Category: Hospital Beds

Home hospital beds are an essential part of hospice care. The adjustable head and foot sections allow patients to assume positions that are not possible with wedges or pillows. Patients can also sit upright in bed to visit with loved ones and ease shortness of breath. Because there are multiple hospital beds to choose from, this article provides helpful information about how to choose the best home hospital bed for your hospice patient.

 

Key features

Loud noises can be disturbing and unpleasant for an unwell person since their senses are often enhanced. Home hospital beds with smooth, quiet motors allow patients to be repositioned as comfortably as possible with less noise. Patients can also gradually lose the ability to reposition themselves independently, which is why hand pendants are very helpful. Patients can adjust the bed position, as they wish, with minimal effort. Many patients also find that half rails provide support when they roll over in the bed and help prevent falls when they get up. 

 

Semi-electric and full electric beds

Semi-electric hospital beds have motors to raise and lower the head and foot sections. The bed frame stays at a fixed height although some models can be manually adjusted with a hand crank. Semi-electric hospital beds are less than ideal for hospice patients, however. Without the ability to raise a bed to a safe working height, caregivers are at risk of painful back injuries from excessive bending and stooping. Full electric hospital beds are a great option because caregivers can easily adjust the bed height to avoid bending forward at the waist. You can find more information here about the effects of working positions.

 

Full electric beds for hospice care

Traditionally, hospice patients were provided with semi-electric hospital beds because they were significantly less expensive than full electric versions. The CostCare B130C full electric bed is now available for the same price as most semi-electric options. The B130C bed frame can be raised to 23″ to protect caregivers from back injuries and lowered to 15.4″ so that patients can easily get back into the bed. The painted head and footboards resemble bedroom furniture in order to fit into any decor. Optional half side rails provide support when patients roll over and help reduce the risk of falls when they get out of bed. 

 

Choosing a mattress

Hospice patients are at high risk for developing skin breakdown as they enter the final stages of the dying process. Pressure ulcers that develop at the end of life often get worse quickly with significant pain and discomfort.  Therapeutic support surfaces should be used to prevent skin breakdown, especially when patients remain in a single position for comfort. Typical hospital bed mattresses have a single layer of foam that is either too soft to provide enough support or too hard to protect fragile skin areas. MedMattress Care mattresses are created from high quality foam that provides patient comfort and pressure redistribution at an economical price point.  The  fluid resistant, ultra-soft nylon cover reduces friction to help prevent shear injuries. Care mattresses are available in 36” x 80” x 6” size for use with the CostCare B130C bed. 

 

Key takeaway

Caring for hospice patients poses unique challenges as as each patient has different needs.  Full electric hospital beds like the CostCare B130C help protect caregivers from injury as they promote comfort for the patient. Pressure redistribution mattresses can also help promote comfort and reduce the risk of decubitus ulcer formation. The HomeCare Hospital Beds team of experts is ready to help hospice caregivers and providers get the necessary equipment to care for patients with terminal illness.  For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

 **The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

The ‘power wheelchair vs scooter’ debate is never-ending. The two terms are often used interchangeably but the two options are actually quite different. While both types of mobility devices help promote independence for people with disabilities, it can be difficult to choose between them. Keep reading to find out more about how to choose the one that’s right for you. 

 

Seating

Power wheelchairs are designed for people with very limited mobility, have weak torso muscles and need additional support sitting upright. In order to do this, the captain’s style seats can be customized with motor-driven stand, tilt, support, and recline features. In contrast, mobility scooter seats are not designed for all day use as they typically provide minimal postural support and cushioning. They usually have simple seats that swivel so people can get on and off easily. Some models have reclining seats or captain’s chairs for additional comfort. Users must be able to walk short distances, stand, and step on/off the scooter independently. 

 

Steering

Mobility scooters are equipped with a tiller for steering as opposed to a power wheelchair which is operated using a joystick. Users require good upper body strength and fine motor control to operate the tiller. They also must be able to extend their arms comfortably in front of their body for extended periods to hold the controls. Joystick controls are ideal for people with arm weakness because they can be controlled with the touch of a single finger. The joystick is attached to the armrest so the user’s arm is constantly supported. 

