Once we received the paperwork allowing Grandma to leave rehab, I felt like I’d barely blinked, and Grandma was already headed back home. But we weren’t ready to take on the challenges of caring for her full-time. Her risk level was high until we figured out what pieces of equipment we needed.
Our first disaster night
Initially, we thought that grandma’s former bedroom setup would work just fine. So we put four regular pillows behind her back to help keep her upright. However, every single hour, Grandma would slip sideways along the length of the mattress. Every hour, I would have to get up and move her back into a safe position. By daybreak, we realized our big mistake. A typical home bed was not suitable for a person with such limited mobility.
Immediate need for action
As soon as the sun rose, Grandma was crying about severe low back pain. It became clear that our entire caregiving strategy was unravelling fast. We really needed to have a solution to our immediate need for professional equipment ASAP.
- Heel areas showed early signs of skin irritation.
- Both of us were exhausted from repeatedly lifting her upper body.
- Midnight falls were what kept me awake.
- It was becoming increasingly hard to feed Grandma in bed and make a mess.
Finding our way
With desperation, I immediately went to my computer to see if we could find solutions for purchasing beds. Were we crazy? Could we buy hospital beds online? Or did we have to wait weeks for them to arrive?
Honestly, at first, I saw too many choices online. I tried narrowing my search to safety. After all, finding the most appropriate hospital bed for home care depends on matching specific medical requirements to simple mechanical features. We ultimately decided on the things that mattered most to grandma’s comfort. Here are the critical aspects to think about for your family:
Electronic adjustment of independent positioning.
Side rails from top to bottom will prevent falls at night.
The ability to adjust the height of the bed to protect the caregiver from long-term chronic back issues. Lockable wheels ensure that the bed doesn’t roll away when moving the patient.
Reversing our fortune
Of course, there wasn’t any chance of waiting several weeks for delivery. As luck would have it, we were able to locate a local same-day hospital bed rental service. In under 4 hours they provided, delivered, and set up the entire unit. Their rapid response saved us from another possible catastrophe on the second night.
Skin integrity & general comfort
Comfort is only one aspect of the overall problem. Another issue is how comfortable the mattress is. Therefore, we looked into specialty mattresses designed specifically for this type of usage.
Pressure ulcer prevention (bed sore)
Many seniors develop pressure ulcers (bed sores) due to prolonged bed confinement. Fortunately, there are pressure-relief mattresses available that protect sensitive skin. Of particular value are mattresses utilizing Advanced Air Technology as they continually shift their inflation pattern to distribute weight equally across the mattress. Eventually, these mattresses may aid in preventing pressure ulcers from forming.
Cycles of alternating pressure to distribute body weight evenly.
Systems for low air loss to preserve dryness and cool temperatures in order to avoid excessive moisture accumulation.
Waterproof covers for ease of cleaning.
Softer edges on the mattress to prevent patients from slipping off the mattress.
The Benefits of life with the new equipment
Changing our approach to caring for grandma completely transformed our experience. Grandma was finally able to watch her favorite tv shows while sitting in bed. Eating meals while sitting helped reduce her risk of choking. My mom told me that she used the electronic lift feature to bathe grandma safely and efficiently during sponge baths.
Benefits for whole family in long run
Correctly using medical equipment creates a predictable and secure environment for those involved in caregiving. Now everyone sleeps better.
- Grandma regained some control of her surroundings.
- Caregivers experienced much fewer episodes of physical fatigue.
- The bedroom became an organized, effective place for caregiving.
- Nurse visits were far more productive and easier to manage.
How to prepare yourself for your own journey
Do not delay until you’ve had a serious medical crisis and then start researching your options for medical equipment. Start preparing now. Preparing yourself ahead of time will significantly decrease your family’s emotional burden when your loved one comes home. If you’re lucky enough to be able to afford a permanent purchase, buying a hospital bed online from reputable sellers is likely your best choice. Look at customer reviews and choose models that have been highly rated by real families who have purchased the product as the “best hospital bed for home care.”
If you need temporary assistance with equipment rentals, offer flexible arrangements that meet changing needs. Utilizing a same-day hospital bed rental service gives you immediate access to higher-quality products. Consider renting a pressure-relief mattress as well as a hospital bed when ordering initially if skin breakdown/pressure ulcers are your major concern. Both of these services can provide an essential support network for your loved one.
Preparing ahead of time for delivery
- Preparation is essential in ensuring smooth delivery and compliance with scheduled times.
- Clear the walkway leading to grandma’s room so technicians can come through easily.
- Measure doorways before ordering so you know whether the bed frame will fit through them easily.
- Take away any mats/area rugs near grandma’s room to avoid creating barriers for delivery staff.
Leave ample space beside Grandma’s bed for assisting with transfers.
Conclusion
While returning a frail family member to their home allows family members immense emotional reward, simply providing love and support cannot provide necessary medical infrastructure support. What we learned is that having a suitable bed can significantly help a family caring for its loved ones. Purchase a safe bed as soon as possible, and you will establish an environment conducive to maintaining your loved one’s peace and dignity throughout their recovery.