One of the most important yet frequently overlooked steps when preparing to bring a hospital bed into your home is measuring your room correctly. A hospital bed is bigger, heavier, and more complicated than a typical bed—or even most pieces of furniture—so making sure it works well in your space is important for comfort, safety, and practicality around caregiving. Here’s a fast and simple way of taking measurements before hiring a hospital bed.
Why Proper Room Measurement Matters
A well-planned space ensures:
- Smooth movement for caregivers
- Room to adjust the height and nest for the bed.
- Safe access for the patient
- Hassle-free delivery and setup
- Room for fundamental medical equipment (IV poles, overbed tables, wheelchairs).
Step 1: Measure for Bed Placement First, measure for bed placement.
- Measure the Length & Width of the Area.
The following are the standard sizes for most hospital beds:
- Standard hospital bed: Approx. 36″ x 80″
- Bariatric bed: Approx. 42″–48″ wide
- Extended length options: 84″–90″ long
Keep 2-3 feet around the lid clear for caregivers.
- Clearance for Bed Adjustments
Electric Hospital Beds Must Be Transported For:
- Backrest elevation
- Knee elevation
- Height adjustments
There is enough space to walk around without banging your head on walls or furniture.
Step 2: Measure All Doors, Hallways, and Stairs
The bed will also need to be brought through the house, even if you can transport it into your room!
Check:
- Door width: Minimum 30–32 inches for regular beds
- Please ensure that the hallway spaces allow for easy manoeuvres around the corners.
- Staircase: If the stairs are narrow, beds may need to be carried into the room and assembled.
- Size of the lift: If you’re living on a high floor, refer to the size of the lifts too.
Tip: Jot down these measurements to pass them along to the rental provider.
Step 3: Assess the position of electrical outlets.
Most hospital beds are electric, so you’ll want:
- One (1) electrical outlet near the bed was accessible at a minimum.
- A Place to Safely Run Cables So That People Don’t Trip Over Them.
- Select surge protectors as recommended by the company.
Or, if you are far from the outlet, measure the distance for the extension cable.
Step 4: Validate the room layout and mobility requirements.
Think about the patient’s daily life and his mobilization:
- Is it easy for a wheelchair or walker user (as well as a caregiver) to manoeuvre around the bed?
- Will there be room for bedside necessities, such as an oxygen concentrator or commode?
- Is there a certain corner that, by blocking the bed, will interfere with natural light or a breeze?
Imagine an uncluttered, accessible space here.
Step 5: Include Extra Equipment and Accessories
There are bed accessories available on most hospital beds:
- Side rails
- Overbed tables
- Lifting poles
- Pressure-relief mattresses
Please account for the additional space required for each item in your measurements.
Final Thoughts
Before you rent a hospital bed, if you can measure the space where the rental will be placed, it lays the stage for easy setup and creates an environment of safety and comfort for your loved one in need. Discover how to turn your home into the perfect caregiving space (with tips from pros). Good measurements and planning can help you avoid shipping disasters and arrive at a great setup at home. If you’re not sure, any number of rental companies will do a site analysis for free—don’t be shy about asking!