Many people think that hospital beds are designed exclusively for use in hospitals. But that’s not actually the case. Hospital beds are a great addition to any home with individuals who must spend the better part of the day in bed for various medical reasons.
A good hospital bed offers unmatched support and comfort, ultimately enabling the caregiver to carry out their duties successfully. Selecting a hospital bed can be a daunting task considering a wide range of hospital bed options available on the market. The following 8 Tips in Selecting a Hospital Bed will help you make informed choices when shopping for one.
1. The Length of Time you’ll need the Bed
First, determine whether you’ll need the bed for short- or long-term use. The bed frame outlines the difference between shorter and longer-term hospital beds. You’ll need to consider an economical purchase if you simply need the bed for short-term use.
A long-term hospital bed might be the right choice if you’ll need it for intensive and round-the-clock medical care. Such beds are typically long-lasting, operate quietly, and come in a variety of styles to match the specific décor of your home. Some hospital beds for extended use feature metal slats or a solid deck for unparalleled durability.
A standard hospital bed will be just fine for temporary use, such as recovering from surgery. Hospital beds that use springs will be adequate for short term use, although they tend to wear over time. The Invacare hospital bed is an economical option for both long and short-term use.
2. Consider the Necessary Features & Extras
The second most important thing is to consider the essential features plus any extras you might want in a hospital bed. Hospital beds for home use can be wooden, electric, or height adjustable. They also include a profiling mattress platform for ultimate comfort.
There’s a wide array of options available. You can get a bed with such features as a low height range, customizable wood colors, side rails, and a tilt feature among others. From here, it all boils down to your specific needs and preferences.
It’s important to have a list of essential features and any extras you wish to have on the bed. Having a written list helps you select a bed that meets your unique expectations. The following are possible features you might be interested in:
- Customizable wood colors
- A remote handset electrical bed
- Enclosed wooden head and footboard
- Compatibility with an air mattress
3. Weight Capacity of the Bed
The weight capacity is another key factor when selecting a hospital bed. Every hospital bed has a specification indicating its weight capacity. When checking the weight capacity of the bed, you’ll need to consider the various things that’ll go on top of the bed including the mattress and bed linens.
4. Weight Capacity of the Patient
Sure, the weight of the patient is another critical factor when selecting a hospital bed. Standard hospital beds can support anyone weighing less than 300 lbs.
However, for patients weighing over 300 lbs., a heavy-duty bed is a great option since it’s larger, more comfortable, and guarantees better sleep. It’s also economical in the long run because it doesn’t wear easily.
5. Fall Risk Protection
We shouldn’t forget there are patients who are at risk for falling. If you or your loved one is susceptible to rolling and falling off the bed, you must consider purchasing a hospital bed with roll guards, bed rails and fall mats. Bed safety rails come with certain beds as standard.
Choosing a bed that comprises a bedrail will go a long way in supporting patients that are vulnerable to falling. Note that there’s a slight difference between a bedrail and roll guards. Roll guards are rather soft and have no capacity to fully bar the patient from falling.
Roll guards simply support the patient in the event an unintentional roll-over occurs. Fall mats minimize injury that could happen in case the patient falls off the bed. These soft, cushioned floor mats offer the best fall protection.
6. Height Adjustment Range
Buying a hospital bed with a good height range is very important. To determine the height adjustment range of a bed, measure the distance between the mattress platform and the floor when the bed is in its highest position and lowest position.
For instance, if you can raise your bed to 80cm from the floor and lower it to 40cm from the floor, that bed has a 40-80cm height range. Standard-height beds typically have approximately 40-80cm height range, which is considered ideal for patients and elderly persons.
7. High Quality is Paramount
A hospital bed is often a one-time investment. You wouldn’t want to buy a poor quality bed that will break down only after a few uses. When shopping for a hospital bed, be sure to look at the quality even before the price tag.
A high-quality bed is normally backed by a warranty of at least 2 years, and the supplier caters for parts and labor costs in that warranty. Get a bed that’s built to last so that it can serve you pretty well for a longer time span. A high-quality hospital bed with good warranty terms is the right one for you.
8. A Hospital Bed Design
Last but not least, the hospital bed design should be a critical deciding factor when you go out shopping. You shouldn’t settle for a home-care bed that looks cold and uninviting in your home. Remember that you’ll be having this piece of medical equipment for some time.
Many hospital beds admittedly appear clinical and unappealing. But, there are several manufacturers out there that take pride in fabricating design-like hospital beds. No one refutes the fact that a designer bed is slightly more expensive, but you can buy a bed with customizable wood colors if you have a constricted budget.
A bed that highlights customizable colors allows you to create a lavish blend with your existing furniture. Buy a customizable hospital bed and throw in some eye-catching bedding and cushions to create a cozy and welcoming home.
Final Thought:
Having read the essential tips for choosing a hospital bed, we believe you can now make an educated decision when shopping for a hospital bed. These tips will help you decide on the amenities to look for in a hospital bed. Always strive to get your patient (or an elderly person) a bed that is secure, comfortable, and functional.