How to Get a Hospital Bed for Home Use
Patients about to return home after a hospital stay, or their caregivers, may be wondering how to get a hospital bed for home use. They might also wonder if it's easy (or difficult), and how affordable it is. These are all understandable concerns, especially at a time when you need things to go smoothly.
A hospital bed may be required by a patient who has any of the following medical or safety needs:
Limited mobility and difficulty getting in and out of bed independently
Difficulty breathing while in a horizontal position
The need for specialized care and support from a caregiver
Long-term bed rest that requires frequent movement to minimize pressure sores
Recovery from surgery requiring elevation of the head or legs
Chronic conditions such as COPD, heart failure, neurological disorders, or advanced arthritis
The good news is that patients who need a home hospital bed have several ways to secure an appropriate model. With options both to rent and buy, you will find a bed to suit your needs.
Getting a Hospital Bed for Home Use Step-by-Step
Assess the Patient's Needs: Evaluate why a hospital bed is necessary for the patient and any specific features that may be required.
Consult a Doctor: If you plan to use insurance, your doctor must prescribe the hospital bed for home use and claim it is a medical necessity.
Conduct a Home Assessment: Measure the room, and ensure that a hospital bed is a feasible option in the home.
Choose Your Model: Select the type of hospital bed based on the previous steps.
Contact a Supplier: Choose whether to rent or buy and reach out to a local expert on hospital beds for advice.
Select Accessories: Choose a medical mattress and any other additional features necessary for the patient and caregiver’s comfort.
Schedule Delivery and Installation: Most providers will offer same-day delivery as well as in-home installation.
Options for Obtaining a Hospital Bed for Home Use
Some people may be able to get some of the cost of a home hospital bed covered by Medicare. Medicare Part B generally covers hospital beds for home use as durable medical equipment (DME) when prescribed by a doctor.
Not all home medical equipment (HME) suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. In this case, people typically pay upfront for the item and then request reimbursement from their health insurance provider. If you plan to do this, be sure to check with your insurance provider before going ahead with a hospital bed purchase or rental.
What's Better: Buying or Renting a Hospital Bed?
Purchasing or renting a hospital bed may be more beneficial depending on your circumstances.
|
Feature |
Renting a Hospital Bed |
Purchasing a Hospital Bed |
|
Duration |
Best for < 20 weeks |
Best for > 20 weeks |
|
Upfront Cost |
Low (Weekly/Monthly rates) |
Higher (Initial investment) |
|
Customization |
Limited to standard models |
High (Selection of features) |
|
Maintenance |
Included by the supplier |
Responsibility of the owner |
|
Best For |
Surgery recovery, hospice |
Chronic illness, aging-in-place |
Renting a Hospital Bed
It's often simplest to rent a hospital bed directly from a specialized HME supply store. If you rent a hospital bed from our Denver or Boulder, Colorado showrooms, for example:
The cost of the bed includes set-up (delivery fees may apply).
Patients can rent a bed for as little as one week.
Long-term rental rates are available for those who wish to rent for a longer term.
Delivery and installation can usually be completed on the same day or the next business day after booking.
Renting doesn't require you to pay the full cost of the bed upfront and may save you money over time if the patient needs the bed for fewer than 20 weeks. Some suppliers will also credit part of your rental cost toward the eventual purchase of the bed.
Mobility experts will explain everything you need to know about how to rent a hospital bed and the benefits it offers you and your family.
Purchasing a Hospital Bed
Purchasing a hospital bed is usually the best option if you anticipate needing it long-term. Despite the initial cost, it may be cheaper in the long run if you need it for more than 20 weeks. The other main benefit of purchasing a bed is the ability to customize it to better fulfill the patient's and caregiver's needs.
What Are the Advantages of a Hospital Bed?
Hospital beds offer the following features that ensure patient comfort while providing a safe environment for both the patient and the caregiver.
Height Adjustment: The entire bed moves up and down. This makes it easier to find the ideal height to prevent back strain for the caregiver and facilitate smooth transfers.
Positioning Support: Feet and head can be elevated using hand controls, improving circulation and reducing respiratory distress.
Reduced Pressure Injuries: Specialized mattresses distribute the patient's weight to prevent bedsores.
Safety Rails and Wheels: Side rails provide a handhold for the patient during movement and serve as a barrier to prevent falls. Wheels allow the bed to be moved without strain and can be locked into position to ensure stability during maneuvers.
Check out our full breakdown of hospital bed advantages and disadvantages here.
What Are the Different Types of Hospital Beds?
