opt for models that are easy to clean and maintain, promoting a hygienic environment for the patient.
Weight Capacity: Ensure the chosen hospital bed has a weight capacity that meets the specific needs of the patient. Different models come with varying weight limits, so it's crucial to assess the individual requirements to provide optimal support and safety.
Budget Considerations: While it's essential to prioritize quality and functionality, budget considerations play a role in the decision-making process. Offering a range of hospital bed options at different price points allows customers to find a suitable solution that aligns with their financial constraints without compromising on quality.
Additional Accessories: Consider offering a variety of accessories that can enhance the overall functionality and comfort of the hospital bed. Accessories such as overbed tables, bedside commodes, and trapeze bars can provide additional convenience and support for both patients and caregivers.
Choosing the right hospital bed for home care involves a thoughtful consideration of various features and options. As a medical supply retail store in Wichita Falls, our commitment is to assist our walk-in customers in making informed decisions that positively impact the well-being of their loved ones. By providing a diverse selection of hospital beds with adjustable features, safety measures, and durability, we aim to meet the unique needs of each individual seeking home care solutions. Visit our store and let our knowledgeable staff guide you in selecting the perfect hospital bed that combines comfort, functionality, and affordability for your specific requirements. Your loved one's health and comfort are our top priorities, and we are here to ensure you find the ideal solution for your home care needs.
It's important to understand hospital bed widths and dimensions if you are considering purchasing or renting a hospital bed for home use. The length and width of a hospital bed will determine where or if you can fit the hospital bed in your bedroom or if you will need to put it in a different room.
Hospital beds are a great option for patients who spend a lot of time in bed, have trouble getting in and out of bed, are recovering from illness or surgery, or have a condition that affects being comfortable in a standard bed. While regular measurements may be sufficient for most patients, there are different hospital bed sizes for patients who are especially tall or heavy.
The standard dimensions for a hospital bed for home use are 36' (wide) x 80' (long). A hospital bed will typically occupy the same space a regular mattress occupies. To measure a hospital bed's dimensions, measure the length from the headboard to the footboard and the width from side to side.
A general rise in average BMI means hospital beds come in alternative widths. When considering hospital bed rentals, check whether the specifications of a given model are appropriate for the intended user.
Apart from the standard width and length of a hospital bed, there are other considerations to take into account when choosing a home hospital bed:
Hospital beds for home differ from adjustable beds in that a patient or caregiver can raise or lower the height of a hospital bed as well as the position of the mattress. Adjusting the height of the bed makes it easier for the patient to get in and out of bed. For additional differences, check out our article comparing hospital beds vs adjustable beds.
Due to a patient's size or condition, they may need a larger bed. Being able to change positions in a hospital bed is important, and people must be able to turn from supine to side-lying positions to be comfortable and receive treatment. If a patient isn't able to move easily in their bed, there's an increased risk of pressure injuries and it can impact the ability of the caregiver to administer treatment.
For these reasons, hospital beds come in basic size and extra-wide 39" options. Tall patients can easily add extensions to a standard hospital bed to increase the length.
Check the size and weight limits of your bed before committing to rental or purchase. The importance of a patient's weight and BMI was noted by Wiggermann et al., who reported the significance of choosing a bed that's big enough to ensure the safety of both the patient and their caregiver. As a rule:
A patient with a BMI of 45 or less will fit into a standard 36" width bed.
If the patient's BMI is over 45, they will probably need a 39" model.
Patients will need a special mattress, as ordinary mattresses don't bend and can't endure the strict requirements of a hospital bed. Patients need:
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A pressure redistributing mattress that's built to contour to the bed.
A mattress that adheres to the requirements of their condition. Make sure the hospital bed mattress comes with features that allow them to eat and drink and support medical equipment, as needed.
A mattress that's thick enough to be comfortable. The standard thickness of hospital bed mattresses is 6" but some can go up to 7".
Please note that when you rent a hospital bed, an appropriate mattress is typically provided with the frame.
