A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Hospital Bed for Home Use
Hired hospital beds feature things like adjustability, safety rails, ease of operation, and weight capacity to ensure comfort and safety for the patient.
At Home Care
Having the right hospital bed is more than just comfort—it’s about ensuring the safety, functionality, and well-being of your loved one. These beds provide the necessary support that conventional beds often lack.
In this guide, we delve into the features to consider when renting a hospital bed for home care. This will help you make an informed choice for the care of a loved one.
Key Hired Hospital Bed Features to Consider
1. Adjustability
The ability to adjust a hospital bed to meet specific needs is vital when selecting one for home care.
It’s not just about comfort; it’s about creating an environment that enhances both the patient’s well-being and the caregiver’s ease. That’s why it’s crucial to seek out beds with versatile adjustment options.
The range of available adjustments, from basic manual adjustments to semi-electric controls and full-electric functionality, can significantly impact the overall caregiving experience.
Opting for fully electric beds helps with caregiving tasks, making the entire process more manageable.
2. Hired Hospital Bed Features: Safety
Safety is paramount in any home care setting, and it’s essential to ensure that the hospital bed you choose comes equipped with the necessary safety features. Look for beds that include:
- Side rails to prevent falls.
- Locking wheels to keep the bed in place during transfers or adjustments.
- An emergency CPR function for quick response in emergencies.
At Home Care Hire, our hired hospital bed features standard side rails, a practice that sets us apart from those who may offer them as optional extras. By including side rails as part of our standard package, safety is never compromised, providing you with peace of mind in your caring journey.
3. Mattress Type
When selecting a hospital bed for home care, it’s important to consider the type of mattress, as it can greatly affect the comfort and well-being of the patient. Different mattress options offer varying levels of support and pressure relief. At Home Care Hire, we offer a range of mattress types, including:
Foam Mattress: These mattresses are designed to conform to the body’s shape, providing personalised support and alleviating pressure points.
Dynamic Alternating Air Mattress: Ideal for patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers, these mattresses use air cells that alternate in pressure to reduce the risk of skin breakdown.
4. Ease of Operation
When it comes to operating a hospital bed, simplicity is key for both patients and caregivers alike. It’s important to choose a bed that offers intuitive functionality, making adjustments seamless and hassle-free. Look for beds that come equipped with:
- User-Friendly Controls: Beds with easy-to-understand controls ensure that both patients and caregivers can navigate them with ease, enhancing overall usability.
- Backup Battery Systems: In case of power outages, having a backup battery system ensures that the bed remains functional, providing uninterrupted care and peace of mind.
- Remote Control Options: Remote control capabilities add an extra layer of convenience, allowing adjustments to be made from a distance without disturbing the patient.
- Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg Positions: Beds equipped with Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions offer additional therapeutic benefits, such as improved circulation and respiratory function.
- Bed Exit Alarms: For patients at risk of falls or wandering, bed exit alarms provide an added layer of safety by alerting caregivers when the patient attempts to leave the bed unassisted.
5. Weight Capacity
Check for the weight allowance of different types of hired hospital bed features before you decide to hire or buy.
Our standard bed measures 3 feet by 7 feet and can carry a maximum weight of 180kg (28 stone), making it suitable for a wide range of patients. The height of the top of a memory foam mattress on our beds can be adjusted from 40cm to 80cm from the floor, for flexibility and ease of use for both patients and caregivers.
Additionally, our beds are fully compliant with IEC 60601-2-52, a range of standards that define the requirements for the safety and performance of all medical electrical equipment.
6. Mobility and Portability
For homes with limited space or frequent repositioning needs, mobility and portability are essential features in a hospital bed.
At Home Care Hire, our beds are thoughtfully designed for mobility. They come equipped with sturdy caster wheels, allowing for easy movement from one room to another without heavy lifting. These wheels have locking mechanisms to ensure the bed stays securely in place when needed, offering both flexibility and stability.
It’s important that you feel comfortable if you need to move the hospital bed.
7. Additional Accessories: Hired Hospital Bed Features
Changing the functionality and comfort of a hospital bed with additional accessories can make a significant difference in the home care experience.
You could add:
Overbed Tables: These tables are highly versatile and can be used for meals, reading, or other activities while the patient is in bed. They are adjustable and can be easily moved out of the way when not in use, providing both convenience and flexibility.
Grab Bars: Replacing traditional trapeze bars, our grab bars offer added support and stability for patients as they move in and out of bed or adjust their position. This can significantly reduce the risk of falls and increase the patient’s independence.
Mattress Upgrades: While our beds come standard with high-quality memory foam mattresses, we offer the option to upgrade to air mattresses for patients who require specialised pressure relief and support.
Safety Rails: We always include a set of wooden side rails with our beds to prevent falls and provide additional security, which sets us apart from competitors who may charge extra for this essential feature.
Final Thoughts on Hired Hospital Bed Features
When choosing a hospital bed for at home care, please take the time to find the right one, and the right supplier for you.
Ensure the comfort and safety of your loved one with the perfect hospital bed from Home Care Hire.
Explore our high-quality range at Home Care Hire or contact us for expert advice. Let us help you make the best choice for your home care needs.