There are three main types of hospital beds: fully electric, semi-electric, and manual. Though these are the three main categories, specialty beds cater to specific needs within them.
1. Fully-Electric Bed
Electric beds allow the patient to control the bed's position and height with a remote control. Unlike with a manual bed, this gives the patient control over the bed so they don't have to rely on a caregiver to make adjustments.
Apart from giving the patient more independence, electric beds make it much easier for the caregiver to tend to the patient or change the sheets. Depending on the model, some electric beds may offer a range of positions.
2. Semi-Electric Beds
While an electric motor raises and lowers the head and footrest of the bed, a caregiver adjusts the bed's height with a crank. This results in a “halfway” option that allows for relative patient independence at a lower cost.
3. Manual Hospital Bed
Manual beds are the most economical option, but everything is adjusted using a crank. A manual bed could work well for patients who don't require much adjustment. However, they will generally have less independence.
Specialized Beds
There are specialized hospital beds designed for patients who have specific needs.
These are the most common:
Bariatric Hospital Bed
Bariatric beds are heavy-duty models designed for patients who are overweight or obese. Typically, bariatric hospital beds are wider and sturdier than standard hospital beds and have weight capacities ranging from 600 to 1000 pounds.
Trendelenburg Bed
A Trendelenburg bed elevates the feet above the level of the head. The Trendelenburg position is primarily a medical position that can be helpful for pelvic surgery. As it carries risks for the patient, this position should be used only under medical supervision.
Hospital Bed vs Adjustable Bed
Hospital beds and adjustable beds can both be adjusted to help the patient sit up or raise their feet. However, hospital beds also move up and down on the vertical plane, whereas adjustable beds typically don’t. If the patient will require a caregiver to help them transfer in and out of bed, a hospital bed is preferable to take pressure off the caregiver’s back.
Setting up Your Hospital Bed at Home Checklist
Before your hospital bed arrives, make sure your home is properly prepared for safe installation.
Measure the space: Make sure you have enough room for the bed and a “service zone” around it where the caregiver will navigate. For a detailed breakdown of space requirements, see our guide on hospital bed dimensions and measurements.
Clear any clutter: The floor, service zone, and passages between the bed and key locations, such as the bathroom, must be free from clutter.
Prepare lighting: If the patient will spend long hours in bed, ensure they have access to adequate lighting at all times.
Ensure access to an electrical outlet: Electric beds must be plugged into a grounded three-prong outlet. Using an extension cord is not recommended, as this can create a fire hazard.
How Much Does a Hospital Bed Cost?
The cost of a hospital bed varies from $500 to over $7,000. This depends greatly on the type of bed chosen. Generally, prices fall in the following range:
Manual Beds: $500 – $900
Semi-Electric Beds: $1,000 – $1,800
Fully Electric Beds: $2,000 – $4,500
Bariatric/Specialty Beds: $4,000 – $7,000+
For specific rental pricing, see our hospital bed rental page.
FAQ
Why is a hospital bed necessary?
A 2000 study published in PubMed reported that using beds with adjustable height significantly increased the time nurses spent in the safe zone of spinal motion. As everyday tasks like lifting and moving patients are associated with musculoskeletal problems among caregivers, hospital beds are key to protecting both the caregiver and the patient.
Do I need a prescription to get a hospital bed?
No. However, if you plan on having your insurance cover part of the cost, yes. In either case, it is recommended to get a prescription to ensure you purchase a bed that is adapted to your needs and condition.
How long does delivery take?
If you need to rent a hospital bed in Denver or Boulder, we typically offer same-day or next-business-day delivery.
How should I clean a hospital bed?
Keeping your hospital bed clean is an essential maintenance step that helps ensure its longevity. For detailed instructions, read our guide on how to clean a hospital bed.
What other accessories do I need for my hospital bed?
You may also want to purchase a medical-grade mattress and fitted bed sheets (waterproof sheets are recommended). In some cases, a trapeze bar is sometimes required to help with sitting up. Some beds also offer other accessories, such as an overbed table or side rails.
Consider Hospital Bed Rental for Shorter-Term Needs
When facing a long-term or chronic illness that requires a hospital bed at home, purchasing a hospital bed for home use could be a great choice. Patients will easily find a model that suits their preferences and needs with many options beyond the standard hospital bed.
For shorter-term recuperation after illness or surgery, renting hospital beds will be the most cost-effective option. Hospital bed rental gives you the flexibility to choose the bed that best suits your needs for precisely the amount of time you need it.