Hospital Beds

Types of Hospital Beds: Which One Is Right for You?

Hospital beds for home use and long-term care generally fall into three types, and the right choice depends on the patient’s mobility level, caregiver availability, and care setting.

Manual Hospital Bed

A manual hospital bed is adjusted entirely by hand cranks for head, foot, and height positions. It tends to be the most affordable option and works well in home care situations where a caregiver is consistently present and budget is a primary consideration.

Semi-Electric Hospital Bed

A semi-electric bed adjusts the head and foot positions with a motor-driven handset, while height is still adjusted manually by crank. This is a practical middle ground for home patients who need frequent repositioning but have a caregiver available for occasional height changes.

Full-Electric Hospital Bed

A full-electric hospital bed motorizes all three adjustments, head, foot, and height, which makes it a strong option for solo caregivers or patients who need to reposition independently. The Joerns WeCare, for example, removes the need to manually crank the bed height, which reduces physical strain and fall risk during transfers.

Specialty Considerations for Higher-Capacity Needs

Some patients require a bed with a reinforced frame and wider sleeping surface to support additional weight capacity. In contrast, others benefit from lower positioning that reduces fall injury risk for those with balance or cognitive concerns. Most homecare hospital beds accept a 36-inch by 80-inch mattress rather than a standard twin size, so it is worth pairing any bed purchase with a correctly sized hospital bed mattress. Side rails, trapeze bars, and overbed tables are typically sold separately from the frame itself.

Comparing the Joerns Hospital Bed Lineup

Joerns offers three distinct, fully electric hospital beds designed for home care and long-term care: the economical WeCare (450 lb capacity), the versatile, low-profile EasyCare (600 lb capacity), and the premium UltraCare XT (650 lb capacity) with advanced clinical positioning. The UltraCare XT stands out with a 30-times stronger toroidal frame and Trendelenburg capabilities, offering an ICU-level experience for complex, heavy-duty needs.

Joerns Hospital Bed Comparison

Hospital Bed Accessories and What Is Included

Most hospital beds ship as a frame only, so it helps to know what else needs to be added to complete a full setup.

Mattress and Side Rail Basics

A standard homecare bed requires a 36-inch by 80-inch mattress, not a standard twin, with options including innerspring, foam, and pressure-relief designs meant to reduce the risk of pressure injuries during extended bed rest.

Half rails and full rails both attach to the bed frame to help prevent falls and assist with repositioning. However, compatibility should be confirmed against the specific bed model before purchasing.

Positioning and Comfort Accessories

A trapeze bar mounts above the bed and allows patients with some upper-body strength to reposition themselves independently, reducing caregiver strain and supporting patient dignity. A height-adjustable overbed table rolls into position for meals, reading, or device use without requiring the patient to leave the bed.

Also, foam bed wedges support specific positioning needs, such as elevating the legs or maintaining a side-lying position, between powered adjustments, and a waterproof mattress protector extends mattress life while simplifying cleanup.

Medicare, Insurance, and Financing for Hospital Beds

Hospital beds are classified as Durable Medical Equipment under Medicare Part B, which can cover a portion of the Medicare-approved cost when prescribed by a physician and purchased through a Medicare-approved supplier.

HSA, FSA, and Financing Options

For patients paying out of pocket, hospital beds are generally eligible for purchase using Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account funds. However, eligibility should be confirmed directly with the plan administrator. Financing through installment plans is also available for buyers who prefer to spread the cost over time rather than paying the full amount upfront.

Choosing Between a Hospital Bed and Other Home Care Options

Not every home care setup calls for a full hospital bed, and matching the equipment to the patient’s actual mobility level avoids paying for capability that will not get used.

When an Adjustable Bed Might Be Enough

Patients who do not need side rails, a hi-lo height range, or Trendelenburg positioning may be well served by an adjustable bed instead, which offers head and foot positioning in a more residential form factor. A sleep-to-stand bed is worth considering for patients whose primary challenge is getting in and out of bed independently rather than needing clinical-grade positioning throughout the day.

When a Recliner or Power Wheelchair Covers the Need

For patients who spend most of their day upright and only need a place to rest rather than a full sleeping surface, a reclining power wheelchair or a sleeping recliner can sometimes cover the need without the footprint or cost of a hospital bed. These options work best for patients who are largely mobile during the day and need support primarily for extended sitting rather than around-the-clock positioning.

Setting Up a Safe, Comfortable Home Care Space

Matching bed type, mattress, and accessories to the patient’s specific mobility level and care setting makes the biggest difference in both comfort and caregiver safety. Reach out to our team with specific questions about sizing, weight capacity, or Medicare eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions