At this point, the hospital bed has left. Beep beep has ceased. You are now Home.
But what’s next?
Healing doesn’t end at your front door. Instead, true healing commences once you’ve settled into the familiarity of your own environment. Unfortunately, most homes aren’t created with medical requirements in mind. Slipping floors. Low to the ground beds. Chairs lacking adequate support.
To develop a plan to develop a recovery friendly sanctuary within your own Home, you’ll benefit by developing a thoughtful approach. Developing a well planned space can significantly decrease the amount of stress you experience, potentially lessen your chance of experiencing a dangerous fall, and help facilitate a faster rate of recovery.
Let us transform your Home into a haven of rest rather than a hazardous area for injury.
The reality behind why your living room will never be able to replace a hospital bed
Hospital environments exist in a clinically focused manner for good reason. All surfaces are multi functional. Beds can be adjusted. Railings protect against falling. Slip resistant flooring exists throughout.
Your living room, while comfortable and perfect for everyday life, will never be able to equate to a level of safety necessary for post hospitalization recovery.
An example would be sitting upon a soft sofa. At first, it may seem perfectly fine. However, getting up from a low couch places additional pressure upon healing incision sites. Furthermore, chairs typically don’t have sufficient armrest strength to assist Patients in pushing themselves upward from lying or seated positions. Due to this reality, many recovering Patients find themselves attempting to recover independently, resulting in some experiencing Falls.
As such, your Home will require temporary adjustments in terms of design elements which will serve as “tools” for assisting your body as you heal. Many families contact professional medical equipment rental companies to obtain temporary assistance for their loved ones’ mobility. An example of this type of equipment would be an electric hospital bed rental Toronto.
The Bedroom: your recovery command center
Sleep is medicine. Poor sleep slows everything down. Your Bedroom must work much harder than usual during your recovery period.
Why regular beds are inadequate for post hospitalization recovery
Standard mattresses are approximately 20 inches above the floor. For individuals with surgical incisions, bending down to sit can be extremely painful; furthermore, standing up afterward can be nearly impossible.
Flat beds create secondary issues as well. Elevating the legs isn’t possible; nor is raising the head of the bed to alleviate breathing difficulties caused by acid reflux; and swelling in the feet and ankles may increase overnight due to the effects of gravity.
What is the solution?
Adjustable beds represent a huge improvement over traditional flat beds. Adjustable beds enable Patients to raise the head of the bed for viewing television or reading books; and elevating the legs to minimize swelling. Most importantly, adjustable beds make entering and exiting the bed easier due to the bed rising to meet you.
Due to this reality, many families seek out an electric hospital bed rental Toronto.
How to set up your recovery friendly Bedroom space
Create your own recovery friendly Bedroom space by adhering to the following guidelines:
- position your bed near a window so natural light provides emotional support during this difficult time.
- place a water bottle and snacks on your bedside table for easy access.
- install a nightlight between your bed and bathroom to minimize stumbling risks.
- Remove any loose rugs that could slide or fold underfoot.
- position a sturdy chair adjacent to your bed for resting during dressing.
- store medication in a single, labeled organizer.
- locate your phone charger within reach of your pillow.
- add a small trash can for disposing of used bandages or tissues.
- consider adding plants for added calming ambiance.
Each small adjustment contributes to creating a space where you feel secure and supported. While you don’t need a nursing degree, careful planning will greatly enhance your chances for successful recovery.
Mobility solutions: safe navigation through your Home
While recovery means you won’t be confined to one room for extended periods of time, moving around is important for physical health and healing. However, navigating through your Home safely necessitates the presence of supportive elements.
Hidden dangers associated with standard furniture
While kitchen chairs may appear suitable for cooking or dining, they’re usually positioned too low for comfortable sitting; office chairs may roll unexpectedly causing loss of balance or a fall; and dining benches offer little or no lumbar support.
All of these factors contribute to increased risk for Falls and subsequent trips to the hospital. To avoid such costly setbacks, many families elect to rent specialized seating solutions.
