1. Improved Comfort for Extended Use

One of the main benefits of a hospital bed is the comfort it provides for long periods of use. People who are bedridden or require extended rest can experience discomfort and fatigue from lying flat on a regular mattress. Hospital beds allow for customizable adjustments that can improve comfort levels, such as adjusting the head or foot of the bed to a more natural position.

This customization helps alleviate pressure points, reduce discomfort, and improve sleep quality. For individuals with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, or those recovering from surgery, the ability to adjust the bed can make a significant difference in overall comfort, reducing the risk of sores and fatigue.

2. Enhanced Safety and Fall Prevention

Falls are a leading cause of injury for people who have limited mobility or are bedridden. Traditional beds may not offer the necessary support to keep someone safe. Hospital beds are designed with built-in safety features, such as adjustable heights and side rails, which help prevent falls and provide better security for those in need of assistance.

Hospital beds can be raised or lowered to a suitable height, reducing the risk of injury when transferring in and out of the bed. Some models also have side rails that can be raised to keep the patient secure. These features help caregivers provide better support and give individuals more independence while reducing the risk of accidents.

3. Better Positioning for Medical Needs

Hospital beds are designed to offer precise positioning that may be necessary for medical treatment. Many health conditions, such as respiratory issues, heart problems, and digestive disorders, benefit from specific positions that ease symptoms or improve circulation.

For example, elevating the head of the bed can help patients with breathing difficulties, such as those suffering from sleep apnea or COPD. Likewise, elevating the legs can improve blood circulation, which is helpful for individuals with mobility issues or those recovering from surgery. These adjustable settings allow for optimal positioning that a traditional bed simply cannot offer.

4. Easier Caregiving for Family and Professionals

Caring for a loved one who requires assistance can be physically demanding. A hospital bed can make caregiving easier and more efficient, reducing the strain on family members or caregivers. The ability to adjust the height of the bed means caregivers can work at a more comfortable level, whether that’s bending over or standing next to the bed.

For caregivers, this means less bending and lifting, which can prevent strain and injury. Additionally, hospital beds offer easy access for administering medical treatments, changing dressings, or helping with personal care tasks. This accessibility reduces the need for patients to be moved from room to room or repositioned constantly, making caregiving more manageable and less stressful.

5. Support for Post-Surgery and Injury Recovery

Recovering from surgery or a significant injury often requires a special environment that supports healing. A hospital bed offers features that promote optimal recovery by providing a comfortable, adjustable sleeping surface that can be adapted to a person’s needs as they heal.

For example, after hip or knee replacement surgery, patients may need to keep their legs elevated to reduce swelling and improve blood circulation. Similarly, individuals recovering from back surgery might benefit from a position that keeps their spine properly aligned. Hospital beds allow for these adjustments, promoting faster healing and better overall recovery.

6. Improved Hygiene and Maintenance

Maintaining proper hygiene is critical for individuals who are immobile or bedridden, as it can prevent infections and promote better health. Hospital beds are designed to make it easier to manage hygiene, as they can be adjusted to allow for easier access during cleaning and personal care tasks.

For example, patients can be positioned in a way that makes it easier for caregivers to perform activities like bathing, changing sheets, or repositioning to prevent bedsores. Many hospital beds are also designed with materials that are easy to clean, further enhancing the ability to maintain a hygienic environment. These beds can make it simpler for both the patient and the caregiver to maintain cleanliness, helping to prevent infections and improve comfort.

7. Long-Term Investment in Health and Comfort

Although the initial cost of a hospital bed may seem higher than that of a standard bed, it is important to consider the long-term benefits it provides. A hospital bed is an investment in the health and comfort of a patient and can reduce the likelihood of complications related to poor positioning, improper care, and discomfort.

By improving the patient’s quality of life, preventing falls, and making caregiving easier, a hospital bed can actually help reduce healthcare costs over time. Fewer trips to the hospital, fewer injuries, and better overall health management can save money in the long run, making a hospital bed a worthwhile investment for many households.

