Can I Get a Hospital Bed for Home Use?

Your home is a place full of special memories and where things feel safe and familiar. It’s a space where we are the most relaxed and can find our way around with ease. This familiarity, and a sense of safety, become increasingly significant as we age, especially for those who are elderly and those with limited mobility. 

Fortunately, there are products available which can have a huge influence on quality of life for individuals with limited mobility. This may include products such as an adjustable bed/hospital bed, a rise and recliner chair or a bath lift. This article will explore the question ‘Can I get a hospital bed for home use?’ and will touch on what are some of the benefits of having a hospital bed at home.

How to get a hospital bed for home use?

Like a regular adjustable bed, hospital beds have specialised frames and mattresses that allow the bed to bend in certain places. If you’re not sure how to get a hospital bed for home use, you can get advice from a medical professional such as your GP or you can contact an Occupational Therapist who is available to visit you at home to conduct an assessment. 

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 too high and likely to deter you from buying.

When is the right time to get a hospital bed for home use?

If you want more clarity on when is the right time to get a hospital bed for home use, determining the right time may involve assessing individual health. As mentioned above, this could either be through your GP or an Occupational Therapist. Here are some common situations where acquiring a hospital bed for home use might be appropriate:

Recovery from surgery or medical procedures

After undergoing surgery or medical procedures, individuals may require a hospital bed at home to aid in a more comfortable and supportive recovery. Although the need for a hospital bed at home may only be only temporary, having a bed with adjustable height and positioning can make life easier and safer for you and your caregiver.

Chronic health conditions 

Individuals dealing with chronic health conditions such as arthritis, respiratory issues, or mobility challenges may benefit from a hospital bed, as it provides customisable positioning for enhanced comfort.

Mobility limitations

If a person experiences difficulties getting in and out of a regular bed due to mobility issues, a hospital bed with adjustable height can offer greater accessibility and independence.

Terminal illness or palliative care

In cases of terminal illness or when receiving palliative care, a hospital bed can provide the necessary support for both the patient and their caregivers during a challenging time.

Enhanced comfort and sleep quality

Some individuals may opt for a hospital bed simply to improve overall comfort and sleep quality, even without specific health concerns.

Ultimately, a medical professional will be able to inform you when it is the right time to get a hospital bed for home use. It can also be a personalised decision based on the unique circumstances of the individual's health and living situation.

What are some of the benefits of having a hospital bed at home?

So what are some of the benefits of having a hospital bed at home? Having a hospital bed at home can offer various benefits, catering to the specific needs and comfort of individuals facing health challenges. We list some advantages below:

Adjustable positions

Hospital beds come with adjustable features, allowing users to raise or lower the head and foot sections. This customisation enhances comfort and facilitates better positioning for various activities such as reading, eating, or watching TV.

Improved mobility and accessibility

Adjustable height settings make it easier for individuals with mobility issues to get in and out of bed. This improves an individual's independence and reduces the strain on caregivers.

Easier caregiving

Caregivers find it more convenient to assist with daily tasks, such as changing bed linens or administering medical care, due to the adjustable features and accessibility options of hospital beds.

Enhanced comfort for recovery

Individuals recovering from surgery or medical procedures may find a hospital bed more comfortable, especially when dealing with post-operative pain or limited mobility.

Assistance with respiratory conditions

For individuals with respiratory issues, hospital beds with adjustable positioning can help ease breathing difficulties by allowing the upper body to be elevated.

Safety features

Hospital beds often come with built-in safety features such as side rails, ensuring the safety of individuals who may be at risk of falling out of bed.

Convenience for care at home

Having a hospital bed at home enables individuals to receive necessary care in the comfort of their own space, avoiding the need for frequent hospital visits.

Support for chronic health conditions

Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as arthritis or osteoporosis, benefit from the supportive features of hospital beds, which can help relieve pain and discomfort.

Aid in palliative care

In cases of terminal illness or palliative care, a hospital bed at home can provide a familiar and comforting environment for the individual.

Overall, we hope to have answered the question ‘Can I get a hospital bed for home use?’, when the right time is to purchase and also the benefits they can provide to those with mobility limitations. Consulting with a healthcare professional is highly advisable when acquiring a hospital bed to ensure the bed meets the specific requirements of the user's health condition.