In the United States, similar to the UK, a significant proportion of hospital beds are occupied by patients who are medically ready for discharge. These patients remain hospitalized due to the persistent shortage of appropriate care equipment upon their transition back to their homes.
Efficient patient flow is vital within any healthcare setting, and this is particularly crucial in American hospitals when patients are deemed ‘fit for discharge.’ The delayed release of medically fit individuals also creates obstacles for incoming patients, hindering the hospital’s ability to manage transfers and maintain a steady pace. A situation reminiscent of the ambulance queues witnessed outside UK hospitals during the summer of 2022.
Long lines of ambulances outside a hospital’s emergency department are not an uncommon sight in certain regions of the US, partially attributable to the delayed discharge of patients.
One contributing factor to the continuous backlog in American hospitals is the inadequate availability of suitable healthcare equipment within the community.
“The shortage of hospital beds within the US healthcare system persists, with occupancy rates consistently surpassing safe levels.” – American Medical Association.
“The aging and disabled population with complex needs is growing, yet the capacity of social care has diminished, resulting in a deficit of 50,000 paid caregivers,” stated Sarah McClinton, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.
Medical Bed Features: What to Expect
Medical beds differ significantly from typical household beds, offering a range of features tailored to patient requirements. These modern beds are adaptable, designed to ensure patient safety, facilitate medical treatments, and provide a comfortable surface for sleeping. They offer adjustable head and foot elevation through electric profiling bases.
Electric, adjustable beds come with various features, including:
- The ability to transform into a chair bed, aiding the movement and handling of individuals with limited mobility, such as the elderly, disabled, or bariatric patients.
However, situations arise where hospital-style beds are necessary for home use in the US as well.
Individuals with chronic health conditions, those recently discharged from hospitals, patients receiving palliative care at home instead of hospices, and those with limited mobility may all require assistive equipment that offers more support and functionality than a standard bed.
Obtaining a Hospital-Style Bed for Home Use in the USA:
In the United States, anyone can purchase a hospital-style bed for home use without a prescription or doctor’s recommendation.
Yet, hospital beds come in diverse sizes, makes, and models, each designed to suit various patient needs. To ensure the right bed for your care requirements, it is advisable to consult a professional.
Two primary avenues offer access to professional advice regarding hospital beds for home use:
- Obtaining a Free Hospital Bed from Healthcare Services:
In the USA, individuals can acquire a free hospital bed from healthcare services, including the NHS, social services, or local government, provided they meet specific criteria. This may necessitate an assessment by a GP or an occupational therapist, potentially requiring a certain amount of time. - Borrowing a Hospital Bed from Healthcare Services:
For temporary needs, a community nurse or other healthcare professionals can arrange for the provision of a hospital bed from healthcare equipment loan stores.
However, there are drawbacks to obtaining a free hospital bed through healthcare services. The application process can be time-consuming, and the appearance of the supplied hospital beds is often clinical and bulkier.
As an alternative, some individuals opt to purchase hospital-style beds directly from retailers like Ben Hospital Bed Rental, ensuring swift delivery and the ability to choose a bed that suits their preferences.
US Criteria for Home Hospital Bed Provision
Although there are no specific NHS-like criteria for acquiring a hospital bed at home in the US, healthcare professionals can arrange for a hospital bed if certain hygiene and care tasks need to be performed, requiring a bed with more features and functions than a standard bed. A community nurse can offer guidance on the best approach for ensuring comfort.
Tasks such as catheter care, wound care, complex bandaging, pressure damage management, end-of-life care, chronic disease management, PICC line management, IV therapy, and bowel care might necessitate a hospital-style bed with advanced features.
Purchasing a Hospital Bed from a Mobility Equipment Retailer:
For many individuals in the USA, purchasing a hospital bed directly from a mobility equipment supplier offers the quickest and most tailored solution for at-home patient care. Ordering a bed affords more control over the bed’s type and design.
Fast delivery, design choice, absence of an occupational therapist, or failure to meet NHS bed criteria can make obtaining a hospital bed through a mobility equipment supplier a preferable option.
Exploring Financial Assistance:
In some instances, external charities may provide financial assistance for purchasing mobility beds. Though these opportunities are limited, it’s worth inquiring with local charities.
Additionally, VAT relief options are available for those with ongoing disabilities in the UK, providing a potential route for zero VAT eligibility on disability-related products.
Seek Expert Guidance Today
Contact Us
What About Profiling Mattresses?
When purchasing a hospital bed from a mobility equipment supplier, the type of profiling mattress accompanying the bed can be chosen. Standard profiling bed mattresses or foam pressure relief mattresses are recommended for extended bed usage, reducing the risk of pressure sores/ulcers.
Can You Use a Regular Mattress on a Hospital Bed?
Standard pocket sprung mattresses are unsuitable for profiling beds due to their lack of flexibility to accommodate the bed’s movement. While non-innerspring mattresses like memory foam and latex can be used, it’s advisable to choose a profiling mattress specifically designed for these beds. Profiling mattresses utilize airflow to minimize pressure sore development.
Browse Hospital-Style Beds Online
View Products
At Ben Hospital Bed Rental, we boast years of experience supplying hospital beds to private individuals and occupational therapists. Our dedicated advisors are available to discuss options and identify the ideal hospital bed for your home.