Hospital beds can have a lot of benefits for people who are recovering in their own homes from an extended illness or surgery. Unlike many regular beds, the features of hospital beds and their ergonomic design for maximum comfort can speed healing and recovery and make those suffering from the pain of chronic illness more comfortable.
Part Of The Healing Process
The hospital bed should almost be part of the healing prescription for convalescent patients. In order for the body to naturally heal itself, plenty of sleep and rest is required. A patient’s standard bed may have a mattress that’s too soft or too firm, placing pressure on sensitive areas. Hospital beds are designed for maximum comfort.
Getting up and down from bed can be one of the most difficult parts of an injured person’s day. The movement of sitting up from laying down can stress the muscles of the abdomen and back, and the same stress can be repeated from the reverse, laying down from a sitting or standing position. Unfortunately, the transition from lying down to sitting or standing is when both the sick person and their caretaker stand the highest chance of injury.
The Modern Hospital Bed
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a hospital bed or been in one yourself, you’d be surprised at the advances technology has made for this medical device. It’s more than just an adjustable bed with rails. Medical technology has affected every part of the patient recovery process, and hospital beds are no exception.
More computerized features and mattress floating technology can make these beds much more comfortable and add support where needed. Allowing the bed to do most of the movement reduces the chances of people or caregivers getting hurt during lifts. Some beds also enable the patient to control much of the movement and their position. If a patient relies on a part-time caregiver, this increased independence is beneficial.
Patient Monitoring Technology In Hospital Beds
Not only are the latest hospital beds more advanced for moving the patient, but they’re also quite advanced at monitoring the occupant of the bed. As a patient sleeps, the bed’s technology monitors their heart rate and blood pressure and can make automatic adjustments to other medical devices used by the patient.
The bed can also alert a caregiver if the patient has a significant event, like a drop in blood pressure or increased heart rate. Some models even alert the patients to shift positions to avoid bed sores or excess pressure on a sensitive area.
Conclusion
Home hospital beds can help caregivers better move the patient, especially since there often isn’t a team available for lifts. An adjustable hospital bed allows patients to rest more comfortably and enjoy more restful sleep to heal. Many of the best beds also reduce some of the adverse effects of prolonged periods of being bedridden. Depending on your condition and the capability of your caregiver, you may benefit from a fully electric hospital bed.
