Best Hospital Beds (Home)

Home Hospital Beds: Comfort for Extended Care

When Grandpa needed 24-hour care, a hospital bed in the living room meant he could stay home instead of a facility. It changed everything.

Electric vs. Manual
Full electric:

Push-button head, foot, and height
- Patient can self-adjust
- Easier on caregivers
- Most expensive

Semi-electric:
- Electric head and foot
- Manual crank for height
- Good compromise on cost

Manual:
- All crank-operated
- Requires caregiver for every adjustment
- Most affordable

### Key Features
Bed height adjustment:
- Critical for caregiver back health
- Allows wheelchair-level transfers
- Helps patient stand from edge

Head/foot articulation:
- Head up for breathing, eating, watching TV
- Foot elevation for swelling

Side rails:
- Often sold separately
- Full-length for fall prevention
- Half-length for repositioning assist

### Mattress Considerations
Most beds don't include mattresses:
- Innerspring: Cheapest, least comfortable long-term
- Foam: Better pressure distribution
- Alternating pressure: Prevents pressure sores for bedridden
- Low air loss: Premium for high-risk skin

### Insurance Coverage
Medicare Part B covers hospital beds if:
- Doctor prescribes as medically necessary
- Needed for medical condition (not just comfort)
- Rental or purchase options
- Must use approved supplier