What type of homecare bed do you need?

Explore the different types of adjustable beds and find out how to choose the right one for you.

A restful night's sleep is essential for health and wellbeing. But for people experiencing health issues, chronic illness or a disability, a standard bed may not offer the support they need to sleep well.

Homecare beds, or hospital beds for home, are designed for people who need to spend prolonged time in bed or for those who find a standard bed doesn’t suit their needs. They are also ideal for people who find it difficult to get into and out of bed.

A homecare bed can be a significant investment and it is important to research your options. Below you’ll find information on the features to consider and how to choose the right adjustable bed for you.

 

Benefits of an adjustable bed

As well as supporting a comfortable rest and good night’s sleep, an adjustable bed provides these benefits:

Positioning

Homecare beds offer a range of positioning options to minimise discomfort and the risk of pressure sores, while providing support for a range of activities.

Electric beds generally feature back and foot adjustable sections, as well as Trendelenburg lift and variable height. This allows the user to find the most comfortable position for sleeping, resting, and activities like eating and watching television.

Improved Circulation

Homecare beds are ideal for people with circulation issues who may benefit from being able to change positions frequently to prevent swelling.

Fall Reduction

An adjustable bed can reduce the risk of patient falls and injury. By lowering the bed closer to the floor, the risk of serious injury is reduced if the user rolls out of bed. Along with this, the ability to raise or lower the bed makes the transition in and out of bed easier. Additional features like bed rails or a self-help pole offer more safety and support.

Carer Support

For users receiving at home care, the ability to raise and lower the bed allows carers to set the best height for certain activities, such as bathing, administering treatment, or transfers to a wheelchair or other mobility aid.

Types of adjustable beds

There are a wide variety of homecare beds that have many of the features of a hospital bed. This includes the ability to raise and lower the back, knee and foot sections, as well as adjust the height of the bed. The most common hospital beds for home are now fully electric, but other options are available.

Manual adjustable beds

Manual homecare beds are adjusted using a system of cranks at the end of the bed. This allows the user to be repositioned comfortably as well as raise and lower the bed.

The use of a manual crank does reduce the functionality of the bed. It’s not really convenient for the user to get out of bed to adjust it, so it is generally up to the carer to operate and it can require some strength to operate.

Semi-electric adjustable beds

This option combines both manual and electric positioning. An electric hand control is used to adjust the back and leg sections, which can be done by the user or their carer. A crank system is used to raise and lower the height of the bed.

This option may be suitable if you don’t expect to have to adjust the height regularly. However, the semi-electric homecare bed does limit the positioning options and a carer’s help is needed to operate the crank.

Fully electric adjustable beds

This is the ideal homecare bed, offering easy adjustment by the user or their carer. An electric hand control is used to adjust the back and foot section, as well as change the height of the bed.

The ability to raise and lower the bed using a hand control is the main reason why most people prefer a fully electric homecare bed as it is flexible and offers more independence. 

Modern adjustable beds

One of the concerns about a homecare bed is that it can look like a piece of medical equipment. Understandably, some people want the comfort and flexibility of a hospital bed without the clinical look in their home. 

Luckily, a new range of homecare beds is available that have the flexibility and comfort of a fully-electric bed while blending into your bedroom decor. If you’re concerned about aesthetics and you don’t need all the features offered by a hospital bed, then these are a great option.

When fully-lowered, the homecare bed can look just like a modern bedroom suite and is available in a range of bed sizes. A matching immobile bed can even be placed alongside a single bed, giving the look of a king bed and allowing partners to sleep beside each other.

Choosing the right adjustable bed

As you research the different features of homecare beds, it’s important to consider the needs of the user to make sure they’ll be comfortable and safe.

Below are a few questions to consider:

How many hours a day will they be in bed?

If your loved one will be using the bed for sleeping and the occasional rest during the day, then a standard homecare bed and mattress may be appropriate.

However, if they’ll be spending extended periods of time in bed, it’s important to find a homecare bed that offers the widest range of positioning options. You should also look at a pressure-care mattress, as well as additional mobility aids that reduce the risk of pressure sores and increase comfort.

