Complete Guide to Hospital Beds for Home Care
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, the number of people providing caregiving has increased significantly, from about 43.5 million in 2015 to 53 million in 2020. Since there is a high demand for caregivers due to the aging population, many families are exploring options to enhance the comfort and safety of their loved ones at home. A hospital bed designed for home care includes features that meet the needs of the vast majority of individuals. For example, they are great for someone recovering from an injury, surgery, seniors or those who need to remain in bed for extended periods of time.
There may be a few questions and concerns going through your head, however, do not worry, we are here to guide you on this journey! Whether you’re a new caregiver or have experience in this role, our insights will equip you with the knowledge needed to ensure a safe and supportive home environment for those in your care. This guide offers insights to help caregivers make informed decisions about hospital beds for home care, covering essential features, benefits, and maintenance tips.
When Is the Right Time to Buy a Hospital Bed for Your Loved One?
Although it might be a bit of a shock to see your loved one in a hospital bed, it can be very beneficial to them in the long run, helping them regain some of their charisma and strength that they may have lost. To determine if they are in need of a hospital bed for homecare, there are a few aspects that need to be taken note of.
A hospital bed should be considered for a loved one at home when their medical condition significantly impacts their mobility and requires frequent repositioning. This is particularly important if they have difficulty getting in and out of a regular bed due to weakness, pain, or breathing difficulties, which can be associated with conditions like arthritis, congestive heart failure, or post-surgery recovery. Essentially, a standard bed may not provide the necessary support and positioning needed for their health and comfort.
Key Benefits of Hospital Beds for Home Care
Hospital beds designed for home use offer advantages beyond a standard bed, providing:
- Enhanced Comfort: With adjustable settings to relieve pressure, these beds suit individuals with chronic conditions. Many hospital beds resemble regular beds to maintain a sense of normalcy.
- Improved Mobility: Adjustable height and assist rails help users get in and out of bed independently, supporting autonomy and privacy.
- Safety Features: Handrails and locking wheels reduce the risk of falls, a common concern for seniors.
Comfortable beds significantly impact sleep quality, especially as physical needs change with age. Hospital beds are designed with adjustable features to relieve pressure, making them suitable for individuals with chronic conditions. Many resemble regular beds or have a similar “feel”, helping to alleviate self-consciousness. Hospital beds for home care improve mobility, featuring adjustable heights and assist rails that enable users to get in and out independently, enhancing autonomy and privacy. Safety features, like handrails and locking wheels, reduce fall risks, a critical concern for seniors.
Ultimately, at-home hospital beds enhance the quality of life, allowing seniors and individuals with disabilities to maintain independence while receiving essential care in familiar surroundings, promoting both comfort and safety.
Full Electric vs. Semi-Electric Beds: What’s the Difference?
While semi-electric beds offer some helpful features for patients and caregivers, the advantages of full electric beds simply outweigh those of semi-electric. The main distinction is that a semi-electric bed requires adjustments to the head and foot positions through a remote control, but height adjustments must be made manually with a hand crank. Whereas a fully electric bed can adjust the overall height entirely electronically using a remote control providing patients with greater independence and convenience making it a little easier on their caregiver. The added convenience of full electric beds typically comes at a higher cost, ranging from $1,200 to $4,000, while semi-electric beds may cost between $600 and $1,000. However, prices can be notably higher depending on how advanced its features are and the brand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Hospital Beds
Here are answers to common questions caregivers have about hospital beds for home use:
What are the benefits of a hospital bed for home care?
There are several benefits, like safety features such as side rails preventing falls and injury, reducing caregiver worry in regards to the patient. Adjustability features on these beds allow them to be lowered or raised to their comfortable height level, which can help patients who have trouble getting in and out of bed. This can also make it easier for caregivers like yourself to transfer patients to a wheelchair or walker preventing unnecessary bending and back strain. Hospital beds for home care can alter the bed’s position, such as elevating the head or legs. This allows caregivers to enhance patient comfort and provide support for different medical needs.
These benefits are very beneficial and important as the average age of a caregiver is about 50 years old. Overall, hospital beds at home allow caregivers to perform tasks with less physical effort significantly decreasing their stress levels and feeling fatigued.
Are hospital beds covered by insurance?
Most health insurance providers include the rental of hospital beds as part of their coverage for home medical or durable medical equipment (DME) which can ease the financial burden. To find out if your patient or loved one’s plan covers rental hospital beds, they can review their insurance policy or contact the insurance company directly.
Can hospital beds for home care be rented?
