Hospital Beds for Home Use – Making Life Easier

For those who are wheelchair-bound, elderly, or recovering from a medical procedure, hospital beds for home can be life changing. Not only do they provide extra comfort and support for those who need it, but they also offer a wide range of features that can make life easier for both the patient and their carers. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using hospital beds for home, the different types of beds available, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Introduction to Hospital Beds for the Home

Hospital beds, used at home provide extra comfort and support for those who require it, such as those who are wheelchair-bound, elderly, or recovering from a medical procedure. Hospital beds come with a range of features that can make life easier for both the patient and their carers.

The use of hospital beds in homes has become increasingly popular due to the range of benefits they offer. Not only do they provide extra comfort and support, but they also offer a range of features that can help to make life easier for both the patient and their carers. From adjustable heights and mattress support to features such as smart technology, there are plenty of features to choose from.

Benefits of Using Hospital Beds at Home

There are numerous benefits, including the following:

• Increased Comfort: Hospital beds provide extra comfort and support for those who need it, such as those who are wheelchair-bound, elderly, or recovering from a medical procedure. With adjustable height, profiling and mattress support, they can help to ensure that the user is comfortable and supported throughout the day.
• Improved Mobility: Hospital beds are designed to make it easier for the user to move around. For example, some beds come with electric height adjustment, allowing the user to easily adjust the height of the bed to transfer in or out of the bed with less or no assistance. Many hospital beds come complete with castor style wheels, allowing the bed to be moved with the user.
• Improved Safety: Hospital beds are designed with the user’s safety in mind, such as cot side rails to reduce risks of bed falls, and there are a range of features that can help to ensure the user is safe and secure.
• Enhanced Care: Hospital beds offer a range of features that can help to make life easier for both the patient and their carers. Many beds come with height adjustment, which allows the caregiver to easily adjust the bed’s height to provide better positioning and support.
• Hygiene: Hospital beds are typically waterproofed to a specified IP rating to allow deep cleaning and in some cases, pressure washing.

Types of Hospital Beds

There are a range of different types of hospital beds suitable for home use available, each with their own unique features and benefits. Here are a few of the most popular types:

• Manual Hospital Beds: the most basic type of bed, as they require manual adjustment, such as foot pump height adjustment and ratchet head & foot sections. They are usually the most affordable option and are suitable for those who require less independence transferring into or out of bed.
• Electric Hospital Beds: offer a range of features that can make life easier for both the patient and their carers. They allow the user to adjust the bed’s height and the profile of the bed with the touch of a button. These are the preferred choice and promote independence & well being.

Features to Consider When Buying a Hospital Bed for Home Use

When buying a hospital bed, it’s important to consider the features and benefits that you need. Here are some of the most important features to consider:

• Height adjustment: The ability to adjust the bed’s height is a key feature to consider when buying. Look for a bed that has height adjustment, so that the user can easily adjust the height of the bed to assist transfer in / out of the bed and allow carers to operate at a comfortable height.
• Bed Rails: Bed rails are a must-have for those who need extra safety and security. Split / 2 part side rails can also act as grab handles to assist the user transferring into or out of bed.
• Profiling: Typically, the lying surface will consist of 4 separate parts that can profile to raise head section and knee section. The benefit of this is improved comfort, circulation independence.
• Anti-Trendelenburg & Trendelenburg for comfort & care

What to Look For in a Hospital Bed for Home Use

When buying a bed for home, it’s important to look for one that is of good quality:

• Aesthetics: It is important for user wellbeing that the bed is attractive in additional to comfortable. Wooden & fabric finishes help soften the beds appearance to make it more homely.
• Durability: Look for a bed for the home that is made of durable materials, so that it can withstand regular use and provide long-lasting use. You would expect the bed to last 10 years+ if correctly maintained.
• Comfort: Comfort is an important factor. Look for a bed that provides extra comfort and support, so that the user can get a good night’s sleep. Anti-stomach compression is where the back section on the bed is automatically withdrawn when raising, in order to reduce stomach compression.
• Safety: Safety is essential when it comes to hospital beds for home. Look for beds that come with safety features such as compliant bed rails, so that the user can feel secure. Conformance to Health & Safety Executive BS EN Dimensional requirements (BS EN 60601-2-52:2010) is essential when using side rails.

Tips for Safely Using a Medical Bed at Home

When using a medical bed at home, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure that the user is safe and secure. Here are a few tips for safely using a medical bed at home:

• Follow Instructions: Make sure users & carers are trained to follow the instructions provided with the medical bed.
• Use Bed Rails: Bed rails are an important safety feature, but uses incorrectly, present a risk. Make sure they are compliant with the height of the mattress and suitable height is maintained above the mattress surface. Make sure the bed & rails conform with BS EN 60601-2-52:2010
• Medical beds should be serviced and inspected every 12 months. This will help to ensure that the bed is in good condition and safe to use.

Conclusion

Hospital beds for home use can be life changing for those who need extra comfort and support. They provide a wide range of features and benefits, from adjustable heights and mattress support to smart technology. When buying a medical bed for home use, it’s important to consider the features and benefits that you need, as well as the different medical bed accessories available. It’s also important to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure that the user is safe and secure. With the right hospital bed for home, you can make life easier for both the patient and their carers.