If you have a loved one who will be receiving at-home care, it’s important you give them a hospital bed that will be comfortable and meet all of their needs. But how do you know exactly what type of hospital bed will be best suited for them and their condition?
It’s important to consult with your loved one’s physicians before making a decision, but in general, here are some of the most important factors you’ll need to consider when choosing a hospital bed in Binghamton, NY.
Determine the essential features
Most hospital beds are height adjustable with a profiling mattress platform. Beyond that, there are a wide range of available features you can find, as well as add-ons. Potential features you might want for your hospital bed include side rails, remote handset operation, customizable colors, air mattress accommodation, enclosed head and foot boards and tilting.
Just make sure the mattress profile is indeed profiling. This allows the user to sit up in bed and/or raise their knees or legs. This allows for a wider range of positions to ensure the user’s comfort, and is also beneficial for caregivers who need to be able to change the position of the patient.
Ensure it has good height range
It’s not enough for the height of the bed to be adjustable—the range of heights you’re capable of achieving is also important. The bed’s height range is determined by measuring the distance of the mattress platform to the floor when it’s in its lowest and highest positions. You’ll want a height range of at least 40 to 80 cm. Lower positions are particularly important if you know the user is prone to falling out of bed.
Review the quality
If you’re going to be investing in a hospital bed for home use, it’s important to be certain you’re getting one that’s a high-quality piece of furniture. The bed should have a warranty of at least two or three years, and the supplier should include labor costs and parts in that warranty. The materials should be of high quality—if it appears flimsy or weak, it’s probably not worth the investment. If possible, browse customer reviews before making a purchase decision so you can get a sense of the experiences other people have had with the equipment. Arm yourself with as much information as possible so you can get a bed that’s going to last you for as long as you need it.
Prepare for installation
Finally, make sure you have some sense of what will be required with regard to installation, and get any help you might need. Depending on the kind of bed you select, you may find it beneficial to have a professional install it for you. If that’s the case, try to choose a provider who will also offer installation services so you don’t have to find a separate company to handle that for you.
For more information about how to choose the correct hospital bed for home use in Binghamton, NY, contact the home medical equipment suppliers at Penn York Medical today.