Yes, you can rent hospital beds for home care. When determining whether to rent or buy a hospital bed, you can take into account if the bed will be used long term, the price of the bed along with any related accessories and the comfort as well as safety features it offers. Renting is often a cost-effective choice if you will only need the bed for a limited period.
What is the typical size and weight of a hospital bed for home care?
Hospital beds for home care size and weight dimensions can vary based on the model as well as its features including the bed range and slat deck, but we can offer some standard ranges. These devices usually weigh between 200 and 400 pounds, though they can be heavier when accessories are added. Standard hospital beds typically measure 80 inches in length and 36 inches in width, with an adjustable height ranging from 16 to 30 inches.
How do you safely use a hospital bed at home?
Caregivers should safely utilize a hospital bed by making sure that they have familiarized themselves with the product’s user manual. It’s essential to engage side rails when needed to prevent falls and ensure that the bed is locked in position before providing assistance. Also, adjusting it to the appropriate height will facilitate secure patient transfers. Furthermore, caregivers should take care when using the bed’s adjustable features to enhance the patient’s comfort, being cautious to avoid pinching or trapping during adjustments.
What are some adjustable features that hospital beds have for seniors?
Hospital beds made for home care include adjustable features that significantly improve comfort and accessibility for seniors. These beds usually offer the ability to raise both the head and foot sections, helping individuals find a more comfortable position for sleeping or sitting. Many models also come with side rails and height adjustments, enhancing safety and making it easier for seniors to move around. Please reference our last post, Hospital Beds: How to Choose the Right One – Key Way Medical to find out more information on how to choose the right hospital bed for your loved one.
How do I properly clean and maintain a hospital bed for home care?
To effectively clean a hospital bed for home care, first strip off all linens and pillows and wash them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Then, use a hospital-grade disinfectant to thoroughly wipe down all surfaces, including the frame, head and footboards, and any movable components, to ensure all germs are removed. Finally, let the surface air dry completely before making the bed with fresh linens for the patient’s comfort.
What is the average lifespan of a hospital bed?
The American Hospital Association suggests replacing a hospital bed mattress every five years, while mattress manufacturers estimate its typical lifespan to be between one to three years. With that being said, it is safe to say that the lifespan of a hospital bed for home care varies based on several factors, including how often it is used and the amount of wear and tear it experiences.
If there is an issue with a hospital bed at home, how do I get help to resolve it?
Unfortunately, functional issues can arise affecting the use of the bed or maybe the mattress material might begin to tear, but that is why many companies have warranty policies in place for situations like these. The warranty process for hospital beds used in home care typically begins by reviewing the warranty terms provided by the manufacturer, which outline coverage for parts and labor. If a problem arises, the caregiver or owner should contact the manufacturer or authorized dealer to report the issue and provide necessary details, such as the model and serial number. Finally, the manufacturer may require a technician to assess the bed before determining if repairs or replacements are covered under the warranty.
Final Thoughts: The Knowledge You Obtained
In conclusion, investing in a hospital bed for home care can greatly enhance the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. With features designed for comfort, safety, and ease of use, these beds cater to the unique needs of individuals recovering from illness or injury. By understanding how to effectively utilize and maintain these beds, caregivers can ensure a safer and more supportive environment for their loved ones.
As you navigate the challenges of caregiving, remember that the right equipment, combined with the knowledge shared in this blog, can make a significant difference. Key Way Medical is committed to providing valuable resources and support as you embark on this rewarding journey of care, ensuring that both you and your loved ones can experience peace of mind at home.
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Here at Key Way Medical, we are dedicated to transforming healthcare with a focus on innovation and compassion. Our commitment extends to enhancing lives at every stage, from research and development to production and distribution. By merging advanced technology with compassionate care, we strive to foster a world where every individual can thrive with dignity and independence. If you are interested in receiving more information or scheduling a live demo for one of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
References
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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). (2020). Hospital Beds And Accessories – Policy Article. Retrieved from: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=52508#:~:text=A%20variable%20height%20hospital%20bed,billing%20the%20Column%20I%20code.&text=When%20mattress%20or%20bedside%20rails,code%20that%20combines%20these%20items.
National Alliance for Caregiving. (2020). Caregiving in the U.S. 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.caregiving.org/research/caregiving-in-the-us/caregiving-in-the-us-2020/
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2017). Covers for Hospital Bed Mattresses: Learn How to Keep Them Safe. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hospital-beds/covers-hospital-bed-mattresses-learn-how-keep-them-safe
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home. Retrieved from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home#when-it-s-time-to-leave-home
All Seniors Foundation. (2024). Hospital Beds: The Benefits for Home Care. Retrieved from: https://allseniors.org/articles/hospital-beds-the-benefits-for-home-care/