 

Navigation

Power wheelchairs have a compact design so they can maneuver through tight spaces like narrow hallways. In particular, mid-wheel drive wheelchairs have a zero turn radius which means that they can turn around in their own space. Power wheelchairs allow users to sit at tables and pull up next to the bed or toilet. Mobility scooters have a wide turning radius so they are more suited for grocery stores, malls, airports, and parks. Some buildings and elevators cannot accommodate mobility scooters due to their large size. The handlebars prevent scooters from pulling straight up to desks or tables, so users must stand up and transfer to a chair. Many scooters have lights and turn signals because they are designed to be used in public spaces.  

Travel

Most power wheelchairs weigh approximately 200 lbs and are impossible for one person to lift. These wheelchairs require a special lift or a specially designed wheelchair van. Thankfully, the lightweight Vive Health Power Wheelchair and Compact Power Wheelchair fold in seconds to fit into most vehicles. Many mobility scooters can be taken apart into 3 or 4 pieces for transport or storage.  However, larger heavy-duty scooters with captain’s seats often require a vehicle lift. Drive Medical ZooMe Auto-Flex Folding Travel Scooter is perfect for travel because it weighs only 60 lbs and folds/unfolds in 15 seconds or less with a wireless key fob!

 

Questions to consider

1. How often will I need to use it?  
2. Will I use it all day or for short periods of time? 
3. Will I use it at home or for shopping and errands?
4. Do I have the means to transport it when needed? 
5. Do I have enough arm strength to steer with tiller controls? 
6. Do I have enough trunk strength to sit upright on my own? 

 

Final thoughts

Power wheelchairs and mobility scooters are invaluable devices for people with disabilities. They are available in a wide variety of configurations and sizes to meet the individual needs of each person. Power wheelchairs are designed for people with very limited mobility while scooters are considered to be consumer products for use as needed. Trying to find just the right mobility device can be a challenge so the HomeCare Hospital Beds team of experts is ready to help!  For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

 **The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

How are Assisted Living Facilities Different From Nursing Homes?

At some point, support from family, friends, and local programs may not be enough for seniors to continue living on their own. Seniors who require additional help may consider moving to a residential facility that can provide the services they need. However, it can be difficult for seniors and their families to know which type of living solution is best suited for them. Here are the answers to common questions about these two types of senior facilities. 

Final thoughts

When seniors can no longer manage their medications and daily activities on their own, it may be time to consider moving to a residential facility. Assisted living is a great option for seniors who need extra support or who need assistance with day-to-day tasks. In contrast, nursing homes provide round-the-clock care for seniors with complex medical conditions. If you or a loved one would like more information about facility-based senior care, these organizations are ready to help: 

 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

800-633-4227 (toll-free)

877-486-2048 (TTY/toll-free)

https://www.cms.gov/

www.medicare.gov

 

Eldercare Locator

800-677-1116 (toll-free)

eldercarelocator@n4a.org 

https://eldercare.acl.gov

 

USAging

202-872-0888

info@usaging.org

www.usaging.org

 

Trying to find the right medical equipment can also be a challenge so the HomeCare Hospital Beds team of experts is ready to help! We work with seniors and their families to provide high-quality equipment and supplies at the lowest prices available. For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

 **The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

Home safety is important for everyone, but especially for people who have Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Over time, they may become less able to manage around the house.  For instance, they may forget to turn off the stove, slip in the shower or even wander outside. Loose rugs, dim lighting and clutter can lead to falls and they may not be able to call for help. It is usually more effective to change the person’s surroundings by removing dangerous items than to try to change their behaviors. 

To prevent stressful and dangerous situations, consider these home safety tips for caregivers. 

