Setting up a safe and comfortable room for one of your loved ones who requires home medical care can feel overwhelming—particularly when it comes to medical beds. If it is for a short-term recovery or longer-term care, creating an environment that is safe and accessible gives you peace of mind. In Toronto, where homes can vary from tight condos to suburban houses, meticulous layout planning and strategic equipment placement are crucial.
Here is a step-by-step guide for how to set up a safe room with a hospital bed at your Toronto home.
Choose the Right Room
- Begin with an accessible room that’s straightforward to navigate.
- The bedrooms on the main floor are currently popular because they do not require climbing stairs.
- Ensure that doorways are at least (and no less than) 36 inches wide for wheelchairs or walkers.
- The room should be well lit with natural light but also offer lighting that can be adjusted as needed for nighttime care.
Make access to restrooms and emergency egress convenient.
If space is tight, move around your furniture or temporarily convert a dining room or living area.
Select the Appropriate Medical Bed
Medical beds can be different according to what the patient needs or what is easiest for the caregiver. In Toronto, you can rent them or buy them through local vendors or medical supply stores.
Key types include:
- Manual beds—operated by a hand crank; less expensive, but also more awkward to use.
- Semi-electric beds offer a mix of both manual and electric.
- Electric beds—great for long-term use and can easily be adjusted for height.
When choosing:
- Check the mattress type (pressure-relief or foam) to prevent bedsores.
- Ensure side rails are sturdy but also compliant with safety guidelines from Health Canada.
- We will show caster wheels with brakes as an alternative to making free adjustments easier.
Sketch Room Arrangement for Safety
Furniture must be ordered in a way that minimizes falls and allows caregivers to move around.
- Provide at least 3 feet between the bed and surrounding furniture or walls for ease of movement.
- Secure non-slip flooring or rugs.
- Situate the bed conveniently at all medical equipment outlets.
- Keep emergency call buttons or a phone within reach.
Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on facing the cold snap in TTC’s winter chapter; also verify your heating vents to see if anything is blocking them and ensure that the room temperature remains consistent to avoid discomfort.
Add some safety and comfort features.
A safe room isn’t just about the bed. Consider adding:
- Handrails or grab bars for assistance in mobility.
- Use dimmable and adjustable blink filters to reduce glare and eye strain.
- Overbed tables for eating and personal use.
- Hoist if the patient is difficult to transfer.
- Air purifiers or humidifiers to keep air quality under control, especially in Toronto’s dry winters.
Get professional help with installations and appraisals.
Before finalizing your setup:
- Discuss this with a home access expert or an occupational therapist.
- Call us or one of our Toronto home medical security supply dealers to arrange delivery, installation, and service.
- Ensure all electrical and safety components meet Ontario building and health code standards.
Final Thoughts
Making an escape from a hospital bed in Toronto doesn’t have to be difficult. And with a bit of planning, tools, and professional advice, you can turn any room into a healing area that is safe, efficient, and cozy. Focus on safety, access, and comfort—and your loved one will have the environment they deserve.
