How to Get a Hospital Bed for Home Use

We all know the saying “home sweet home” – it is the small place in the world that is ours, that is full of precious memories and where things feel familiar and safe. For many of us, it is a comfort when we are away from home, knowing we have that space to come back to, where we can find our way around and always know where things are.

As we age, this familiarity is even more important, especially for anyone who is temporarily debilitated or affected by a chronic condition. Fortunately, there are many products and services available that help us stay home for longer – from online shopping to special recliner chairs. But there is another product available which can have a huge influence on an individual’s quality of life and that is a hospital bed for home use.

What are hospital beds?

Like a regular adjustable bed, hospital beds – also called homecare beds or medical beds – have specialised frames and mattresses that allow the bed to bend in certain places. This means the user can lie with their head, legs or feet raised, or sit up entirely if they want to. Adjustable beds are much more supportive than regular beds, which makes them a healthier choice for anyone who spends a lot of time in them.

As well as all the benefits of a regular adjustable bed, hospital beds for home use have extra features specifically designed to meet higher care needs. These may include an adjustable height function, wheels, side rails or special mattresses. Some are designed to look natural, so they don’t feel sterile or out of place in a domestic setting.

When is it time to get a medical bed?

There are several scenarios when a homecare bed is worth considering. While your GP or medical professional will be able to give you advice specific to your circumstances, some of these include:

For high or palliative care needs

when a patient needs the help of a caregiver, for example, to change position, clothes or bedding, a hospital bed can make this easier and safer for both parties. Wheels allow easy access to both sides and being able to adjust the height of the bed reduces the chance of injury or back strain. Adjustable positioning promotes circulation and therefore reduces the likelihood of health complications as a result of immobility, such as pressure sores. A good medical bed can also enable an end-of-life patient to be cared for at home.

To promote or prolong independence

it may be that your loved one is capable of moving around but has trouble getting in and out of bed. In this case, a high-low function or swing seat, combined with a remote control operating function, can make it much easier and significantly reduce the chance of falls. It may eliminate the need for help, which also helps maintain a sense of dignity – especially if it means they can get to and from the bathroom on their own.

For chronic health conditions

in the case of a long-term health condition that causes pain and decreases mobility, a hospital bed with a good, supportive mattress can go a long way to improving the individual’s quality of life. For example, a supportive mattress placed in the right position reduces pressure on achy joints, makes it easier to sit up in bed and promotes better sleep. In the case of dementia or Alzheimer’s, a homecare bed that allows the patient to stay at home can have an enormous impact on their overall well-being.

Recovery from surgery or injury

it may be that the need for a hospital bed at home is only a temporary one, to aid recovery from injury or a major medical procedure – for example, a hip replacement or heart surgery. Usually, this means prolonged periods of immobility and possibly the need for a loved one to act as a temporary caregiver. In either case, having a bed with adjustable height and positioning will make life easier and safer for everyone; it may also be a condition of the patient’s discharge from the hospital.

Buying a homecare bed

If you’re not sure how to get a hospital bed for home use, start by getting advice from your GP or another medical professional, such as an occupational therapist. Manufacturers such as the Mobility Furniture Company can also provide information on the different available features. Consider how long you will need the bed, and whether there are any options such as the swing seat, that you do not need now but might want later.

If the bed is for someone with a chronic illness, you could also get advice from a representative of a charity related to that condition – for example, from Parkinson’s UK or the Alzheimer’s Society. They may also be able to help you with grants or other funding if the cost of the bed is prohibitive.

How to get a hospital bed for home use through a council or the NHS

In the UK, you may be able to apply for a medical bed for short- or long-term use through your local council or the NHS. Your GP can determine if you are eligible for one on medical grounds, or an occupational therapist can visit you at home to conduct a needs assessment. They can also help you with the application and advise on any other help that might be available.

This is a good option for people who may not have the ability to purchase their own bed, or only need to loan one temporarily. The downsides are that you won’t get much say over what it looks like, and you may have to wait a long time. If you need one urgently – for example, if you’re waiting to be discharged from the hospital – then purchasing your own is usually the fastest option.

Does insurance cover hospital beds?

Specific health coverage will vary from policy to policy, but private medical insurance usually covers acute, short-term illnesses or injuries. This will include tests, treatments and surgery until you are healed or cured, and may include specialist equipment, such as medical beds, depending on your level of cover.

In the case of chronic conditions, private medical insurance typically only covers tests and consultations up until the point of diagnosis, after which time you are on your own. The good news is, with insurance the diagnosis will come much more quickly, as you will not have long waiting times for appointments. If you are thinking of taking out private medical insurance, check the policy terms and conditions carefully and if in doubt, ask.

The Bottom Line

Investing in a hospital bed for yourself or a loved one is a big decision, so do not be afraid to ask for advice. Whether your need is immediate, or you’re considering how best to prepare for the future, the Mobility Furniture Company can guide you through the process and help you understand the options available.

There are plenty to choose from, including single or double beds, extra supportive beds and some that don’t look like hospital beds at all – meaning they’ll look good and improve life at home for many years to come. And do not forget, after all, that sleep is one of nature’s best healers. Anything that promotes a good night’s shut-eye can only be a good thing!