When caring for a loved one at home, particularly someone who is elderly or recovering from surgery, the need for specialized equipment like a hospital bed may arise. A hospital bed provides support, comfort, and functionality that standard home beds often cannot. However, once you’ve decided to bring a hospital bed into your home, the process of acquiring, transporting, and setting it up can seem daunting. This article will explore how to get a hospital bed inside your home, the steps involved, and key considerations to ensure a smooth experience. Epachois Hospital Beds -Full Electric Home Hospital Beds
What Is a Hospital Bed and Why Might You Need One?
A hospital bed is a specialized type designed to cater to patients requiring medical care. It offers adjustable height, head, and foot positions, making it easier to manage medical conditions, improve comfort, and facilitate caregiving. For home care settings, hospital beds are often used for individuals with limited mobility, chronic illnesses, or recovering from surgeries.
Hospital beds come in various types, including:
- Manual Hospital Beds: Adjustments are made by turning a crank.
- Semi-Electric Hospital Beds: These allow electronic adjustment of the head and foot sections, but the height must be adjusted manually.
- Full Electric Hospital Beds: The entire bed, including head, foot, and height adjustments, is controlled electronically with a remote.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Hospital Bed You Need
Before you arrange for a hospital bed to be brought into your home, it is important to determine the type of bed that best suits the patient’s needs. Some key considerations include:
- Mobility: If the patient has difficulty getting in and out of bed or needs frequent repositioning, a fully electric bed with height adjustment may be most suitable.
- Space Requirements: Full electric and semi-electric hospital beds are typically larger than standard beds, so you must ensure enough space in the room for the bed and any necessary medical equipment.
- Health Conditions: Some patients may require a bed with pressure-relieving mattresses, side rails for safety, or trapeze bars to assist with mobility. Be sure to take into account any special health requirements.
- Budget: The cost of hospital beds varies, and insurance, Medicare, or rental programs may cover some.
Step 2: Check If Your Insurance Covers the Bed
If a doctor deems a hospital bed medically necessary, Medicare and some private insurance plans may cover the cost of the bed either partially or fully. To qualify for Medicare, the patient must have a prescription from their healthcare provider stating that the bed is essential for home care. Medicare typically covers 80% of the cost, leaving the remaining 20% to be paid out of pocket or by a supplemental insurance policy.
It’s important to check your specific insurance policy to determine what is covered, whether it applies to rentals or purchases, and what types of beds are eligible for coverage. Some policies may only cover certain models or types of hospital beds, while others may allow customization, such as adding pressure-relieving mattresses or side rails.
Step 3: Measure the Space Where the Bed Will Be Placed
One of the most critical steps in bringing a hospital bed into your home is ensuring enough space for the bed and caregivers to move around it. Hospital beds are often larger than regular home beds and typically require more room to accommodate the adjustable frame, side rails, and additional equipment like over-bed tables, IV poles, or mobility aids.
Steps to measure the space:
- Measure the room’s dimensions where the bed will be placed.
- Ensure at least two to three feet of clearance on all sides of the bed to allow caregivers to assist the patient.
- Check the doorways and hallways leading to the room. The hospital bed, particularly if it is a fully electric model, may be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or tight turns. Some beds come apart for easier transport, but confirming that this can be done before delivery is essential.
Step 4: Delivery and Assembly
Once you’ve chosen the right hospital bed and confirmed the available space, the next step is arranging its delivery and assembly.
1. Purchasing or Renting the Bed
- Purchase: If the patient requires long-term bed use, purchasing may be the best option. Many medical supply stores or manufacturers offer hospital beds for sale and include delivery and setup as part of the package.
- Rental: Renting a hospital bed may be more economical for short-term use. Many rental programs offer beds weekly or monthly and often provide delivery and assembly services.
2. Delivery
- Professional Delivery Services: Most suppliers offer delivery services that will bring the bed to your home, especially if the bed needs to be assembled on-site. This is particularly important for full electric hospital beds, which tend to be heavier and more complex to set up.
- Self-Pickup: Some medical supply stores allow you to pick up the bed yourself if you have a vehicle capable of transporting it. However, this may not be ideal if the bed is large or assembly requires specialized tools.
3. Assembly
- Professional Assembly: Hospital beds often require professional assembly, especially if they include electrical components like motors for height and position adjustments. Many suppliers offer installation services as part of the delivery, ensuring the bed is set up correctly and safely.
- Self-Assembly: Some hospital beds come with instructions for self-assembly, although this can be time-consuming and may require multiple people. Ensure you have access to all necessary tools and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Step 5: Additional Equipment and Accessories
After the bed has been delivered and assembled, you may need to consider additional equipment and accessories to enhance the patient’s comfort and safety. Some common accessories include:
- Pressure-Relieving Mattresses: Many hospital beds come with standard mattresses, but investing in a pressure-relieving mattress is critical for patients at risk of pressure ulcers.
- Over-Bed Tables: These tables can be placed over the bed to assist with eating, reading, or using electronic devices.
- Side Rails: Adjustable or removable side rails provide added security and help prevent falls, especially for patients who may have trouble staying in bed while sleeping.
- Trapeze Bars: These bars hang over the bed and allow patients to pull themselves up, assisting with mobility and independence.
Step 6: Ensure Proper Power Supply and Safety
It’s important to ensure that the bed is connected to a grounded power outlet for electric or semi-electric hospital beds. Check that the electrical components function correctly and that the cords are safely positioned to avoid tripping hazards. Some beds come with a backup battery in case of power outages, especially if the patient relies on frequent bed adjustments for comfort.
Step 7: Familiarize Yourself with Bed Operation
Once the hospital bed is set up, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its operation. Many full electric beds come with remote controls or panels that allow easy adjustment of the bed’s position. If you’re caring for a loved one, take the time to learn how to safely adjust the bed’s height, head, and foot positions, as well as any other features like side rails or locks.
Most hospital bed suppliers provide user manuals that outline proper operation and maintenance. Sometimes, you may also receive training from the delivery personnel to ensure you’re comfortable with the controls.
Conclusion
Bringing a hospital bed into your home may seem like a complex task, but with proper planning, it can be a straightforward process. By choosing the right bed type, measuring the available space, arranging for professional delivery and assembly, and ensuring safety precautions are in place, you can create a comfortable and functional environment for your loved one’s care.
Hospital beds provide many benefits, including improved mobility, enhanced comfort, and better caregiver support. Whether renting the bed for short-term recovery or purchasing it for long-term use, the investment in a hospital bed can significantly improve the quality of life for patients receiving home care.
FAQs
1. Can a hospital bed fit through a standard doorway?
Hospital beds are typically designed to fit through standard doorways, but it’s important to measure the width of your doorways and compare it with the bed’s dimensions. Some beds can be disassembled for easier transport.
2. How long does it take to set up a hospital bed?
Professional assembly of a hospital bed can take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the bed’s complexity. Self-assembly may take longer, especially if the bed includes electronic components.
3. Do hospital beds come with a mattress?
Most hospital beds come with a basic mattress, but specialized mattresses like pressure relief or memory foam can be purchased separately for added comfort.4. Are hospital beds covered by Medicare or insurance?
Hospital beds may be covered by Medicare or private insurance if a doctor prescribes them as medically necessary. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage options and any associated costs. epachois.