A home hospital bed is a specialized piece of equipment designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for individuals who require medical support at home. Unlike standard beds, these beds offer adjustable features that cater to various medical needs, enhancing patient comfort and safety while facilitating caregiving tasks.
Understanding the Need for a Home Hospital Bed
A home hospital bed is beneficial when an ordinary bed is insufficient. Individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic medical conditions, or facing mobility challenges often find these beds helpful. For example, conditions like severe arthritis, spinal cord injuries, certain cardiac conditions, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can necessitate specific positioning that only an adjustable bed can provide.
These beds offer advantages for both patients and caregivers. Patients experience enhanced comfort through adjustable positions, which can alleviate pain, improve circulation, and support breathing. Caregivers benefit from features like adjustable bed height, which reduces physical strain during transfers, repositioning, and daily care activities. This adaptability creates a safer environment, minimizing the risk of falls and injuries for the patient.
Selecting the Appropriate Home Hospital Bed
Choosing a home hospital bed involves understanding the different types and their features to match individual needs.
Types of Home Hospital Beds
Manual beds: The most economical option, adjusted using hand cranks for height, head, and foot sections. Suitable for users who do not require frequent repositioning or have consistent caregiver assistance.
Semi-electric beds: Combine manual and electric functions, allowing electric adjustment of the head and foot, while bed height is manually adjusted.
Full-electric beds: Offer the most convenience, with all adjustments—height, head, and foot—controlled by a push of a button.
Specialized options: Bariatric beds provide increased width and weight capacity for larger individuals, often supporting up to 1,000 pounds. Low beds reduce fall risks.
Mattress Types and Accessories
Mattress types, such as innerspring, foam, or air, can be selected for comfort or pressure relief. Accessories like side rails, trapeze bars, and overbed tables add functionality and safety.
Navigating the Acquisition Process
Obtaining a home hospital bed begins with a medical professional’s recommendation. A doctor’s prescription is often required, detailing the patient’s diagnosis and explaining why a hospital bed is medically necessary. The prescription should also outline any specific bed features needed.
Insurance coverage for home hospital beds varies by provider, but they are classified as durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare Part B covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for a medically necessary hospital bed after the annual deductible is met. The bed must be prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled doctor and obtained from a Medicare-approved supplier. Medicare often uses a capped rental program, where the bed is rented for a period, 13 months, after which ownership may transfer to the beneficiary.
Medicaid programs, administered by individual states, also cover medically necessary DME, including hospital beds. Eligibility and coverage specifics vary by state, with many states offering assistance through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers or “Money Follows the Person” programs. These programs support individuals remaining at home by subsidizing necessary equipment. Private health insurance policies may also cover home hospital beds, but coverage depends on the specific plan and requires proof of medical necessity, similar to Medicare. Patients should contact their insurance provider to understand their policy’s terms, including potential out-of-pocket costs, deductibles, and co-insurance.
The decision to rent or purchase a home hospital bed depends on the anticipated duration of need. Renting is more cost-effective for short-term use, such as recovery from surgery or a temporary illness. This option involves lower initial costs and includes maintenance responsibility by the supplier. Purchasing a bed becomes more financially sensible for long-term or indefinite use, as recurring rental costs can eventually exceed the purchase price. Buying also allows for greater customization and ensures a new, clean bed.
When seeking a supplier, find reputable DME providers who accept your insurance and have positive customer reviews. Some non-profit organizations and state-specific programs may offer financial assistance or loaner programs for those who do not qualify for or cannot afford insurance coverage.
Installation and Ongoing Care
Once a home hospital bed has been acquired, proper installation and ongoing care are important for its safe and effective use. Delivery and setup involve professional assistance to ensure correct assembly and placement. Select a spacious area with easy access to electrical outlets for powered beds and ensure all components, including the mattress and safety features, are securely fastened.
Safety considerations are important in the daily use of the bed. Side rails should be properly installed and kept in the upright position when the patient is not actively entering or exiting the bed, which helps prevent falls. The bed’s wheels should remain locked unless the bed needs to be moved. The bed’s controls should be within easy reach, and the bed should be kept in its lowest position whenever possible to reduce injury risk.
Routine cleaning and maintenance contribute to the bed’s longevity and hygiene. The bed frame, side rails, and control panel should be wiped down regularly with a mild detergent. Linens should be changed frequently, at least once a week, and the mattress should be cleaned and disinfected periodically. Regular inspection for wear and tear, such as frayed wires or loose screws, and lubricating moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer, help ensure the bed remains functional. Any malfunctions should prompt a call to the supplier for support.