 

Living Room & Hallway Check the floors. Remove any loose rugs that could lead to trips and falls. It is also important to seal carpet edges and seams that have become frayed.  Light the way. Install night lights in the hallways to prevent falls and help the person get to the bathroom at night. Handrails may also be needed along the hallway.   Be careful with candles and fireplaces. Do not leave the person with dementia alone with a burning candle or an open fire in the fireplace.   Consider getting a lifting recliner. Some people with dementia have trouble standing up due to balance issues or limited mobility. It may be helpful to purchase the chair in the early stages of dementia so that it becomes a familiar object to the person.  Protect stairways. Make sure that there is a sturdy handrail that goes all the way from the top to the bottom.  You might need to add non-skid strips if the steps are highly polished. Light switches should be installed at the top and bottom of stairs.

Bathroom Install wall-mounted grab bars near the toilet, near the bathtub and in the shower.  They can help people with dementia keep their balance on wet, slippery floors.  Get a shower chair with a handheld shower head so the person can remain seated while bathing to help prevent falls.  A bathtub/shower mat is also helpful.  Consider getting a raised toilet seat with arms. It is much easier for people to use the toilet when the seat is elevated by 2” and they can use their arms to steady themselves.  Lock up all medicines, vitamins and supplements. People with dementia often rummage through drawers and cabinets.  They may take someone else’s medicine or take too much of their own.  Remove door locks from the bathroom doors to prevent the person from accidentally becoming locked in the bathroom and unable to get out.

Kitchen Prevent access to potentially dangerous appliances by installing safety knobs on the stove to prevent the person with dementia from turning the stove on or off. The garbage disposal may need to be disconnected as well.  Lock up all toxic cleaning products, matches and alcohol.  Important papers, checkbooks, credit carts, and keys should also be kept secure as they could be misplaced or hidden by a person with dementia.  Get appliances with automatic shut-off mechanisms. People with dementia often forget that they turned on the toaster, kettle or other appliance and a fire could result.   Use good smoke detectors. People with Alzheimer’s often forget about food that is being cooked. Some newer smoke detectors can send alerts to your phone when you are not at home.

Bedroom Consider getting a Hi-Low bed. These beds can be lowered until the frame is just a few inches above the floor. They help protect people who try to get out of bed without asking for help.  Fall mats can also be placed next to the bed to provide a soft surface in case the person rolls off the mattress.  Be careful with heating devices. Don’t use portable space heaters in the person’s bedroom. Remove electric blankets and hot water bottles that can be a safety hazard for a person with dementia.

Other Areas Lower the water temperature. Set the thermostat on your hot water heater to below 120 F (49 C) to prevent accidental burns.   Prevent access to the washer and dryer. The doors and lids should be kept closed and latched, and the knobs may be removed if necessary. People with dementia may try to wash disposable incontinence pads or add buckets of soap. Check the locks. Consider getting a keyless entry lock for the front door in case the person with dementia locks you out.  This will also make it easier for paramedics to enter the home in case of emergency.  Prepare for emergencies. Have the person’s medical history and current medication list ready along with contact information for all of the person’s doctors.   Keep the poison control number (1-800-222-1222) by the phone. Keep computer equipment out of the way. If you store valuable documents on your computer, protect the files with passwords and create backups.

 

Final Thoughts

Caregivers can do many things to make the home a safer place for someone with dementia. Simple precautions can help people with dementia maintain their independence and ease the stress of caregiving. Whenever possible, caregivers should involve the person with dementia in identifying problems and deciding on changes to their home. If you need help making changes to your home, enlist friends, a home safety professional or a community organization. Trying to find the right equipment can be a challenge so the HomeCare Hospital Beds team of experts is ready to help!   For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

 **The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

At-home COVID tests are a useful tool as the world braces for the latest surge in cases. They sacrifice some accuracy for speedy results, but they can help people make decisions about when to isolate themselves. At-home testing is used with social distancing, masks and hand-washing to control the spread of COVID infection. In this blog, we will look at when at-home COVID tests should be performed, how they differ from PCR tests, and what the results mean. 

