For the Patient’s Comfort & Safety

• Improved Body Positioning: 

  Adjustable head and foot sections allow for positions that relieve shortness of breath, reduce joint stiffness, and help prevent bedsores by shifting body weight. 
• Enhanced Mobility: 

  The ability to adjust the bed height and use side rails helps the elderly get in and out of bed more independently and safely, supporting autonomy. 
• Fall Prevention: 

  Bed rails act as a supportive grip for transfers and a barrier against accidentally rolling out of bed, while a low bed height reduces the risk of falls. 
• Pressure Sore Prevention: 

  Hospital beds, especially those with special mattresses, help distribute body weight evenly and can provide alternating pressure to keep pressure ulcers at bay. 

  

For the Caregiver

• Safer Transfers: 

  Adjustable height allows caregivers to raise or lower the bed to a comfortable working height, reducing strain and preventing back injuries during transfers. 
• Easier Care: 

  The ease of adjusting the bed position can simplify aspects of daily care and ensure the patient is in the best possible position for comfort and healing. 

Medical and Health Needs

• Support for Chronic Conditions: 

  Hospital beds are beneficial for individuals with conditions like COPD, severe arthritis, or other ailments that require special positioning for rest and treatment. 
• Post-Discharge Recovery: 

  Patients recently discharged from a hospital may require the specific features of a hospital bed to support their recovery at home. 
• Specialized Support: 

  Some conditions require bed traction or other specialized attachments that can only be used on a hospital bed frame, not a standard one. 

Main Types of Hospital Beds

• Manual Hospital Beds:

  These are the most affordable option but require hand cranks for all adjustments, which can be difficult for caregivers and may not be suitable if frequent repositioning is needed. 
• Semi-Electric Hospital Beds:

  A blend of manual and electric features, these beds typically use a remote to adjust the head and foot sections while the bed’s overall height is controlled manually. 
• Full-Electric Hospital Beds:

  The “gold standard” for home care, full-electric beds allow for all adjustments—including head, foot, and bed height—to be controlled by a remote, making them ideal for patients requiring frequent position changes and for caregivers’ convenience. 

Specialized Types

• Bariatric Beds:

  Designed for larger individuals, these beds have a reinforced frame and a wider surface for comfort and durability. 
• Low Hospital Beds:

  Also known as ultra-low or low-profile beds, these can be lowered closer to the floor to significantly reduce the risk of injury from falls, making them a good choice for patients with mobility issues. 

Considerations When Choosing

• Caregiver Effort: 

  Consider how much physical effort is required for adjustments, especially if a patient needs frequent repositioning. 
• Patient Independence: 

  Electric controls can provide more independence and comfort for the patient. 
• Fall Risk: 

  Low-height beds are crucial for patients at high risk of falling. 
• Budget: 

  Manual beds are the most affordable, while full-electric models come with a higher cost but offer more convenience and features. 

1. Assess Patient Needs

• Patient Size: 

  Consider the user’s height and weight to determine if a standard bed is sufficient or if a wider, sturdier bariatric bed is necessary for comfort and safety. 
• Mobility and Comfort: 

  Evaluate the patient’s ability to move in and out of bed. Full-electric beds offer the most adjustability for comfort and frequent position changes, which can be crucial for users with limited mobility. 

2. Measure Your Space

• Room Dimensions: 

  Measure the available space in the room, ensuring there is enough clearance on all sides for the bed’s footprint and for caregivers to move comfortably. 
• Accessibility: 

  Verify that there’s enough room for the bed to be adjusted and for any necessary mobility aids or medical equipment to be used safely. 

3. Determine Safety Features 

• Sturdy Frame and Rails: 

  Look for beds with sturdy frames and secure, lockable side rails for patient safety during adjustments and transfers.
• Emergency Features: 

  Consider features like emergency hand cranks for manual operation during power outages and automatic stop mechanisms to prevent entrapment.
• Lockable Casters: 

  Ensure the bed has lockable casters to keep it stable during patient transfers and caregiver assistance.

4. Consider Bed Type and Adjustability

• Full-Electric Beds: These offer the highest level of adjustability for head and foot positions, benefiting both the user and caregivers during daily care. 
• Bariatric Beds: Necessary for heavier patients, these beds offer wider dimensions and increased weight capacity for proper support. 
• Low-Height Beds: A low-height option can be the safest choice for fall prevention. 

5. Consult with Healthcare Professionals 

• Doctor’s Advice: Always involve the patient’s healthcare provider to ensure the chosen bed meets specific medical needs and provides the required support and comfort.

6. Set Your Budget 

• Manual vs. Electric: 

  Manual beds are the most budget-friendly, while full-electric models are a greater investment.
• Insurance Coverage: 

  Check with Medicare and your insurance provider, as they may cover part of the cost for medically necessary hospital beds.

How Medicare Covers Hospital Beds

• Part B Coverage: 

  Medicare Part B covers hospital beds as durable medical equipment (DME). 
• Medical Necessity: 

  A doctor must order the bed and document that it is medically necessary to manage a specific condition, alleviate pain, or help with breathing. 
• Rental or Purchase: 

  Medicare covers both rental and purchase of the bed under a capped rental program. After 13 months of renting, you typically own the bed. 
• Your Costs: 

  After meeting your annual Medicare Part B deductible (which was $257 in 2025), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost, and Medicare pays the remaining 80%. 
• Supplier Acceptance: 

  To keep costs down, choose a supplier who accepts assignment, meaning they accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for their services. 

How to Qualify for Coverage

1. Consult a Doctor: Get a doctor’s prescription for the hospital bed, specifying your medical condition. 
2. Meet Criteria: Your doctor must provide documentation showing the bed is needed to:
   • Help manage conditions like severe arthritis or heart disease. 
   • Provide body positioning not feasible with a standard bed to relieve pain or prevent pressure sores. 
   • Elevate your head or feet for conditions like congestive heart failure, chronic lung disease, or aspiration issues. 
3. Use a Participating Supplier: Work with a DME supplier enrolled in Medicare who accepts assignment. 

Estimated Costs

• Monthly Rental: Expect to pay between $200 and $500 per month for a standard electric hospital bed, depending on the features. 
• Purchase: A hospital bed can cost anywhere from $500 into the thousands of dollars. 
• Your 20% Co-payment: This is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the bed.