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Will Hospice Provide a Medical Bed for In-Home Care?
Date Updated: December 15, 2024
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Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
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Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Hospice will provide a medical bed for in-home care to enhance comfort for individuals with terminal illnesses. After determining your loved one needs a medical bed, the hospice organization arranges for home delivery and setup. It also provides training on properly using the bed's adjustable features.
Why Do Hospice Patients Need a Medical Bed for In-Home Care?
Hospice provides a medical bed for in-home care to increase the patient's comfort and make administering care easier for staff. Medical beds have adjustable features, such as side rails, wheels and a moveable head and foot. These features help staff adjust the bed accordingly when conducting medical or personal care tasks without moving the person from their bed. Many medical beds have alternate pressure mattresses, which use air pressure chambers to help prevent bedsores and ulcers.
How to Decide Whether You Need a Medical Bed for In-Home Hospice Care
Your loved one's medical condition and safety concerns indicate whether they need a medical bed for in-home hospice care. A hospice nurse or care coordinator conducts an assessment to determine your family member's health needs and what durable medical equipment best accommodates them. For instance, individuals requiring head elevation due to certain health problems, such as chronic pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure, benefit from a medical bed's adjustable features.
Hospice care administrators may also recommend a medical bed if your loved one has mobility issues and presents a high fall risk. The bed's side rails can help the individual safely lift themselves and alleviate concerns of falling out while sleeping. Its adjustable features and specialized mattress also enhance comfort if your family member spends most of their time in bed.
How Soon Can You Get a Medical Bed for In-Home Hospice Care?
After determining the need for a medical bed, your hospice team arranges for delivery and setup as quickly as possible. Exact timing depends on the facility and bed availability. Ask your hospice provider for an estimated timeline. They can also offer advice on keeping your loved one comfortable while awaiting the bed's arrival.