The equipment you need to have depends on the person's medical condition. This equipment might include some of the items listed below.
- hospital bed: allows positioning (adjusting) that is not possible in a regular bed and aids in resting and breathing more comfortably and getting in and out of bed more easily
- alternating pressure mattress: reduces pressure on skin tissue
- egg-carton pad: a foam mattress pad shaped like the bottom of an egg carton that reduces pressure and improves air circulation
- portable commode chair: for ease of toileting at the bedside
- trapeze bar: provides support and a secure hand-hold while changing positions
- transfer board: a smooth board for independent or assisted transfer from bed to wheelchair, toilet, or portable commode
- hydraulic lift: for use on a person who is difficult to move
- over-the-bed table: provides a surface for eating, reading, writing, and game playing (could be an adjustable ironing board)
- mechanical or electric lift chair: for help getting up from a chair
- blanket support: a wire support that keeps heavy bed linens off injured areas or the feet
- urinal and bed pan: for toileting in the bed
