Why Would you Need a hospital bed at Home?

Hospital beds are not just for nursing homes and hospitals anymore. They can be a valuable tool to help keep loved ones at home during periods of recovery or illness.

Sleek designs and various styles of head and footboards look like bedroom furniture. Modern hospital beds help enable caregivers and loved ones to maintain safety, comfort and independence at home.

Here are 5 benefits of having a hospital bed at home for you and your loved one:

1. Easier repositioning for loved ones

Frequent repositioning in bed helps reduce the joint pain and stiffness that comes with laying still for long periods of time.

Shifting body weight helps prevent bed sores from forming, especially on the heels and buttocks.

Adjustable head and foot sections allow for positions that are not easily possible with wedges or pillows. Side rails help prevent falling out of bed during repositioning as well.

2. Adjustable head and foot of the bed

Shortness of breath can be eased by sleeping with the head of the bed elevated. Electric bed controls allow loved ones to find the most comfortable position and make adjustments as needed.

The head of the bed can easily be elevated for reading, visiting and eating and lowered for sleep.

Staying slightly upright in bed is important for loved ones with difficulty swallowing to help prevent inhaling food or liquids into the lungs.

The head of the bed can also be raised slowly before getting up to prevent dizziness or fainting.

Elevating the foot of the bed relieves leg swelling and helps prevent loved ones from sliding down when the head of the bed is raised.

3. Easier getting in and out of bed

Electric hospital bed frames can be raised and lowered as needed to make it easier for loved ones to get in and out of bed.

The head of the bed can be elevated to reduce the effort needed to sit at the side of the bed. The bed frame height can be adjusted as needed for sitting and standing.

This is especially important during recovery after hip surgery. Some hospital beds can be lowered so that the bed frame is almost on the floor. A foam mat can be placed on the floor next to the bed to prevent injury if a loved one rolls out of bed.

4. Protection for caregivers

It is essential for caregivers to protect themselves from back injuries as they care for loved ones.

Hospital bed frame heights can be adjusted to appropriate working heights, allowing caregivers to use safe lifting and transferring techniques.

Loved ones can use side rails and grab bars to assist with repositioning to minimize the effort needed by caregivers.

Overbed tables can be used with hospital beds to help loved ones reach for items and feed themselves. Locking swivel casters enable caregivers to easily move hospital beds to make room for wheelchairs, walkers and commodes.

5. Helpful accessories

Hospital bed designs allow use of equipment that cannot be attached to regular beds. A wide variety of side rail designs are available to help loved ones reposition in bed.

Side rails and grab bars make it easier for loved ones to get in and out of bed safely. Seizure pads can be placed inside side rails to prevent injury. Trapeze bars can be attached to the headboard and air mattress pumps can be attached to the footboard.

Final thoughts

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 today toll free at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

Need help finding a home hospital bed?

Read our latest Hospital Bed Buying Guide.