You realize your loved one is moving a little slower lately. Getting out of bed feels more and more difficult and the current mattress isn’t easy to get in and out of. Your doctor mentions it might be time to consider a hospital bed at home.

The term hospital bed sounds sterile and uncomfortable. But, hospital beds have changed a lot over the years. Now, they are valuable tools that make giving and receiving care more pleasurable for both parties.

Hospital beds move via mechanical or electrical means. The new models are easy to use and have controls handy for bed dwelling patients.

Hospital Beds Raise, Lower, Elevate, and Recline

There are differences in functionality among different bed models. But, most hospital beds are capable of a variety of movements. If your loved one has reduced balance and mobility, you want to ensure he has his feet firmly planted on the ground before he tries to stand. You can lower or raise a hospital bed so your loved one can stand safely. Hospital beds make the safe use of walkers and wheelchairs easier.

Hospital beds Elevate and recline. For patients who have difficulty sleeping on flat mattresses, hospital beds can adjust to create a comfortable sleeping space. Sometimes patients need to elevate legs and feet for health reasons.

Hospital Beds are Good for Caregivers

Hospital beds support good care technique. Caregivers can control the position of hospital beds. Caregivers are better positioned to offer support in back healthy positions. They are less likely to bend and stoop while providing assistance. Hospital beds make caring for your loved one’s personal needs easier.

Hospital beds often have rails that may give your loved one something to hold onto. Even if your loved one is non ambulatory he may have upper body strength. He can use his arms to help with rolling and repositioning.

Hospital Beds are Small and Mobile

While it may be an adjustment to move from a large bed to a hospital bed, often the reduced bed size makes maneuvering in the room safer. Wheelchairs and lifts require quite a bit of space to use and position correctly. Hospital beds may have wheels for easy movement. If your loved one is bed bound, a hospital bed makes changing scenery easier.

Hospital Beds are Accessorizable

Hospital beds rails offer great hand holds. They also protect people from rolling off the sides. While you would never want to restrain someone in bed rails are great reminders for people who need help in and out of bed. Bed rails can be attached on the entire length of the bed, or half rails can attach near the top of the bed. These rails are great for getting in and out of bed and usually don’t get in the way of getting in and out of bed.

Over bed tables slide close to the edge of the bed. They create a versatile table surface that works well with the size and design of hospital beds at home. Sheet or blanket supports raise blankets off lower legs and feet. These supports keep blankets from restricting leg movement and getting tangled as your loved one moves. Blanket supports also keep the extra weight off sensitive skin to help prevent sores and friction in calves and ankles.

If your loved one is prone to pressure ulcers specialized air mattresses can help. These mattresses provide alternating pressure and help keep body weight more evenly distributed. According the the US National Library of Medicine alternating pressure mattresses are clinically shown to better prevent pressure ulcers than standard mattresses.

The adjustable nature of hospital beds makes it easier to provide incontinence support. Caregivers can use side rails and hight changes to better manage personal care. Great cleanliness supports healthy skin. Minimize risk of bed sores and urinary tract infections with quality adult briefs, especially for overnights.  https://dependabledaughter.com/product-category/incontinence/overnight/

Closing Thoughts

Hospital beds are great tools that help keep your loved one comfortable at home. For people who are bed bound or have trouble getting in and out of bed a hospital bed at home may be the solution. Hospital beds are sometimes covered by medicare. Medical professionals can help get your loved one a hospital bed at home.

Some people still regard hospital beds as clunky and sterile, but today’s hospital beds are valuable home care tools.