Having a hospital bed in your residence is a great investment if there is a person with limited mobility in the house. Special care should be taken to ensure you can rely on the bed’s reliable service for many years to come.
Selecting a Bed
Selecting a hospital bed for home use is not an easy choice to make. Therefore, family and medical support’s advice should be sought when taking this important decision. When determining which hospital bed is best suitable for home use, it is best to think and understand the needs of the patient, identify where the bed is being placed and pricing to meet the budget available for purchase.
Electric Hospital Beds
A fully electric hospital bed has 3 features which include head up and down, foot up and down and a motor installed to activate bed move up and down instead of a lever to operate by hand. The main reason why patients prefer a fully electric hospital bed is due to this reason. The function of making the bed go up and down assists caregivers from bending over the patient. This is also referred to as an adjustable hospital bed due to its remote control functions. The semi-electric hospital bed has 2 features which include head up and down and foot up and down. The up and down motion is handled by a lever and this could sometimes be difficult for caregivers.
Hi-Lo Bed
Hi-Lo beds are manufactured to adjust high and low than normal beds. The higher rise function is easy for caregivers to transfer patients without bending too much. The high rise feature is for patients who are independent and the low function is perfect for getting in and out and also stand up easily from the bed.
Patient’s safety from falls
A low bed is ideal for those who are at risk of falling off the bed. Once the bed is adjusted to the lowest level, a fall will not have a serious impact on the patient.
Short-term use
Beds with springs are ideal for a person who needs a hospital bed on a short-term basis. However, it is advisable to check for metal slats or the solid deck. Invacare beds are good and economical for short-term use.
Patient’s Weight
A person’s weight plays an important role in the purchase of a hospital bed. A standard bed is suitable for anyone under 300 lbs. However, anyone weighing over 300lbs should purchase a heavy-duty bed as it is larger, comfortable, long lasting and cost effective too.
Mattress
Selecting a mattress is also important depending on the patient’s requirements and size of the bed.
Railings and Castors
Railing and castors also play an important role in a hospital bed. Railing could prevent the patient from falling off the bed and also help to hold and balance to a seating position and castors help to move the bed around but ensure central locking is also installed.