Properly sized bed linens are important when renting or purchasing a hospital bed. Because beds come in multiple sizes, make sure you buy sheets that are large enough to cover the mattress comfortably and are easy to wash.
There are many medical equipment supply stores that rent out and sell hospital beds for home use. We offer hospital bed rentals for residents of Denver and the state of Colorado.
For short-term use (up to 20 weeks), it's generally best to rent a hospital bed. Ensure that the supplier disinfects each bed thoroughly between rentals. For long-term use (over 20 weeks), it's generally more cost-effective to buy.
Home hospital beds are a great solution for patients with short-term or long-term care needs. When selecting a hospital bed, check the length and width, 'ideal user' specifications, mattress thickness, and additional features such as an over-bed table if required.
While most patients will be fine with a standard bed, wider beds and bed extensions are available for patients who need them. To ensure the best fit, consult with a medical supply professional and have the patient try out the bed (if possible) before signing on the dotted line.
How To Choose a Hospital Bed for Home Care
Hospital beds come in a wide variety of styles, designs and sizes to meet the needs of loved ones at home. Special attention should be taken to ensure that hospital bed features closely match the needs of loved ones. It is important to make a list of which hospital bed features are most important in order to choose wisely and stay within budget.
Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a hospital bed for home.
Full electric hospital bed controls enable loved ones and caregivers to adjust the bed frame, head and foot with push button controls. Semi-electric hospital beds allow the head and foot of the bed to be raised and lowered with the push of a button on the remote control. The height of the bed frame may be fixed in one position or adjusted with a manual crank depending on the model. Semi-electric beds are more economical than fully electric beds but the fixed bed frame height may make providing care to loved ones more difficult.
Weight capacity is one of the most important considerations when choosing a hospital bed for a loved one. Serious injury can occur if the bed frame collapses due to excess weight. Bariatric beds are designed to safely hold up to 750 pounds with up to 48' width. They are ideal to comfortably accommodate larger and heavier users. The weight capacity and additional width may also allow family members to be in the bed to hold their loved one or relax together if desired.
Some hospital bed frames are set at a fixed height while others can be adjusted to higher and lower positions as needed. The bed frame may need to be adjusted to the best height for loved ones to get in and out of bed and to a different height for caregivers to provide assistance. High low beds have a height range of approximately 8' to 20' so that the mattress can be lowered nearly to the floor. This is helpful for loved ones who might roll out of bed or try to get up without asking for assistance, especially when a thick mat is placed alongside the bed.
Trendelenburg position allows the bed frame to tilt so that the head is down and the feet are elevated. This can be helpful to reduce the effort needed when caregivers lift loved ones toward the head of the bed. Reverse Trendelenburg position may be used to help loved ones turn onto the side while keeping the head elevated. This can be helpful for some loved ones with shortness of breath or tube feeding.
Full length side rails can be used with pads to help protect loved ones from injury due to seizures. Grab bars and half-length side rails provide support for loved ones as they are repositioned in the bed and they can keep remote controls within easy reach. They also provide stability as loved ones get in and out of bed. Side rails and grab bars must be securely attached to the bed frame to prevent injury.
Hospital bed head and foot boards are available in a wide variety of shapes and finish colors to fit into any décor. The head and foot boards should be mounted securely to the bed frame so that an overhead trapeze assist bar can be used if desired. The footboard may also be used to support pumps for air mattresses or venous therapy.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a hospital bed for a loved one is never an easy task. To make the right choice you'll have to consider your loved one's needs, the bed's safety and positioning features, available bed accessories and affordability. It is important to always speak with a doctor about specific needs before obtaining a hospital bed for home use.
We always want you to feel informed before you make a purchase. If you have any doubts that a bed is right for you, please contact HomeCare Hospital Beds team, so we can help you make the right choice.
Call us at 877-414- or us at .
Need help finding a home hospital bed? Read our latest Hospital Bed Buying Guide.
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