My dad was sorrowful as he walked through his newly renovated bedroom. He saw an abundance of industrial metal rails and grey plastic frames. His mood took an immediate downturn. We had many different things to purchase quickly. Therefore, we purchased a SameDay rental for a hospital bed to protect him while he recovered. However, the clinical look of all the equipment in the room was very upsetting.
Medical equipment has a significant negative effect on the mental well-being of patients. Patients often feel hopeless when they find themselves in cold, uninviting environments.
- Cold, sterile colours provide constant reminders of physical limitations.
- Industrial designs remove the sense of dignity at times when patients are most vulnerable.
- Cozy rooms significantly reduce the amount of daily stress experienced by the residents. Cozy rooms also promote improved sleep cycles.
- Warm textured materials positively influence a resident’s view of their rehabilitation process.
Although we could not change the bed’s structural components (the mechanical), we decided to focus on making the clinical aspects invisible. To accomplish this goal, we made several small adjustments that produced huge visual results.
First, we selected custom-fitted sheets for the bed to cover up the medical mattress. Most standard bed sheets slide right off a vinyl surface. We then layered soft cotton quilted bedspreads over the bed frame.
Creative ways to disguise industrial metal:
Metal can be easily disguised and does not need to sacrifice mechanical safety. Make sure you don’t block the moving motor joints located underneath.
- Add extralong, tailored bed skirts to conceal the motorized base.
- Hang stylish woven throw blankets over plastic footboards.
- Setup beautiful wooden folding screens behind or in front of side views.
- Purchase fitted mattress wraps that were created for adjustable profile beds.
Keeping Skin integrity safe during long term bed rest
During extended time spent resting in bed, maintaining Skin integrity is crucial. Unfortunately, most home mattresses cannot withstand the friction associated with prolonged bed rest.
To address these issues, we rented a special pressure relief mattress rental. This mattress will aid in promoting healthy blood flow, reduce painful Skin irritation caused by friction, and is easy to place under our soft matching sheet set.
Choosing the correct support surface
Each person has unique comfort preferences. Before you alter any therapy surfaces, consult your care givers. Matching a person’s needs to available technology is essential.
- Alternating pressure cycles continually move heavy body weight across the entire surface.
- Gel infused advanced technologies draw excess body heat away from Skin contact.
- High density foam core prevents falling through onto the underlying steel frame.
- Breathable vapor permeable layers maintain a cool and dry surface.
Permanent long term options for home care
Short term rentals can be excellent for short term recoveries. However, people who live with ongoing chronic illnesses require more stable long term housing investment. Your top priority should be stability.
I began researching my ever-changing needs. I eventually came upon electric hospital beds for sale in Ontario catalogues. I wanted to find something i could purchase and customize myself. I found an electric hospital bed for sale which featured wood grain finish options. Not only did it look like highend furniture, but it provided all the features of a medical grade bed including quiet operation.
Hidden advantages of modern personal care beds
Many modern personal care beds provide an abundance of hidden advantages. While providing you with all the benefits of traditional home furnishings, these beds also include all the medical functions required for your health and well being. Your bedroom will retain its original character and style.
Wooden headboard hides clinical look
Both functional and aesthetically pleasing, integrated wooden headboards completely eliminate the clinical appearance of a hospital bed.
Dual motor quiet operation
Both dual motors operate quietly and independently of one another. The smooth shifting motion reduces noise levels allowing you to continue watching tv or listening to music while operating the bed.
Low profile frame reduces risk of falls
Lowered frame heights significantly reduce the risks of serious accidents such as falls during transfers. Low profile frames ensure your safety while using your bed.
Standard residential design allows for use of luxury comforters
Unlike previous generations of medical beds, today’s residentially styled medical beds allow you to use luxurious comforters and bedding on your bed just like any standard residential bed.
Creating warmth around the room
While decorating your room and selecting furniture consider more than just the bed itself. Consider how you can warm up the surrounding walls. Avoid drawing attention to the medical equipment.
We hung framed family photos directly above my dad’s bed. Adding soft, adjustable LED light fixtures also helped soften the cold, sterile look of chrome medical surfaces.
Easy decorating ideas
Adding small decorative items throughout your room will distract from medical equipment and reinforce that your current living environment is indeed your home.
Indoor plants – improve air quality & appearance
Indoor plants provide natural air purification systems, improve overall room aesthetics and can be used as decorative items throughout your home.
Using decorative carts instead of overbed tables
Decorative carts take place of unsightly overbed tables and provide storage for various items while adding a touch of warmth to your room.
Wall mounted wireless light fixtures create softer lighting
Avoid harsh overhead lighting with the use of wall mounted wireless sconce light fixtures. The softer light will help create a warmer ambiance in your room.
Area rugs provide warm texture under foot
Area rugs placed adjacent to entry/exit points provide soft texture underfoot and help break up hard flooring areas creating a warmer, cozier feeling in your home.
Balancing between medical accessibility & decoration
Decoration and access to medical equipment must be balanced equally. Caregivers need adequate space to walk around each room safely and without tripping hazards.
We purchased a second pressure relief mattress rental so that we could easily switch them whenever needed. Our provider coordinated every detail flawlessly while keeping our decorated room intact.
What if there is an emergency tonight?
Don’t panic if there is a medical emergency in the middle of the night. Contact a same-day hospital bed rental service company. They will assist you with getting immediate protection for yourself or loved ones until further assistance arrives. You can decorate your room tomorrow!
If you are transitioning to fulltime care, change your plan now! Research premium electric hospital beds for beautiful styles that meet both your medical requirements and personal tastes.