Choosing a hospital bed and mattress for home care
A hospital bed can make care at home safer and easier for both the patient and the caregiver. The right setup depends on how much the patient can move on their own, how long they spend in bed, and the space you have.
Semi-electric or full-electric
A semi-electric bed raises the head and foot with a motor, while the height is adjusted by hand crank. A full-electric bed adjusts head, foot and height with a hand control. Full-electric beds help when a caregiver needs to raise the bed for care tasks and lower it for safe transfers.
Choosing a mattress
- Standard foam mattress: for patients who can change position on their own.
- Pressure-redistributing foam or overlay: for patients at some risk of pressure injuries.
- Alternating pressure mattress: uses air cells that inflate and deflate in turn, for patients who spend most of the day in bed or have higher pressure injury risk.
Your physician or nurse will recommend the surface that fits the patient’s needs, and that recommendation goes on the order.
A note on bed rails
Bed rails are not right for every patient. They can create entrapment risks, especially for patients who are confused or restless. Talk with your physician or nurse about whether rails are appropriate, and follow the instructions provided with the bed.
Prepare the room
- Measure doorways and hallways on the way to the room.
- Leave space on both sides of the bed for caregivers.
- Place the bed near a wall outlet and away from heaters.
- Clear rugs and clutter that could cause falls.
Vybes MedSolutions delivers, assembles and adjusts hospital beds and shows caregivers how to use them. Request a bed or ask us a question.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your physician about your situation.