A Family Caregiver Guide to Buying Hospital Beds for Home
Supporting a loved one who needs in-home care is an act of love, but let’s be honest, it’s also exhausting. When mobility changes and safety becomes a daily worry, deciding to buy an adjustable hospital bed for home use is a major step for family caregivers.
The right bed means fewer falls, easier transfers, and less back strain for you. It also means more dignity and independence for the person you care for.
However, you might be lying awake at night asking yourself:
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Which type of bed will keep them safe from falls?
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Will a hospital bed fit in our spare room?
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How do I make sure the bed is comfortable and not just "clinical"?
These are heavy questions that add unneeded stress.
At Home Care Supplies was created by family caregivers who have stood exactly where you are standing now. We know that more than equipment, this is about quality of life for both of you.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to choose a hospital bed for home.
If at any point you feel unsure about which bed is right for your home, we are here to help you narrow it down.
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Why Hospital Beds for Home Make a Real Difference
A standard household bed is wonderful for sleep, but it’s not designed for caregiving. It can’t help you lift a loved one, or adjust to help your loved one breathe easier.
Hospital beds for home are built to solve specific problems.
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Positioning. They raise the head or feet to help with breathing, reduce swelling, or prevent pressure injuries.
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Transfer. They lower or raise the height of the deck to match a wheelchair, making movement safer.
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Safety. Sturdy frames and rails help prevent falls.
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Caregiver Support. They allow you to tend to your loved one without bending over and hurting your back.
Types of Hospital Beds for Home
If you’ve been searching for home-use hospital beds, you know there are thousands of options. But, you’ll generally see three main categories.
1) Manual, Semi-Electric, and Full-Electric Beds
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Manual Beds. These use hand cranks. They’re more affordable, but require physical strength. If you need to adjust the bed multiple times a day, this can become tiring very quickly.
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Semi-Electric Beds. The head and foot sections move with a remote, but you must use a hand crank to change the bed's height.
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Full-Electric Beds. Every adjustment (head, foot, and overall height) is powered by a hand control. For homecare, this is usually the best option. It protects your back and gives your loved one more independence.
2) High-Low and Floor-Level Beds
If you’re worried about falls, these beds provide peace of mind.
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High-Low Beds. These raise up so you can provide care at waist level, then lower down for safety when you leave the room.
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Floor-Level Beds. These lower practically to the floor. If a loved one rolls out, the risk of injury is significantly lower.
3) Rotating and Pivoting Beds
These are a game-changer for independence. Brands like Med-Mizer and StarSleep offer beds that rotate to the side. This turns the bed into a "chair" position, allowing your loved one to stand up with their feet flat on the floor. This single feature can drastically reduce the physical effort of transfers.
Curious about how these work?
See our Adjustable Contour Beds
Safety Features to Look For
Safety is the main priority. When comparing hospital beds for home, review the following areas.
Bed Height and Stability
Does the bed go low enough for safety and high enough for care? A stable base is essential, so the bed doesn’t wobble during transfers.
Side Rails and Assist Bars
Rail safety is a must, but they have to be used correctly.
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Full Rails. Good for high fall risk, but can feel restrictive.
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Assist Bars/Half Rails. Great for helping someone pull themselves up or steady themselves while standing.
Weight Capacity
Always check the Safe Working Load. This includes the patient, the mattress, and any accessories. If you need more support, look for options that offer wider decks and stronger frames.
Secure Braking System
This is often overlooked. When your loved one is transferring in or out of bed, the bed must not move. Look for beds with central locking systems or high-quality individual caster locks.
If the bed rolls even an inch during a transfer, it can cause a fall.
Choosing the Right Mattress
The frame provides the function, but the mattress provides the comfort. Don’t overlook this part of your home-use adjustable hospital bed purchase.
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Innerspring feels traditional but offers less pressure redistribution.
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Therapeutic foam offers better contouring and comfort for those spending many hours in bed.
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Alternating pressure uses air cells to constantly change pressure points. This is vital for treating or preventing bed sores.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Buying an At-Home Hospital Bed
Ignoring Door Widths
Homecare beds are often wider than standard beds. Before you order, measure your doorways. Make sure there is a clear path to get the bed into the room.
Buying for "Right Now"
Care needs change. A bed that works today might not work in six months if your loved one’s mobility decreases. Consider a bed with advanced features that can adapt to future needs.
Overestimating the Delivery
Most hospital beds are heavy and come in large boxes. At Home Care Supplies offers free shipping within the US, but depending on the product, delivery varies.
A general assumption is that the driver will bring your ordered bed inside and set it up. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, as the delivery service’s insurance might not cover them entering your home or setting up equipment. In fact, none of our suppliers offers this service.
So plan ahead. Have a friend, family member, or local handyman ready to help you bring the boxes inside and assemble the bed.
Even easier, when you order through us, ask about our White Glove delivery service. For a small extra fee, your at-home hospital bed will be carried in, set up, and demoed so you can sleep soundly.
Using an Old Mattress
We often see people buy a high-quality adjustable frame and try to put a standard home mattress on top. Standard mattresses aren’t designed to bend and fold. They’ll damage the motor of your new bed and will not provide the pressure relief your loved one needs.
Overlooking the "Home" Aesthetic
Your loved one’s bedroom should still feel like a bedroom, not a clinic. Buying an overly industrial-looking bed can impact their mood. Look for beds with wood-grain headboards or recessed mechanics that blend better with home furniture.
Need help checking your measurements or features?
Frequently Asked Questions About Home-Use Hospital Beds
Will Medicare cover my hospital bed purchase?
Medicare may cover basic hospital beds if deemed medically necessary by a doctor. However, they typically cover very basic, semi-electric models. Many families choose to pay privately to get better looking, fuller-featured, or more comfortable beds that blend into a home environment.
What’s the difference between a hospital bed and an adjustable base?
Consumer adjustable bases (like you see in mattress stores) raise the head and feet but don’t move the whole bed up and down. Hospital beds for home have that vertical lift, which is critical for caregiver safety and transfers.
Do you offer return policies on beds?
Due to hygiene regulations, most hygiene items and mattresses are non-returnable once opened. However, we work with you before you buy to ensure you’re selecting the right product. Please check our return policy for details on bed frames.
Let’s Find Your Right Fit
You’re doing an incredibly important job by caring for your loved one, but you don’t have to make these complex decisions alone.
At Home Care Supplies is here to be your sounding board and support. Whether you need to confirm dimensions, compare motor types, or just want reassurance that you’re making a safe choice, we are ready to listen and guide.
Let’s find a solution that brings comfort to them and peace of mind to you.
Book your personal consultation here
Disclaimer: We're committed to being your trusted guide in homecare. We work hard to ensure the information in our articles is accurate and helpful at the time of publication. Please keep in mind that products, guidelines, and recommendations can change. We're here to support you. But we always encourage you to confirm specific details and to consult your healthcare provider to determine the best fit for your needs.