 

Q: When should at-home COVID Tests be performed? 

If you are not sure if COVID might be the cause of your runny nose or sore throat, at-home testing is your first best option. You can also take an at-home test after being exposed to someone with COVID.  For best results, try to do the test 5 days afterward. Additionally, you can take a test before you gather with  people who live in or outside of your household.  This is important to help make sure that you don’t spread the virus to friends or loved ones.  Remember that at-home testing can be done regardless of COVID vaccination status!  

 

Q: Can At-Home COVID Tests detect the Omicron variant?

While PCR tests are the best for detecting COVID infection, they are in high demand and short supply.  Thankfully, at-home tests can detect all of the variants including Alpha, Delta and Omicron. However, they are less sensitive than PCR tests. This means that they can show negative results for people who actually have COVID. At-home COVID tests are most likely to be positive when people have symptoms.  

 

Q: What are the differences between At-Home and PCR COVID Tests?

Both at-home and PCR COVID tests use nasal swabs but otherwise they are quite different:  

 

At-Home Tests	PCR Test
Provides results within minutes but are less sensitive – higher risk of false negative result	More sensitive tests but results take 12 hours to 4 days – lower risk of false negative result
Tests for antigens – special proteins on the outside of the virus	Tests for tiny bits of genetic material – can detect even the slightest trace of virus
Provide most accurate results when someone has COVID symptoms	Better at detecting COVID in early infection and people with no symptoms

 

 

Q: Why do COVID PCR tests take so long? 

PCR testing is a multistep process that usually must be sent from the testing site to an outside lab. It can take up to 24 hours for labs to receive the specimens from the testing centers, especially in rural areas.  Each sample must then be mixed with special chemicals and analyzed in testing devices. Some labs have lots of staff and equipment so they can process tests more quickly than others.  But even for these labs, the backlog of tests grows during each COVID surge.  

 

Q: What should I do if my COVID Antigen Rapid Test is negative? 

A negative at-home COVID test result means that the test did not detect any virus but it does not rule out infection. You may want to repeat the test in a few days to help confirm that you are not infected.  This is especially true if you are still showing symptoms and expecting to be around other people.  If your test is negative but you have COVID symptoms, you should have a PCR test to be sure. 

 

Q: What should I do if my COVID Antigen Rapid Test is positive? 

A positive at-home test result means that the virus was detected, and you very likely have a COVID infection. You should stay home and isolate for at least five days or longer if you’re symptomatic, according to new recommendations from the CDC. You should immediately inform your doctor as well as any close contacts. The CDC recommends scheduling a PCR test within 48 hours to confirm the at-home test results. If this is not possible, you should notify your local health department so that they can track COVID-19 outbreaks in the community. 

 

Q: Why should I use the iHealth® COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test? 

The iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test is authorized by the FDA for use with people who are at least 2 years of age. You can do the test in the comfort of your own home and get results in just 15 minutes. The nasal swab is soft and highly absorbent so it only needs to be inserted about ½ inch into your nostril. The results are easy to read and they can be saved in a free iHeath Pass app for future reference. 

  

Q: iHealth® COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test disclaimers

The iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test was designed only for detection of SARS- CoV-2 (COVID-19) and not for any other viruses or infections. They are not PCR tests and they are not valid for travel. The test kits must be stored at temperatures of 36-84℉  (2-30℃) to maintain accuracy of the results. The iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test was not approved by the FDA but was granted Emergency Use Authorization.

 

Important Note

If you are currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider for immediate guidance. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.

 

After you have carefully selected the perfect home hospital bed, the next job is to choose a mattress.  But because hospital bed mattresses don’t come in standard sizes, this can seem like a daunting task to accomplish. Here is some helpful information about how hospital bed mattresses are sized and how you can pick the right one for your bed.  