Lift chairs: a game changer for Home based recovery
Lift chairs resemble normal recliner style seating. However, unlike standard recliners, they contain a motorized lifting system allowing users to easily transition from a seated position to standing.
With the touch of a button, the chair slowly tilts forward, assists the user in rising from the chair and stands upright. This functionality minimizes strain on joints and alleviates caregiver fatigue; additionally, Lift chairs allow users to achieve varying degrees of recline providing comfort and relaxation while minimizing discomfort.
Considering that both hospital beds and Lift chairs resolve mobility related challenges, many families opt to hire a reputable medical equipment rental company that offers Lift chair rentals in addition to hospital bed rentals. Searching online for a “hospital bed rental near me with installation” can lead families directly to those companies that provide both services.
Room-by-room safety assessment guide
Bathrooms
- Install grab bars adjacent to toilets and showers.
- Utilize shower chairs or benches.
- Install raised toilet seats equipped with armrests.
- Apply slip-resistance mats inside and outside bathtubs.
Hallways
- Remove clutter from hallways.
- Eliminate extension cords crossing walkways.
- Verify that nightlights function in each hallway.
- Expand hallways if walkers or wheelchairs are regularly utilized.
Kitchens
- Raise frequently used items to counter heights.
- Maintain a rolling stool nearby for food preparation.
- Securely store heavy pots/pans out of reach.
- Utilize long reach tools for retrieving items stored on upper shelves.
Living rooms
- Select chairs featuring firm, elevated armrests.
- Avoid swivel chairs and/or rocker type seating during initial stages of recovery.
- Position the television remote control and phone on one side table.
- Seat placement should ideally be placed facing primary entrance areas.
Why professional installation is important
You might assume delivery is straightforward. A truck arrives; a box is dropped off; you determine the remaining details.
However, medical equipment is different.
Hospital beds are heavy and complex pieces of equipment requiring professional assembly. Frames must be secured to headboards and footboards; mattresses must be properly positioned; electrical components must remain safely removed from water sources.
Incorrect setup can pose numerous hazards, including collapsed beds; improperly configured side rail systems posing strangulation hazards; and inadequate mattress sizing creating voids.
Because of this potential danger, hiring competent installation personnel is crucial when renting medical equipment. A hospital bed rental Toronto company will send trained technicians who will bring the bed into your home professionally assemble each component; thoroughly inspect all features; demonstrate operation of the bed remote control and safety mechanisms; assess your home environment, verify sufficient clearance for caregivers; and confirm availability of nearby electrical outlets.
Always select a vendor that includes comprehensive installation services. Refrain from accepting merely having the item delivered curbside. Your safety relies upon correct setup.
Emotional healing: the sensory experience of restoring balance within your healing sanctuary
Safety measures account for only half of the equation required for achieving optimal levels of recovery success. Your mental health also plays a significant role in achieving complete recovery.
Upon hospital discharge, anxiety is common. You go from receiving constant attention in a monitored environment 24/7 to being either alone or surrounded by family members. Stress and anxiety levels rise. You may experience difficulty with sleep. Additionally, pain may feel more intense when accompanied by heightened levels of stress.
Therefore, your healing sanctuary should incorporate emotional healing along with physical recovery considerations.
Designing your recovery-friendly sanctuary using sensory elements
- Sight: Soft warm lighting is ideal for creating relaxing atmospheres. Dimmer switches can also be beneficial. Harsh overhead lighting should be avoided whenever possible.
- Sound: Quiet music or white noise help promoteting relaxation and calmness. Thick curtains may be helpful in blocking loud noises originating from outside (traffic).
- Smell: If approved by your physician, lavender or chamomile essential oils can promote feelings of serenity. Ensure that ventilation occurs within your rooms.
- Touch: Soft cotton bedding is recommended. Adding blankets with minimal weight may provide comfort.
- Taste: Having nutritious yet easy-to-digest foods readily available can encourage consumption. Examples include pudding, yogurt, or applesauce pouches.
Supportive daily habits promoting recovery success
Establishing structure promotes reduced anxiety levels. When your body feels uncontrolled, establishing routine helps regain control.
