Despite the advanced, improved and innovative techniques used in the medical industry, it has become a tedious job to select a hospital bed. Whether you want to replace your hospital bed or your bed at home there are a plethora of options available to choose from. Purchasing a new hospital bed requires a complete understanding and this blog will help you achieve just that.
Essential features to note while choosing a new bed
The primary aspects you must understand while selecting an automatic bed for patients are the facility type and the patient you are dealing with at home or in the hospital. Before learning about the crucial features, you must understand the two categories of hospital beds. The beds that are less expensive and have only a few options for positioning are termed Manual beds. These beds are used commonly across hospitals and can be manually shifted or operated for different functions.
An automatic hospital bed is easy to operate and moves the patient from one place to another easily. Some hospital beds are power-operated beds, driven by the push of a button and vary in operational method. They can be operated by hand or by feet.
While purchasing a hospital bed, you need a good observation of a few significant aspects. Patient comfort, safety and effective handling are vital features that need to be considered. The following guidelines might be great pointers to help you purchase the right option:
- Power for transportation ease: The products such as Stryker and Hill-Rom of Maruthi Healthcare Furniture have a power-operated transport feature, that can significantly ease the strain of the assisting staff when they move patients to different rooms in the hospital. This feature is suitable in facilities where the patients are entirely bedridden and require definite support.
- Positioning: Since the patients require immense support in changing their position in bed, most hospital beds are available with different positioning options. Whether you need a manual or a power-operated one may depend upon the expenditure you are ready to spend. Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, or Fowler’s position are a few positioning options also available for hospital beds.
- Side rails and access: Patients in the pediatric, geriatric, or other specialized care departments are prone to falls. Hence a side rail is an essential component required that is not only a significant support factor but also suitable for lateral transfer. Hospital beds are provided with detachable rails, access systems, and even positioning options to facilitate better access.
- Built-in storage and a scale: The storage tank is beneficial in keeping the oxygen tanks, and the IV always stands within a comfortable distance. This can also serve as storage for further items when you need to shift rooms according to treatment needs. Similarly, an automatic bed for patients is provided with a built-in scale that makes it easy for weighing patients who find it extremely difficult to move around.
- Mattress options: Pressure ulcers are a common challenge faced by long-term bedridden patients. Hence, the hospital authorities, while upgrading hospital beds, must take extreme care. Memory foam and sophisticated gel mattress options are available that can help in reducing pressure sores to a great extent. Purchase a bed that is comfortable, easy to clean and adequately supportive.
How to protect the hospital bed from wear and tear?
Automatic hospital bed prices are a significant investment that requires a great deal to maintain and extend its durability. In order to protect these expensive purchases, do the following:
- Ensure that the beds are lubricated and maintained at proper intervals. Follow the instructions provided by the hospital furniture manufacturers.
- Train the staff properly to reduce the damage.
- Pay attention to the creeks or squeaks and provide proper maintenance to prevent more significant damage.
- Always use the automatic hospital bed only for the intended use.
- When the bed is not in use, ensure it is stored properly.
Automatic hospital bed prices may differ depending on the medical factors and requirements of the patient. If you want to select an automated bed for a hospital or home, contact us at Zero G-Beds.