 

Standard hospital bed mattress size

The best way to get the right size mattress for your home hospital bed is to match the size of the bed frame.  In North America, twin size mattresses and bed frames are 39” wide by 75” long.  Standard home hospital beds are different because they are only 36” wide and 80” long.  They are made this way in order to accommodate tall patients and fit into semi-private rooms.  As you can see, twin mattresses will not fit onto home hospital bed frames.  Not to worry though – the standard hospital bed mattress size is also 36” x 80” so it is easy to order the right one for your bed. 

 

Hospital beds with adjustable frames

Some hospital beds like the Invacare CS7 offer special extensions that make the bed frame 84” long. These beds are ideal for people who are over 6 feet tall or for shorter individuals who want extra room for extra pillows or pets.  Thankfully 36” x 84” mattresses are readily available as well.  Alternatively, the Med-Mizer CC803 Retractabed frame can expand to 42” wide with the touch of a button. This provides extra space for people to turn over in bed without rolling off of the mattress.  42” x 80” mattresses are less common than 36” x 80” but the dual-layer Drive Medical ShearCare 1500 is a cost-effective option.  If you want additional comfort and support, the four-layer MedMattress Bari Care mattress is also available in this size.  

 

Bariatric hospital beds

Bariatric home hospital beds feature heavy duty frames that can support higher weight capacities than standard beds.  The Med-Mizer EX8000 frame has a weight capacity of 800 lbs and can extend to 42” or 48” wide.   The MedMattress Bari Care and Bari Ultra Care mattresses are available in 42” x 80” and 48” x 80” sizes.  Both mattresses offer four layers of multi-density foam for support but the Ultra features a cool-gel memory foam topper.  This pulls heat away from the body, leaving a cooling sensation against the skin for comfortable sleep.  

 

Additional considerations

Getting the right size mattress for your home hospital bed is about more than just comfort. It is also about keeping the user safe. Large gaps between the mattress and side rails or assist bars are particularly dangerous. Older adults who try to get out of bed without help or roll off the mattress could become trapped in that space. Gaps between the end of the mattress and the headboard or footboard present similar safety concerns. MedMattress CARE mattresses are available in many different sizes but custom sizes are also available for a minimal additional cost.  

 

Final thoughts

Hospital beds come in many shapes and sizes to meet the needs of users and their caregivers.  They don’t come in standard twin-full-queen-king sizes and neither do their mattresses. Instead, hospital bed mattresses come in specific dimensions to match the bed frame. Trying to find just the right mattress can be a challenge so the HomeCare Hospital Beds team of experts is ready to help!   For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

Older adults can be at higher risk for injuries at this time of year as they shop for gifts and decorate their homes. The holiday season is a time for celebrating with loved ones, not making trips to the Emergency Room! Here are some holiday safety tips that seniors and their loved ones can take to protect them from burns, falls, and electrical shocks. 

 

Choosing the Perfect Holiday Christmas tree 

Christmas trees are merry and bright, but they can also be fire hazards if they are not properly maintained! Help your senior pick out an artificial tree that is flame resistant to prevent risk of fires. If you do choose to set up a real tree, pick one that has green needles that don’t break easily and water it frequently. If many needles fall off when you shake the branches, the tree is dry and more likely to catch fire. No matter what type of tree you choose, make sure to keep it away from heat sources like radiators, stoves, and fireplaces. 

 

Creating the Season of Light with Safety

Seniors should consider battery-operated candles this holiday season to prevent major fire risks. You can create a warm holiday ambiance with battery candles in the fireplace, which often come with a remote control! Before hanging holiday lights and illuminated decorations, check for frayed cords or broken bubbles. New LED lights burn cooler than standard bulbs, reducing the risk of fire. Always make sure that walkways are properly lit to prevent injuries. Subdued lighting can mask fall hazards and make it difficult for seniors to see around furnishings in the home. No matter what type of lighting you choose, make sure to unplug decorations before leaving the house or going to bed. 

