How to Get a Hospital Bed for Home
Patients about to return home from a hospital stay or their caregivers may be wondering how to get a hospital bed for home. They might also wonder if it's easy (or difficult), and how affordable it is. These are all understandable concerns, especially at a time when you need things to go smoothly.
The good news is that patients in need of a home hospital bed have various ways of securing an appropriate model. With options both to rent and buy, you can find a bed to suit your needs.
Options for Obtaining a Hospital Bed for Home Use
Some people may be able to get some of the cost of a home hospital bed covered by Medicare, but not all home medical equipment suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. In this case, people typically pay upfront for the item and then request reimbursement from their health insurance provider. If you plan to do this, be sure to check with your insurance provider before going ahead with hospital bed purchase or rental.
For the sake of simplicity, it's often best to rent or purchase a hospital bed directly. There are several advantages to obtaining a hospital bed from a specialized HME supply store. If you rent a hospital bed from our Denver, Colorado showroom, for example:
The cost of the bed includes set-up (please note that delivery fees may apply).
Patients can rent a bed for as little as one week.
Long-term rental rates are available for people who wish to rent on a longer-term basis.
Delivery and installation can usually be completed on the same day or next business day as booking.
What's Better: Buying or Renting a Hospital Bed?
Hospital beds come under the heading ofdurable medical equipment. DME is equipment designed for long-term medical use at home. However, some patients may not need a hospital bed or any other piece of DME for long-term or permanent use. That's where a rental can be beneficial.
Renting a Hospital Bed
Hospital bed rental can be a great option for families that anticipate needing a hospital bed for less than 20 weeks. Renting doesn't require you to have the total sum of the bed up front, and may save you money over time if the patient's needs are relatively short. Some suppliers will also credit part of your rental cost toward the eventual purchase of the bed. Experts can explain everything you need to know about how to rent a hospital bed and the benefits it can bring you and your family.
Purchasing a Hospital Bed
Purchasing a hospital bed is usually the best option if you anticipate needing it long-term. Despite the initial cost, it may end up being cheaper in the long run if you require it for more than 20 weeks. The other main benefit of purchasing a bed is the ability to customize it to better fulfill the patient's and caregiver's needs.
What Are the Advantages of a Hospital Bed?
Hospital beds can be beneficial for various kinds of people. Hospital beds offer features that make staying in bed more comfortable for the patient and administering care easier for the caregiver.
Benefits for Patients and Caregivers
In a 2021 study, it was reported that hospital beds can reduce the risk to caregivers while performing tasks such as repositioning a patient. As everyday tasks like this are associated with musculoskeletal problems in caregivers, hospital beds are key in protecting the caregiver as well as the patient.
Another study noted the importance of comfort for patient recuperation:
It’s important for patients to feel independent and not totally reliant on the caregiver. Fully electric and semi-electric beds can help with this.
Well-maintained hospital beds help to prevent further discomfort and cross-infections.
If you or a loved one are facing a long period of time in bed after an illness, injury, or surgery, it's well worth considering a home hospital bed for all of the abovementioned reasons.
What Are the Different Types of Hospital Beds?
There are three main types of hospital beds: fully electric, semi-electric, and manual. Though these are the three main categories, different specialty beds cater for specific needs within these categories.
Fully Electric Bed
Electric beds allow the patient to control the position and height of the bed with a remote control. Unlike with a manual bed, this gives the patient control over the bed so they don't have to rely on a caregiver to make adjustments.
Apart from giving the patient more independence, electric beds make it much easier for the caregiver to tend to the patient or change the sheets. Depending on the model of the bed, some electric beds may offer a range of positions.
Semi-Electric Beds
While an electric motor raises and lowers the head and footrest of the bed, a caregiver changes the height of the bed with a crank. This results in a “halfway” option that allows for relative patient independence at a lower cost.
Manual Hospital Bed
Manual beds are the most economical option, but everything is adjusted using a crank. A manual bed could work well for patients who don't require a lot of adjustment, but patients will generally have less independence.
Specialized Beds
There are specialized hospital beds designed with specific patients in mind. These are two of the most common:
Bariatric Hospital Bed
Bariatric beds are heavy-duty beds that are designed for patients who are overweight or obese. Typically, bariatric hospital beds are wider and sturdier than standard hospital beds.
Trendelenburg Bed
This type of bed elevates the feet above the level of the head. The Trendelenburg position is primarily a medical position that can be helpful for pelvic surgery. As it carries risks for the patient, this position should only be used under medical advice.
Hospital Bed vs Adjustable Bed
Hospital beds and adjustable beds can both be adjusted to help the patient sit up or raise their feet. However, hospital beds also move up and down on the vertical plane whereas adjustable beds typically don’t. If the patient will require a caregiver to help them transfer in and out of bed, a hospital bed is preferable to take pressure off the caregiver’s back.
Consider Hospital Bed Rental for Shorter-Term Needs
When facing a long-term or chronic illness that requires a hospital bed at home, purchasing a hospital bed for home use could be a great choice. With many choices other than the standard hospital bed, patients can easily find a model to suit their preferences and needs.
For shorter-term recuperation after illness or surgery, renting hospital beds will be the most cost-effective option. Hospital bed rental gives you the flexibility to choose the bed that best suits your needs for precisely the amount of time you need it.