Conclusion: A Wise Investment for Quality Home Care

A hospital bed is more than just a piece of furniture—it’s a crucial tool for enhancing the comfort, safety, and well-being of individuals in need of long-term care. Whether it’s helping to manage medical needs, providing comfort during recovery, or making caregiving easier, a hospital bed can significantly improve the home care environment.

By offering adjustable positioning, improved safety features, better hygiene, and enhanced comfort, hospital beds support both patients and caregivers in a way that traditional beds cannot. If you or a loved one requires home care, investing in a hospital bed can help ensure that the care provided is as efficient, safe, and comfortable as possible. At MED+ Medical Equipment Distribution Inc., we offer a variety of hospital beds and home care solutions designed to meet your specific needs, ensuring better care and a higher quality of life for all.

The post 7 Reasons Why a Hospital Bed Could Be a Good Investment for Improved Home Care of a Loved One appeared first on MedPlus.

Hospital beds today come in many styles, shapes, sizes, features and functionality options. With the sheer number of options, it can be challenging for those trying to find the best hospital bed for their situation. Whether you are choosing for yourself or a loved one, it can be somewhat overwhelming.  

Here we have put together a series of questions to consider to provide you with a step by step guide for choosing the right hospital bed for your unique recovery needs:

What Is The Users Health Condition?

•  The health condition of the bed user is one of the most important factors that will determine the type of bed needed.
•  Is the user only in need of a bed for a short period of time?
•  Does the user need the bed long term?
•  Can the bed user freely move around? Do they require assistance to adjust themselves while in bed?
•  Does their condition create a need for specific support features?

How Long Do You Need The Bed For?

There is no doubt a hospital bed can be a big investment. If you need a bed long term or for a permanent solution, it’s more important to make sure you get exactly what you need. If you only need the bed for a short period of time, you may want to consider renting a bed. Comfort and functionality are still important but you may be able to get by with a less complicated model if you only need it for a couple of weeks. A standard hospital bed, in this case, will suffice.

How Mobile Is The User Of The Bed?

The mobility of the bed user has a big impact on the type of bed. Can the bed user get in and out of the bed? Do they require assistance? How much? Are there features they need to support their mobility? For example, a person that can sit up and get out of bed themselves would require a more basic bed than a person who was completely immobile.

How Many Hours Per Day Will The User Spend In Bed?

The amount of time you spend in the bed will have a big impact on the hospital bed style. In general, if a person is required to spend to the majority of the day in bed, a fully electric bed may be best and provide the best support. Manual and semi-automatic hospital beds are better suited for people with short term recover and those who are more mobile.

What Type of Mattress Is Ideal For The User?

The type of mattress you need is also impacted by the amount of time spent in bed as well as the type of health condition. For example, if you spend most or all of the day in bed, you will need a mattress that is designed to prevent bedsores and other ailments common with prolonged lying. There are many mattress types to consider – gel, memory foam and other specialty options based on your health condition and support needs.

What Bed Features and Functionality Are Required?

Hospital beds have countless features to consider. Again, the amount of time you need the bed, the health condition of the bed user, and other factors should be considered when choosing bed features. Consider these bed features when choosing a hospital bed:

•  Positioning bed platform adjustment options
•  Side rails
•  Bed scales
•  Storage
•  Load capacity
•  Gap protection
•  Patent lift and bed trapeze solutions
•  Bed transport
•  Power needs

Choosing the right hospital bed is important. No two people are the same. Considering the above questions when comparing your options will help you get a strong understanding of the type of hospital bed you need.

Explore Your Hospital Bed Solutions From MED+

At MED+, we offer a large selection of hospital beds, leisure beds, and adjustable beds that are ideal for homecare. We have beds that are suitable for individuals with many different health conditions and ailment.
Check out our catalogue of hospital beds.

Read More From Our Blog

The History of the Hospital Beds and Their Development

4 Benefits of Having a Hospital Bed Installed in Your Home

5 Reasons Why Your Family Members Deserve to Stay in the Home They Love

The post Choosing The Right Hospital Bed – Step by Step Guide appeared first on MedPlus.

But, they weren’t always as so comfortable or easy to use. Hospital beds have evolved significantly since they were first introduced in the 1800s. Here we will take a brief look at the types of hospital beds and dive back into history to provide an overview of the history of hospital beds and their development.