 

Safer Shopping

Seniors often have lots of people to buy gifts for and marathon shopping trips will leave them exhausted.  Encourage seniors to start their shopping early and order those hard-to-find items online. When trips to the store are necessary, going earlier in the day will help avoid the holiday hordes.  Also, remember that shopping is always nicer with a special friend or family member! Seniors appreciate having someone to carry bags and provide a supporting hand if they get tired. A mobility scooter may be beneficial for seniors who are unsteady on their feet or unable to walk around the store.  

 

Final Thoughts

Following holiday safety tips for seniors can help bring a lot of joy and ease for them. It is also a time to take safety precautions in order to prevent electrical injuries and fire. Battery-operated candles, LED lights, and artificial trees create a festive mood with minimal safety risks for seniors.  You can also make special memories by shopping with senior loved ones as they select the perfect gifts for everyone on their list. Mobility scooters allow seniors to conserve their energy during shopping trips and can help prevent them from falling.  The HomeCare Hospital Beds Team has a wide variety of mobility devices to help seniors maintain their freedom and independence during this holiday season.  For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

Are you tracking your blood pressure numbers often enough? If your blood pressure has been climbing, you might consider checking more frequently. The easiest way to do this is by finding the right home blood pressure monitor for you. There are many available, so it’s important to know which one is ideal for you! Here’s a quick guide to finding the right electronic home blood pressure cuff.  

 

Home Blood Pressure Monitor Key Features

Electronic home blood pressure monitors are useless if people cannot see their results!  A large easy-to-read digital display is essential. One that can compare results to the World Health Organization standards for blood pressure is most ideal.  A memory recall function allows people to show the doctor how their blood pressure trends over a given period of time. Electronic monitors that check for irregular heartbeats can help identify heart problems before people feel any symptoms.

 

Selecting cuffs

Blood pressure monitors with arm cuffs are often recommended for people who are over the age of 50 or have a history of hypertension. Upper arm cuffs are available in a variety of sizes because a cuff that is too large will give false low readings.  The American Heart Association suggests using your arm circumference to determine the correct cuff size: 

 

Arm Circumference	Recommended Cuff Size
8.7” – 10.2”	4.7” x 8.7” (small adult)
10.6” – 13.4”	6.3” x 11.8” (adult)
13.8” – 17.3”	6.3” x 14” (large adult)
17.7” – 20.5”	6.3” x  16.5” (extra-large adult)

 

Final thoughts

Checking blood pressure at home with an electronic monitor is a great way for people to take control of their health.  HomeCare Hospital Beds is ready to help you do this with a variety of wrist and arm monitors.  Always be sure to check with your doctor first and ask how to use the device correctly in order to get accurate results. 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

Troubleshooting tips for your home hospital bed

Home hospital beds are valuable tools to keep loved ones at home during periods of recovery or illness. Should problems ever arise, there are troubleshooting options that caregivers can easily administer. This blog will describe some simple steps that you can take before calling a service technician to schedule a repair for your home hospital bed.

 

Q: Why is my home hospital bed making noises?

A: Motors within hospital beds normally make whirring sounds as they adjust the position of the bed. These sounds may become a little louder over time depending on how much the motors are used. Caregivers should check the instruction manual for the bed to see if lubricating oil should be applied to the motors.  Loud squealing or grinding noises indicate that service is needed.    

 

Q: What can I do if my home hospital bed doesn’t work? 

A: First, move the bed away from the wall and remove any objects that may be blocking the movement of the bed. A loose plug is a common reason why bed motors stop working, so make sure that the plug fits securely into the outlet. You may want to plug the bed into a different outlet and check the fuse box or ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Check the hand pendant and cord for damage and make sure that it is securely connected to the motor. Home hospital bed hand pendants can usually be replaced without having to call a technician. 

Call 911 if you are trapped in the bed or require emergency assistance.

 

Q: How can I find someone to fix my home hospital bed? 

A: Individuals should first contact their insurance company if the bed requires service by a technician.  HomeCare Hospital Beds has a National Service Network of technicians that can perform in-home hospital bed service including installation, preventative maintenance and repairs.  It is important to have the make and model number of the bed ready before reaching out for any type of service.  HomeCare Hospital Beds does not work with insurance companies but individuals can use HRA, HSA or FSA funds to pay for preventative maintenance or repairs.  

