How to Choose a Homecare Bed

The decision on which homecare bed is right for you or your loved one should be made based on the reason a specialized bed is needed, for how long it will be needed and if sophisticated therapeutic features are required. For our purposes we have grouped our beds into three categories as follows.

Temporary-Use Hospital Beds

These are the typical homecare bed that have changed very little in the past 30 years. They are composed of a laminated head board & footboard, joined by a metal spring “deck” on which the mattress lays.

The lowest priced manual beds are adjusted by turning a crank handle at the foot of the bed to raise and lower the bed itself, or the head or foot section of the bed. Semi-electric beds use a crank handle to raise and lower the bed itself, but have the addition of an electric hand control to raise and lower the head and foot ends. This lets the patient partially operate the function of the bed. Full electric beds have a single electric hand control to adjust bed height as well as the position.

If the need for a bed is temporary, such as recovery from an illness or surgery, these basic beds are likely all you would require. Not a lot of luxury, but they are serviceable and practical. Hospital bed mattresses are purchased separately, and are available in a number of styles.

Extended-Use Homecare Beds

Designed for longer life, quiet operation and attractive styling these beds provide greater comfort and independence. Head and footboards with furniture styling and stains, soft painted frame finishes (no-chrome here) and fully electric adjustments make a big difference in the appearance and function of the patient’s room. The bed “deck” is fully welded for quiet (no-squeaking) operation and sturdy (no sagging springs) support long term. Some can also be fitted with “attendant controls”, where the caregiver can operate the functions of the bed via a footboard panel.

If your new bed will be expected to provide consistent use over the long term, your best investment will be one of these high quality beds. Many grades of therapeutic mattresses are available for the perfect level of patient comfort and pressure management.

Medical-Surgical Beds

Perhaps the requirement for your total care patient calls for the same high level technology found in hospitals. Advanced positioning , head of bed angle indicators, built in scales, patient bed- exit alarms are just a few of the sophisticated options you can order for use in the home. The utmost in safety and convenience for those requiring round the clock care. Of course a complete selection of pressure management, low air loss, and fluid immersion mattresses are available.