Types Of Hospital Beds

There are many types of hospital beds you could see in medical facilities, hospitals, and in a person’s home.  The type of bed you need is dependent on your health condition and treatment. Health education website, Healthfully, provides an overview of the most common types of hospital beds:

• Gatch Bed
• Electric Bed
• Low Beds
• Low Air Loss Beds
• Circo-electric Beds
• Clinitron Beds
• Stretcher Beds

The History Of Hospital Beds

Pinpointing the exact origins of the hospital bed is challenging. Iterations of a hospital bed have been around for hundreds of years. They began as a basic stretcher. They had two long poles of equal length with a cloth material spread across it, allowing a person with a medical issue to be carried.

There is no doubt hospital beds have gone through significant changes over the years. A 2016 Journal of Physics: Conference Series paper titled, From Modern Push-Button Hospital-beds to 20th Century Mechatronic Beds: A Review, provides a historical outline of the developments of the hospital bed:

• 1815: It’s estimated that sometime between 1815 and 1825 that beds with adjustable rails began to appear in Britain. They used a mechanical crank to move the side rails up and down.
• 1874: Andrew Wuest and Son, a mattress company out of Cincinnati, Ohio, registered a patent for a mattress frame that could be elevated. This is considered the first iteration of the modern hospital bed we see today.
• 1909: Willis D. Gatch, former chair of the Department of Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine, provided the next innovation in hospital beds. He invented the 3 segment adjustable bed, which today is often referred to as the Gatch Bed. It allows for the head and the feet to be elevated.
• 1945: Push button hospital beds were invented by General Electric. One interesting feature about this design is it included a built-in toilet. The idea was to eliminate the bedpan.
• 1946: Billionaire Howard Hughes was in a plane accident. Unhappy with the type of equipment available, he created a hospital bed to suit his needs. It had 6 sections and 30 electric engines.
• 1949: Control and basic functions start to appear.
• 1950s: In 1952, the Hill-Rom Company, developed a bed with an electric engine. In 1956, the company its first bed with full electrical functioning.
• 1958: The Circ-O’lectric Bed was developed by Dr. Homer Stryker. Many other alternative models to address complex medical conditions were developed.
• 1961: Beds with a basic bed controller were introduced.
• 1974: Control panel on side rails was invented.
• 1978: Side rails with remote control were added to the functionality of hospital beds.
• 1980s: The 1980s was more focused on the development of the mattresses used in hospital beds. Therapeutic mattresses were developed. Some had position detectors and mechanics to weigh patient while still in bed. Patent exit monitoring devices were also developed. Other developments included a device to call the nurse and permanent cardiovascular monitoring became standard bed features.
• 1983: An electric bed for home use outside of the hospital was introduced.
• 1990s: Beds with more advanced functionality are developed. Mechatronic beds become a reality and developments are focused on more intelligent design.
• 1993: Specific industry standards for electronic hospital beds are developed to protect against mechanic and electric hazards.
• Today: Researchers continue to develop and build upon current hospital bed designs. New industry standards are evolving helping to make beds more functional, intelligent, comfortable and easy to use for patients and caregivers in a hospital, care facility, or private home setting.

Explore Hospital Bed Solutions

At MED+, we offer a large selection of hospital beds and home care beds. We have the right bed to meet your mobility and comfort needs. See our hospital bed solutions.

Read More From Our Blog

4 Benefits of Having a Hospital Bed Installed in Your Home
Hospital Beds for Home Use – When Should Your Rent vs. Buy

The post The History of the Hospital Beds and Their Development appeared first on MedPlus.

MED + Medical Equipment Distribution is pleased to announce the launch of their new website at www.medplushealth.ca. The revamped website was designed to make it easier for clients to engage with the MED + sales team for all their home health care product and service needs; while providing vital information about the hundreds of products and key services MED + offers the community.

Additional information can be found at https://www.medplushealth.ca/

The redesign was created with the client in mind – those in need of mobility equipment, caregivers of those in need, retirement residences, and occupational therapists. This is aligned with MED +’s mission to meet client needs through innovative solutions for medical equipment and supplies.