 

Final thoughts

Modern home hospital beds usually work like a dream, but simple troubleshooting can often save caregivers the cost of a service call. When professional repairs are needed, HomeCare Hospital Beds has a team of licensed technicians ready to provide in-home service for most types of hospital beds.  Please call 877-414-0002 or email info@homecarehospitalbeds.com for more information and assistance. 

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**

 

What are Patient Lifts?

Caring for a loved one at home can be personally rewarding but it can also be dangerous. Every year many caregivers develop chronic back pain after transferring patients from beds, toilets or wheelchairs.  Hydraulic or powered lifts are used to take over most of the physical effort required to move patients from one place to another, reducing the risk of injury to caregivers. Hydraulic lifts use a manual crank for the hoisting mechanism while powered lifts have electronic actuators that allow caregivers to lift the patient with just the touch of a button.   Sit-to-stand lifts are specifically designed for patients who can bear weight on both legs but have difficulty rising to a standing position.  Full body lifts use slings to transfer patients who are immobile or unable to sit up without assistance. In this blog, we will look at powered full body lifts including the Take-a-Long Power Folding Patient Lift and how they can be used to protect both patients and caregivers from injury.  

 

The Basics

Although patient lifts come in a wide variety of configurations to meet the needs of the patient and caregiver, all lifts share some common features. Modern lifts are compact with swivel wheels and can easily maneuver around tight spaces in the patient’s home. The rear wheels have foot-operated locks to keep it in place while the patient is being raised or lowered.  The base legs can be moved together to navigate through doorways and spread apart to position the patient over the toilet.  Powered lifts, like the Take-a-Long, have motors with rechargeable batteries to make transfers smooth and easy for both patients and caregivers.  All powered lifts have a control to stop the lift motor in case of an emergency and a manual override to safely lower patients if power is lost. The Take-a-Long lift also has a remote control that allows caregivers to operate the lift with one hand while the other steadies the patient.  Caregivers must receive training from medical professionals before using the lift to transfer the patient in order to prevent serious injury. 

 

Key Considerations

Each lift has a maximum weight capacity which absolutely must not be exceeded.  Although the Take-a-Long lift has a weight capacity of 400 lbs, most patient lifts can only lift up to 350 lbs. Heavy duty lifts with reinforced construction and more powerful motors are needed to safely transfer bariatric patients.  The lifting range is another important consideration for caregivers in case the patient needs to be lifted off the floor or onto a high treatment table. Built-in digital scales are very helpful for patients with heart or kidney disease who require accurate daily weight monitoring.  The Take-a-Long easily folds up to a compact 26” x 46” x 16” size that will fit in storage closets or the trunk of most vehicles.  The small size also makes it ideal for maneuvering around tight spaces in the patient’s home. 

 

Slings

Slings are available in a wide variety of materials, styles and weight capacities to lift patients safely and comfortably.  Hammock slings should be used for people who are unable to bear any weight because the patient’s entire body is supported with the arms inside the sling straps. Patients with weak neck muscles require slings with a higher back to provide head support. Divided leg slings have straps that cross under the patient’s thighs that can be easily removed and replaced while the patient is seated. Polyester materials are popular because they dry quickly, are easily cleaned, and minimize friction to protect the patient’s skin. The patient’s therapy team must be consulted in order to select the correct lift and sling. 

 

Final Thoughts

Powered full body lifts like the Take-a-Long greatly reduce the physical effort required by caregivers to move immobile patients from one place to another.  They can improve patient mobility and protect caregivers from debilitating back injuries. Compact lifts with adjustable bases and folding frames like the Take-a-Long are ideal for use in the patient’s home. HomeCare Hospital Beds has a wide variety of hydraulic and powered patient lifts along with divided leg and full body slings.  Caregivers must consult with the patient’s therapy team to select the correct lift and sling and receive training before operating the patient lift at home. 

 

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.*