Are they able to get in and out of bed safely?

The benefit of a homecare bed is the ability to raise or lower the height of the bed to get in and out. However, it’s important to consider if your loved one will still need help and whether other safety features are needed.

Dementia patients, for example, may have difficulty operating the controls and could be at risk of a fall if they get out of bed without help. Adding a bed rail can be a helpful safety addition for high-risk users.

Can they work the remote control?

Electric homecare beds have either a wireless or wired remote control. You should consider the shape and size of the buttons as well as the amount of pressure required to operate the controls. 

What positioning options do they need?

While most homecare beds offer basic adjustments such as the ability to raise the back, knees and feet, some beds offer a wider range of positioning options that might be suited to more specific needs.

What companion options are there?

When someone moves to an adjustable homecare bed, clinical support is essential but emotional connection still matters. For many couples and families, staying close at night brings comfort, reassurance and a sense of normal life. Companion sleeping configurations allow two people to sleep side by side while preserving the positioning, safety and support features of the adjustable bed. This approach helps maintain closeness without compromising care, supporting both physical needs and emotional wellbeing. There are multiple options to choose from, for example the ComfiMotion range offers 3 different options if you decided you wanted to move independently instead of purchasing a double or queen that would move as one.

Dual Adjustable Beds
	Dual Adjustable Beds Designed to sit flush when positioned together to enable close monitoring and enhanced care. This configuration offers the flexibility of independent adjustability, without compromising on the sense of inclusivity and intimacy between partners.

Split King Upgrade Kit
	Move two adjustable beds up and down as one by using the Split King Upgrade Kit can only be used with x2 Active Care Beds (Long Single or King Single).

 

Fixed Companion Bed
	Allows for an adjustable bed to sit flush when positioned next to a single non-adjustable bed. It facilitates a side-by-side sleeping arrangement at a fixed height of 370mm, without compromising on the users care and assistance requirements.

What other mobility aids do you need?

Consider the other medical equipment or mobility aids your loved one might need to have and whether the bed is compatible. Some homecare beds feature attachment points for accessories like a self-help pole, storage pockets, IV pole or side rails.

Make sure that the homecare bed isn’t too large to allow other equipment to be placed beside or a carer to work within the room, and that there is also enough clearance alongside for a wheelchair or walking frame.

Choosing the right mattress for your adjustable bed

Getting the right mattress for your adjustable bed is essential. The mattress plays a pivotal role in providing a comfortable and safe rest. If someone is spending extended periods of time in bed, they need a mattress that offers pressure redistribution and reduces the risk of pressure sores. A multi-layer foam mattress evenly distributes the weight and relieves pressure on the skin and muscles while still providing a firm, comfortable base.

For people who need to remain in bed for the majority of the day, a speciality alternating air mattress offers comfort and support for high-risk patients. This uses a system of air chambers to evenly distribute pressure on a constant basis.

Your healthcare provider can work with you to find the right mattress for your needs.

Using your adjustable bed

For someone spending an extended period of time in bed, it’s so important to create a comfortable, warm and welcoming environment.

Once you’ve chosen your homecare bed, carefully consider where you will position it in the bedroom.  Think about whether you need to make room for mobility aids such as a wheelchair or walking aid. And you might want to place the bed where they can look out of a window, or see into the living room and be part of the goings-on.

Also, think about the placement of other furniture in the room. A side table or low cupboard in arm’s reach can be handy to keep personal items like a phone and glasses. An overbed table can allow the user to eat, read or play games in bed comfortably.

Make sure there is adequate lighting for reading, eating and providing treatment. An app-enabled lamp can be a great way for someone to change the lighting themselves from the comfort of their bed.

Adjustable bed summary

Finding the right adjustable homecare bed involves thinking about the particular needs of the patient. Considerations include the type of homecare bed, whether it’s manual or electric, particular features and accessories, how long the user will need it, and your budget.

If you need help choosing the right homecare bed and mattress, Aidacare can help. Browse our full range or get in touch with us to chat about specific models and the features that you might need.