Electric Hospital Beds Helping More Older Adults Remain at Home
Electric hospital beds are becoming increasingly popular for home use due to their many benefits to patients and caregivers alike. With more people receiving long-term care and remaining in their homes, more people use a hospital bed to stay at home and delay or avoid an assisted living facility or nursing home.
For those who are chronically ill or who have disabilities, a hospital bed can provide much-needed comfort, support, and independence. Hospital beds often allow for adjustable positions, allowing for better circulation, reduced pressure sores, and more effective breathing.
Hospital beds also make it much easier for caregivers to provide assistance, as they can be raised to accommodate patient transfers and lifting. Furthermore, many hospital beds have added features such as bed rails, pressure relieving systems, and integrated lifts, which can support patients with additional needs.
An electric hospital bed makes it easier for the care recipient and their caregivers. Electric hospital beds offer many advantages and can be a good option for those struggling with limited mobility or other medical issues such as dementia. From providing comfortable sleep to encouraging independence for the elderly, electric hospital beds are a great investment for patients and caregivers.
More Comfortable for Users
Many worry that transitioning from a regular bed to a hospital one is uncomfortable. While the mattresses are different and there is an adjustment period, many users find hospital beds just as comfortable as regular beds. Many find them even more comfortable since they can adjust their head and feet as needed without asking for help or needing to pile up pillows.
Electric hospital beds usually have adjustable positions, allowing for significant comfort and support for those who need them. This can be especially beneficial for those with mobility issues or for providing support for heavier individuals. A well-positioned bed not only reduces muscle pain and encourages sleeping posture, but it can also reduce fatigue and help the user to relax.
Easy for Everyone to Use
Understanding how to choose between hospital beds comes down to comfort because they are designed to be easy to use - both for patients and caregivers. They come with various features such as remote controls, adjustable heights, head and foot sections, and back elevations - allowing for even further customization.
With just one touch, the care recipient can adjust the bed to their perfect level of comfort, while caregivers can easily adjust the bed with minimal effort. Furthermore, since the beds are electric and do not require manual cranking and repositioning, this makes them safer without placing unnecessary strain on the caregiver.
A fully electric bed allows the person using the bed to achieve maximum mobility and independence.
Helpful for Caregivers
An electric hospital bed provides easy access for caregivers. As electric beds have features like adjustable height, turning and transferring patients out of bed can be made much more manageable. This is especially beneficial as it eliminates the need for the care recipient to move and reduces the risk of injury or accidents.
Safety
Electric hospital beds are safer than regular beds when fitted with the right type of bed rails. Bed rails can provide stability and help prevent the user from inadvertently falling out of the bed. This can be crucial since elderly patients with mobility issues are more prone to fall-related injuries.
Features like a pressure management system allow the bed to be adjusted for optimal support by automatically redistributing pressure to different areas. Also, electric beds that come with an integrated lift feature can provide assistance for users to move from the sitting to the sleeping position.
Electric beds can aid in independence when equipped with the right extra features, improving the care recipient's quality of life. The adjustable heights, turns, and transfers make it much easier and safer to care for elderly individuals with limited mobility who may otherwise be at risk of falls and injuries.
Features like pressure relief systems and integrated lifts offer support and assistance with movement and can help promote independence, something most older adults wish to maintain as they age.
Esthetically Pleasing and Convenience
Unlike old-fashioned hospital beds, electric models come in various sleek designs, from traditional to modern. Furthermore, they can be outfitted with supportive cushions and linen for a more welcoming look.
These electric beds also provide convenience. They can be folded away or tilted against a wall when not in use, thus providing an efficient use of space. On top of that, most models come with remote controls, meaning users can adjust themselves without leaving the bed.
For those who use a wheelchair, these beds provide greater comfort, safety, and convenience.
Insurance
Medicare Part B covers 80% of the costs of electric hospital beds under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit if the patient has a doctor's prescription for the bed. Most insurance policies for those under age 65 will also provide some coverage for electric hospital beds if deemed medically necessary.
However, some older people who want to avoid a long-term care facility will get an electric hospital bed for safety and ease of use. In this case, it would typically not be paid by Medicare. Some Long-Term Care Insurance policies will pay benefits toward an electric hospital bed if it is included in a care plan.
Many people find electric hospital beds affordable even if insurance pays a limited amount or nothing toward the purchase. The ease of use, safety features, and convenience make an electric hospital bed something to consider if someone remains in their home despite a chronic illness or aging issue.