Many people find themselves in need of a home hospital bed at least once in their life. Whether during recovery from a surgical procedure, while managing a chronic illness, receiving palliative care, or simply if the effects of aging have made regular beds too inconvenient to use, hospital beds can be a worthwhile solution for patient care and comfort in the home. But how big are home hospital beds?
Of course, beds are large pieces of furniture. Home hospital beds are similar, save for a few key differences: home hospital beds are often adjustable to conform to the needs of the patient, and they frequently have additional pieces of medical equipment attached to them, among other differences.
When selecting a hospital bed to install in the home, it is important to consider the size and functionality of the bed itself as well as patient well-being. Once a bed is selected, it is important to familiarize oneself with best practices for placement and other considerations to ensure safety and comfort for the patient and others in the home.
Sizes of Home Hospital Beds
Home hospital beds come in many different sizes, just like the people who use them. It is crucial that patients have an appropriately-sized home hospital bed to ensure their safety and comfort. Continue reading to learn more about which size home hospital bed is best suited for you or your loved one.
Standard Size Home Hospital Beds
Standard size home hospital beds are typically the size of a traditional twin mattress, or approximately 38 inches wide by 80 inches long. Standard home hospital beds are usually adjustable at the head and feet to accommodate the patient’s comfort preferences or specific medical needs. Because of their size, standard beds can fit comfortably in most homes.
Bariatric Home Hospital Beds
Bariatric home hospital beds are designed for patients with larger body frames. These beds are longer, wider, and stronger than standard home hospital beds. The typical size of a bariatric bed ranges from 36 to 60 inches wide by 80 to 88 inches long. Bariatric beds prioritize the safety and comfort of overweight and obese patients, and can typically accommodate patients who weigh up to 500 or 1,000 lbs., depending on the model. Similar to standard size home hospital beds, bariatric home hospital beds can be adjusted for patient comfort and medical needs.
Pediatric Home Hospital Beds
Pediatric home hospital beds are designed for pediatric patients. They are built to accommodate the various needs and developmental stages of children. These home hospital beds typically range from 30 to 33 inches wide by 62 to 72 inches long. Pediatric home hospital beds often have features such as railings and exit alarms to keep even the most energetic patients safe. Like most other home hospital beds, pediatric beds can also be adjusted for patient comfort and specific needs.
At-Home Placement Considerations
Now that you’ve learned about the various sizes of home hospital beds, it’s time to think about the other considerations one should make when planning to install a hospital bed in the home.
Not every room in a house is a suitable place for a home hospital bed. There are several different factors to consider for the safety and wellbeing of the patient, their medical team, and other caregivers or family. Read the considerations below and consult with the patient’s physician or home care team to determine the best solution for their unique needs.
The Right Room
Select a room that is large enough for your home hospital bed. The ideal room is one that will have enough space on all four sides of the hospital bed, with no walls or furniture touching it. This allows medical staff easy access to the patient and enough space for the patient to safely exit the bed if they are able, even with the use of a walker or wheelchair. If the patient requires an IV or oxygen, ample space will allow the IV pole and oxygen tanks to sit conveniently near the bed without causing a hazard. Furthermore, additional space allows visitors to comfortably sit and chat with the patient without worrying that they are in the way of any medical personnel.
Proximity to Electrical Outlets
Most home hospital beds have features that require electricity to power them, such as adjustable bed sections for different heights and angles. Because of this, home hospital beds should be placed within a reasonable distance from an electrical outlet. It is not recommended to use an extension cord or power strip as an alternative, as they can be tripping hazards.
Emergency Access
Position the home hospital bed in an area of your home that can be easily accessed in case of an emergency. Should the patient require emergency medical assistance, emergency services will need to tend to the patient quickly. If the home hospital bed is in an inconvenient location, such as in a room with lots of clutter, this can delay the patient’s access to crucial life-saving medical care.
Additionally, consider common house safety: If there was a fire or other emergency in your home, the patient’s hospital bed should be positioned in an area where they can get to safety in a short amount of time.
Patient Privacy
Place your home hospital bed in an area of the home where the patient can have as much privacy as possible while still maintaining safety protocols, including those for space and accessibility. Sometimes, patients with multiple or advanced ailments feel like they no longer have privacy because of the amount of tests and doctor visits they undergo. If it’s safe to do so, placing a home hospital bed in a quiet area of a house can help the patient sleep and feel more comfortable. Or, consider installing a privacy screen near the bed to section off the patient’s own private area of a larger room. This can help preserve the patient’s dignity during difficult times.
Patient Preference
Oftentimes, patients, especially those receiving end-of-life care, wish for their home hospital bed to be placed in a familiar or favorite area of the home that conjures good memories and positivity. For some patients, this is their bedroom or family room. For others, it might be a sunroom with lots of natural light and a view of the outside. Wherever it is for you or your loved one, consider taking their preferences into account when making the decision about where to place their home hospital bed.
Still Wondering How Big Are Home Hospital Beds? Call On The Mend.
If you’re still wondering how big are home hospital beds, or if they’ll fit in your space, call On The Mend Medical today.
It is important to consider several different factors when choosing a home hospital bed and deciding where to put it. Size of the bed is important, as is its location within the home itself. A patient’s individual needs and preferences should also be considered. When placed properly, an appropriately-sized hospital bed will provide safety and comfort to the patient for as long as they need it. Read more in our comprehensive guide to choosing the right home hospital bed.
Do you or a loved one require a home hospital bed? We at On the Mend Medical pride ourselves in our wide selection of beds and recliners. Visit any of our locations to view beds in-person, or make an appointment with one of our home care experts who can help you choose the right home hospital bed for your specific situation. White glove delivery is always included. Contact us to learn more today.
