Choosing the Right Hospital Bed for Elder Care: A Comprehensive Guide

Hospital beds are helpful tools to assist in elder care, due to their ability to help reposition individuals with the touch of a button. A variety of hospital bed styles are available for purchase.

Benefits

• Hospital beds are designed to allow caregivers to move a person in bed with ease, while providing as much comfort as possible for the patient. Units are available with various features designed for helping patients and reducing strain on the caregiver.

Considerations

• Consult the patient's doctor to determine the best type of hospital bed to purchase. An individual in need of simple assistance to get in and out of bed may require a less expensive bed than someone confined to the bed and in need of constant repositioning.

Cost

• Many insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of hospital bed rental or purchase for elder care, if the bed has been prescribed by a doctor. Check with your insurance provider regarding coverage and approved vendors. Uninsured patients will find hospital beds for sale at medical supply stores and via special order from large retail chains.