Things to Consider Before Getting a Hospital Bed
Since there are several different types of hospital beds, it’s important to get the one that’s most suitable for the intended user. Here are some things to consider:
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How long is the patient going to spend in the bed daily? If the patient is injured or bed-ridden, you’ll want an electric bed to make adjustments easier on everyone involved. If there is an injury, a specialized bed (like one of those mentioned above) may also be appropriate.
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How long is the patient going to need the bed? This will help determine whether renting or buying is the better option. If the bed is going to be permanent, you may want to look into purchasing one and seeing what the insurance will cover.
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Can the patient move in and out of the bed? This will determine whether a low bed or standard height bed should be used. If the patient can’t get in and out on his own, then a standard height bed may be the better choice.
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How large is the patient? Many standard hospital beds are 36 inches wide and 80 inches long. If a patient is larger, you may want to look into a bariatric hospital bed. These measurements will also help determine whether a hospital bed will fit in the home.