How to Evaluate Hospital Beds

People who have medical conditions that are serious, chronic or terminal may require hospital beds to feel comfortable during home care. Hospital beds are a major investment--they're expensive and directly affect the quality of life of both the patient and the caregiver.

Instructions

Choosing a Bed

• 1

  Consider the patient's weight. Most hospital beds can support a weight of up to 450 pounds, according to the advice website bedutopia.com. But if a patient is being treated for morbid obesity, a stronger bed may be necessary. Extra-strength beds can handle up to 1,000 pounds.

• 2

  Consider the patient's mobility. Many beds have devices called trapezes that allow the patient to change positions by pulling himself up by the arms.

• 3

  Consider adjustment needs that suit the patient and the caregiver. If the patient can sit up to do things like watch television, read a book or eat, it's important to have an adjustable bed. This affects the caregiver, too. Some beds have motorized adjustment; others use cranks. Motorized controls make beds heavier.

• 4

  Consider the patient's support needs. Some beds offer better orthopedic support or reinforcements at the head or feet.

• 5

  Consider the price. Hospital beds can cost a few hundred or several thousand dollars, so consider your needs, your budget and whether your health insurance will help with the cost.

• 6

  Consider safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that 772 patients were trapped or strangled in hospital beds from 1985 to 2008. The agency has prepared guidelines on how to avoid danger from hospital beds, and the report is available at FDA.gov.