The aging population is the group suffering the most number of injuries and deaths resulting from falls. Hospital Beds for Seniors should therefore be enough to accommodate all elderly patients. The purpose of these beds is to reduce falls and enhance comfort for seniors. Hospital or medical beds can have a positive impact on the lives of senior patients, especially those who spend most of their days in bed. This is because these patients may experience challenges getting in and out of their beds, or are suffering from a condition making them feel uncomfortable. Here is a complete guide to Hospital Beds for Seniors.
Why do Hospital Bed Sizes Matter When Choosing Accommodation for a Senior?
Hospital Beds for Seniors are a bit different from adjustable beds since the senior patient or their caregivers can always increase or reduce the height of the hospital beds. So, these beds come in different shapes and sizes. A standard medical bed measures 36 by 80 inches, but some older adults may require larger beds because of their size or medical condition. Small-sized beds are not appropriate for seniors suffering from certain illnesses because they may suffer pressure injuries when they try to change sides.
Inappropriate sizing can also increase discomfort among senior patients and increase the chances of caregivers suffering musculoskeletal injuries. This kind of pain affects the nerves, bones, and muscles – and can sometimes spread throughout the body, but mostly affects the hands and wrists. The bed should be matched with the right-sized mattress to ensure more support and safety for senior patients.
Mattresses of Hospital Beds for Seniors
Regular mattresses cannot work on medical beds. It is imperative to ensure that the mattress can contour to the position the hospital assumes. Medical mattresses are specifically made to redistribute weight and reduce the chances of senior patients suffering bedsores and other infections. This is because they are available when senior patients are staying longer in beds. They can include innerspring, foam, gel, and air mattresses. Regular mattresses can sometimes work, but seniors or their caregivers must add a topper to prevent them from suffering pressure ulcers. Hospital mattresses come in different sizes and weight capacities. A typical Hospital Beds for Seniors mattress is made using an innerspring foundation or/and solid dense foam and typically measures 36 by 80.
Bariatric mattresses
Mattresses measuring more than 36 inches in width are called Bariatric Mattresses, designed to withstand the weight of obese senior patients. Because these mattresses, Hospital Beds for Seniors are built to carry more weight, they are constructed using solid dense foam. Bariatric hospital bed mattresses are a bit more expensive than standard hospital bed mattresses because they are stronger, and are built to withstand heavier weights. These mattresses can be used in hospitals, at home, or in rehabilitation centers.
How to Get Hospital Beds for Seniors for Free
The average price of Hospital Beds for Seniors and mattresses is $1,400, and older people may require more expensive models on the market. Many seniors may find it difficult to raise this amount for a hospital bed they need to use at home. Can older adults get these beds at no cost? Yes, there are some methods for acquiring hospital beds at no cost. The main challenge of locating free hospital beds is knowing where to look. But if you are lucky, you will come across some people giving them for no charge. This is because they are heavy, and finding a market for reselling them can be challenging. Facebook Marketplace is a reliable place to search for free hospital beds. So, older adults can find out if there are any in their area and look for ways to pick them up. Asking around the local community is another popular method of locating free hospital beds. Seniors can ask in their local churches, older adults’ groups, or senior centers. A better way is to get help from charities. Seniors will find many charities offering free medical beds.
Free Hospital Beds for Seniors Near Me
Triumph Foundation exchanges medical goods between
Older adults in need of medical goods and people who are willing to donate them. These items are given free of charge. For more information about Hospital Beds for Seniors, please visit https://triumph-foundation.org/exchange/.
The United Way
Chapter offers free accommodations for seniors. Find your local United Way chapter at https://www.unitedway.org/find-your-united-way.
The Center for Independent Living (CIL)
It may have a DME library with hospital beds. Find out if your local CIL offers free medical beds at https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory.
There are Medical Supplies Donation programs run through 2.1.1 chapters that may offer free hospital beds. Find out at https://www.pa211.org/get-help/health/medical-supplies-donation-programs/.
REEP Online Classifieds
It is a free resource available to connect elderly and disabled persons with sellers and donors of previously used Hospital Beds for Seniors. Sellers of these tools may post listings, and include pictures. Seniors can then use the information online to decide whether to buy or not buy the available hospital bed. Visit https://patf.us/resource/reused-and-exchanges-equipment-partnership-reep/ for more information.
Catholic Charities
It offers several support services for seniors, and some include hospital beds. Find out if your local Catholic Charities chapter has DME with free medical beds at https://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/prescott/medical-loan-closet.
Older adults may also check Used Home Medical Equipment, a website offering listings of these tools for seniors with disabilities. They want to buy them to use at home. Anyone is allowed to use the website. Visit http://usedhme.com/.
Jose Blakely Memorial Grant
It is a program offering free financial support through grants to seniors looking to improve their level of independence. The funds can be used to purchase Hospital Beds for Seniors or anything that can have a positive, sustainable impact on older adults’ lives. Find out more about the program at https://www.thetsf.org/grants.
Rebuilding Together
It is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of residents in local communities. Some of these organizations may have chapters with free medical beds. Find out more at https://rebuildingtogether.org/find-your-local-affiliate.
Independent Living Resource Center
It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering seniors durable medical equipment free of charge through the Medical Equipment Recycling Network (MERN) Program. Older adults may qualify for free hospital beds through this program. Visit https://ilrcks.org/services/medical-equipment-recycling-network/ to apply for assistance.
Good Health Will
It is a local store serving residents of Northern Colorado by selling donated medical equipment, including Hospital Beds for Seniors, at a low cost. Sometimes seniors may find items in these stores for free. The organization’s service areas include Loveland, Greeley, and CO. Visit https://www.goodhealthwill.org/donate-equipment-or-supplies for more information.
Oklahoma Able Tech
It helps low-income seniors who can’t afford durable medical equipment. Visit https://www.okabletech.org/guide-to-all-services/device-reutilization/oklahoma-durable-medical-equipment-reuse-program/ if you are from Oklahoma.
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
It runs a technology-based program dedicated to helping seniors with MS identify medical beds and partially or fully fund them. Apart from helping seniors with MS locate Hospital Beds for Seniors, the organization enables them to be exposed, enhance their independence, and participate in educational, vocational, and recreational activities. Find out more at https://msfocus.org/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Assistive-Technology-Program.
Renting Hospital Beds for Seniors
Some people may find leasing Hospital Beds for Seniors a better option than purchasing a brand-new one. Older adults may lease the equipment, pay every month, and return it when they are done. The cost of renting a hospital bed depends on several factors, including the size, type, features of the bed, and the number of times seniors may need to use the bed. A Rent for a hospital bed costsn average of $300 per month or more. Some of the rental costs may be covered by your insurance policy. But older adults should find out if their health insurance policies cover such costs.
Also Read: Help For Seniors in Alaska