- Wake at the same time each day.
- Open curtains immediately upon waking to expose yourself to sunlight.
- Eat meals at consistent times.
- Rest for thirty minutes after each meal.
- Take short walks (toilet/bathroom/back) every two hours.
- Shower or bathe at a predetermined time each day.
- Contact one friend/family member per evening.
- maintain a consistent bedtime routine (the same activities prior to going to sleep).
Developing routines trains your mind. Over time, your sanctuary feels more predictable. Predictability can lead to decreased anxiety levels. Decreased anxiety may further support faster recovery progress.
Determine whether Renting or buying makes sense based on your needs
There are certain types of equipment designed specifically for supporting post hospitalization recovery efforts which are worthy of investing in as permanent additions to your Home. Conversely, there are other equipment types you’ll only need temporarily.
Examples of rental equipment (typically needed for 4 12 weeks during recovery):
- electric hospital beds
- Lift chairs
- Home care hospital bed rental Toronto with installation (for short term mobility concerns)
- Oxygen concentrators
- IV poles
Equipment worth purchasing (beneficial beyond recovery period):
- Shower chairs (may prove useful for older adult relatives traveling)
- grab bars (provide additional safety benefits within your Home)
- raised toilet seats (can be transported via luggage during travel; provide convenience for guests)
- non slip bath mats
- long reach retrieval tools
Renting medical equipment allows you to save money compared to buying similar equipment outright. Rental equipment also conserves storage space within your Home since once you have completed your recovery process, the rental company will collect the equipment.
For example, purchasing an adjustable bed would likely cost hundreds of dollars more than leasing an electric hospital bed rental Toronto with delivery and installation provided by a reputable supplier. Additionally, rented adjustable beds are cleaned/sanitized between customers; thereby ensuring compliance with strict medical grade cleanliness standards.
Guidelines to identify a reputable medical equipment supplier
Medical equipment suppliers vary widely in their expertise regarding supplying products for residential based recovery versus commercial/nursing facility based settings. You must locate a vendor that specializes in providing supplies for Home based recovery efforts.
Before Renting medical equipment from a supplier:
- determine whether free delivery and installation are offered;
- confirm whether an emergency support hotline operates 24 hours per day;
- clarify what procedures occur in case the rented equipment malfunctions during non business hours;
- verify if instruction/training sessions are provided regarding operating/effective utilization of equipment;
- ask about pricing schedules (weekly/monthly);
- determine if you can upgrade/downgrade equipment as needed based on changing recovery requirements;
- establish whether payment methods accepted include insurance/worker’s compensation;
A quality supplier will provide clear answers regarding all questions posed by you. If needed, they will also dispatch a technician to evaluate your Home environment prior to delivering/delivering medical equipment.
Locating quality providers of hospital bed rentals online
By searching online for “Home care hospital bed rental Toronto,” you will find multiple vendors offering various options. Evaluate customer reviews found via Google searches (focus on references discussing prompt delivery/service and courteous technicians); ignore vendors with negative reviews citing defective product arrival/receipt and refusal to issue refunds.
Summary: transform your Home into a healing haven Today
Congratulations! You survived the hospital!
Give your Home the same consideration.
Recovery is not solely dependent on passivity. Active decisions play a critical role in determining success during recovery. Those decisions involve selecting appropriate beds; Renting Lift chairs to improve standing/mobility capabilities; designing individual rooms according to safety parameters; contracting professional service providers specializing in hospital bed rentals with installation services.
Small incremental improvements combined produce substantial positive impacts toward facilitating successful recovery outcomes.
Don’t forget: healing is enhanced when occurring in both physically safe and emotionally peaceful environments. Your Home currently possesses peacefulness. Incorporate safety as well!
Contact your local medical equipment rental agency Today. Discuss available electric hospital bed rental Toronto options with them. Also inquire about acquiring Lift chair rentals as part of your overall package acquisition and request installation services as part of that package purchase as well!
Your body worked diligently recovering from surgery/injury/etc.. Now it’s time for your Home to reciprocate!