The family of employees at MED + work diligently every day to serve their community with the best possible service they can provide. Working as a home health care product and service provider is an honour and a blessing for the entire MED + family.

The new website covers the wide range of home health care solutions provided by MED +, including medical equipment products, power and manual wheelchairs, scooters, transport chairs, rollators, walkers, home care and hospital beds, bathroom safety equipment, lifts (including vertical platform lifts, ceiling lifts, patient lifts, stair lifts), accessibility renovations, and new / used rental equipment.

MED + carries a large inventory of home health care products. When clients need a product or a service, they invariably need it as soon as possible. This is why MED + carries a large selection and large inventory. This allows MED + to serve the community efficiently, and the new website further supports that.

“We are very pleased with our new web site. We have worked hard to prepare an upgraded educational website offering information about the latest products available on the market today. Our website is designed to be as intuitive and simple to navigate as possible – just click on the product you are interested in, read the specifications and description of the product. You can print a brochure, get a free quote, request an assessment, or call / email us for more information,” says Michael Samuels, Managing Director of MED + Medical Equipment Distribution.

“We get to run our business, support our families and also help our community with products and services that really make a difference in someone’s life,” adds Samuels

MED+ proudly serves residential homes, long term care homes and retirement homes, always putting the client first. MED + is honoured to work with a wide range of professionals including but not limited to; occupational therapists, physio therapists, doctors, nurses, chiropractors.

Sometimes it’s as simple as a providing a rental walker or wheelchair, other times it’s a purchase of a home care hospital bed or a bathroom renovation, or an installation of a stair lift or wheelchair lift. Regardless of the request, the new MED + website makes it easier for clients to get the medical products and services they need.

Contact Information


MED + Medical Equipment Distribution


2586 Dunwin Drive, Unit 5, Mississauga, ON L5L 1J5


Phone Number: 416-477-5960


Email: medplus@medplushealth.ca

The post Official Press Release: MED + Launches New Website to Better Serve the Community in Need Of Reliable Home Health Care Products & Services appeared first on MedPlus.

Hospital beds for home use are a great way to provide a loved one with maximum comfort and safety. In many cases, buying or renting a hospital bed for home use is what allows people to stay in the home they love for the long-term.

Whether you are recovering from an injury or hospital stay, have mobility issues or are bed ridden, there is one major decision you will have to make about home hospital beds:

Should you rent or buy hospital beds for home use?

When To Rent Hospital Beds For Home Use

Renting a hospital bed for your home makes sense for the following reasons:

Short term recover

If you are only going to need your hospital bed for a short period of time, it doesn’t make sense financially to purchase a bed. Renting allows you to use the bed for as long as you need it. You can return it once your recover period is complete and move back into your regular bed.

You want to test out the bed before buying

Purchasing a hospital bed for your home can be a big investment. Many of our customers choose to rent a bed to try it out before they choose a long term solution. You may need to try out a couple beds before you find the right one to meet your unique healthcare needs.

Flexibility

As you recover from injury, health issue or hospital stay, your needs can change over time. Rentals provide you with the flexibility to change beds to adjust to your needs as they evolve with your recovery.

Learn about our home healthcare products for rent.

When To Buy Hospital Beds For Home Use

Making the decision to purchase a hospital bed for your home is not one to take lightly. Buying a hospital bed makes sense for the following reasons:

Long Term Recovery

A long term recovery and care need is the most common reason to purchase a hospital bed. If you are going to use a bed for months or even years, then it makes sense financially to buy a bed rather than rent. Many people who choose to live at home rather than long term care facilities choose to purchase home hospital beds. Always consider how long you will need the bed before making a purchase.

Customization

If you have unique or acute health care needs, a custom hospital bed may be required. In this case, it usually makes more sense to buy the bed. This allows you to customize to your specific needs and ensuring it provide you with maximum comfort and functionality.

Learn about our hospital bed products.

Not sure if renting or buying is your best option? Contact us today to request a FREE estimate. We’ll happily help you assess your hospital bed options.

Read More From Our Blog

The post Hospital Beds for Home Use – When Should Your Rent vs. Buy appeared first on MedPlus.