Are you looking to purchase a hospital bed for a loved one at home? When they have medical or mobility issues, you need to choose a bed and mattress specifically designed with their needs in mind.
Hospital beds for your home contain many features, upgrades, and accessories. Knowing which are medically necessary and nice-to-have will help you narrow your options and pick a bed and mattress to make your loved one comfortable and promote their healing and recovery.
Here are our top 7 considerations for buying a hospital bed and mattress for in-home use:
1. How often will the bed be used?
This is a significant consideration. If the patient is bedridden near 24/7, you may want to choose a bed with an electric-powered adjustable incline for their back and legs (and remote) and use a mattress designed to minimize chances of bedsores. This will ensure they can change positions comfortably while in bed.
2. Is mobility a concern?
When the patient needs extra support to get in and out of bed without caregiver support, look for a bed with bed rails. Ideally, these are adjustable and lockable to prevent injury. Bedrails can also prevent the patient from accidentally rolling off the bed.
3. What’s the height range of the bed?
Look at the height of the bed, including the mattress. Make sure the bed is adjustable up and down so the patient can safely get in and out with minimal effort. Also, if falling is an issue, a lower-height bed might be safer, especially if you can’t get bed rails installed.
4. Get a quality bed and mattress
An in-home hospital bed is an investment in the health and safety of your loved one. Spending a bit more at the outset will help ensure the bed lasts longer before it needs repairing or replacing. Some beds and mattresses come with warranties, so be sure to ask about the warranty duration and details when purchasing the bed and mattress.
5. Are aesthetics important?
The sterile look of the beds you find in a hospital setting may appear cold and unwelcoming in your home and affect your loved ones’ mental health and wellbeing. Take the design and aesthetics of the bed into consideration when choosing one for your home. Some come with faux wood panelling that may look less cold than the metal ones in the hospital. You may also be able to hide the less attractive bed parts with homely bedding as long as it’s not a safety hazard.
6. Don’t forget the bedding
Unless advised by your health care professional, consider getting extra comfy bedding for your at-home hospital bed. A warm throw blanket or the patient’s favourite decorative pillow can help them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
7. Choose a good-quality medical grade mattress
If your hospital bed comes with a mattress, chances are it’s not going to be the right type for the patient. Choose a hospital mattress with the proper pressure redistribution required for your patient.
Also consider:
- Mattress firmness
- Prevention of heat build-up and sweating
- Bedside stability to prevent entrapment
- Top layer mobility
- Weight capacity
- Warranty period (many LTC brand mattresses come with a 5-year warranty)
As always, consult a medical professional before purchasing an at-home hospital bed for your loved ones. They can advise and provide proper instructions for its use.
If you are looking for a Canadian-made medical-grade mattress for your bed, view the mattresses and levelling pads from Essential Medical Products today.
