Setting Up a Hospital Bed at Home: A Family Guide

A hospital bed at home can make caregiving safer and more comfortable when a parent spends much of the day in bed, has trouble getting in and out of bed, needs their head raised to breathe or eat, or is on hospice. Medicare Part B may cover a hospital bed as durable medical equipment when a doctor documents medical necessity, usually as a rental from an enrolled supplier, and hospice typically provides one for hospice patients. Plan the room layout before delivery, use the bed’s height and rails correctly, and add a pressure-relieving mattress if your parent is at risk for bedsores.

Many families resist bringing a hospital bed into the home because it feels clinical. But the right bed often makes a big difference: easier transfers, less strain on caregivers’ backs, better breathing, and safer repositioning. It can also let a parent stay home rather than move to a facility.

This guide explains when a hospital bed helps, how to get one, and how to set it up and use it safely.

When does a hospital bed help?

• Your parent spends most of the day in bed.
• They have trouble getting in and out of a standard bed.
• They need the head raised for breathing, eating or reflux.
• They need frequent repositioning to prevent bedsores.
• Caregivers are straining their backs helping in a low bed.
• Your parent is recovering from surgery or receiving hospice care.

What types of hospital beds are there?

• Manual
  • Features: Crank to adjust head, feet and height
  • Considerations: Least expensive; takes effort
• Semi-electric
  • Features: Electric head and foot, manual height
  • Considerations: Common choice
• Full-electric
  • Features: Everything adjusts electrically
  • Considerations: Easiest for caregivers; often costs more
• Low beds
  • Features: Lower to the floor
  • Considerations: For people at high risk of falling out of bed
• Bariatric
  • Features: Wider and higher weight capacity
  • Considerations: For larger individuals

How do you get a hospital bed?

1. Talk to the doctor about medical need.
2. Check coverage: Medicare Part B may cover a hospital bed as durable medical equipment when medically necessary, typically through a rental from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. Medi-Cal and private insurance may also cover beds. Hospice usually provides beds for enrolled patients.
3. Choose a supplier and confirm delivery and setup.
4. Consider rent vs. buy if your parent’s need may be short-term.

How do you set up the room?

• Choose a room on the main floor, near a bathroom if possible.
• Leave space on both sides of the bed for caregivers, ideally about 3 feet.
• Place the bed near an outlet, with cords secured.
• Add a bedside table, call bell or phone, and good lighting.
• Keep a clear path for a walker, wheelchair or commode.
• Keep familiar items nearby: photos, a favorite blanket, a window view if possible.

How do you use a hospital bed safely?

1. Lock the wheels at all times unless moving the bed.
2. Raise the bed to caregiver waist height for care, then lower it when your parent is resting.
3. Use bed rails carefully. Rails can help with repositioning but can also cause entrapment; follow the supplier’s and clinician’s guidance, and consider half rails or other options.
4. Keep the head raised as instructed for eating and breathing.
5. Use a pressure-relieving mattress if your parent is at risk for bedsores.
6. Reposition regularly, often every 2 hours for someone who can’t move themselves, or as the care team directs.

What caregiving tasks are easier with a hospital bed?

• Repositioning and turning
• Changing linens and incontinence products
• Sponge baths and skin checks
• Transfers to a chair, wheelchair or commode
• Feeding assistance with the head raised

Caregivers should be trained in safe transfer and repositioning techniques. Nona’s caregivers provide personal care assistance and 24-hour home care for bed-bound clients.

What about hospice?

Hospice typically provides a hospital bed, mattress and other equipment for enrolled patients at no cost. Private caregivers can provide the hands-on care between hospice visits. See 24-hour home care during hospice.

How do you make a hospital bed feel more like home?

A hospital bed can make a bedroom feel clinical. Small touches help the space feel familiar and comfortable.

• Use your parent’s own bedding. Familiar sheets, blankets, and pillows add comfort.
• Keep personal items nearby. Photos, books, and favorite objects make the space feel like home.
• Position the bed for a view. Place the bed near a window or where your parent can see family activity.
• Add soft lighting. Lamps feel warmer than overhead lights.

These details help your parent feel at home.

How do you keep caregivers safe when using a hospital bed?

Hospital beds can make caregiving easier, but caregivers still need to use proper techniques to avoid injury. Raise the bed to a comfortable working height, use the controls properly, and ask for training on transfers and repositioning.

Hospital bed at home setups work best when caregivers know how to use the bed safely.

What maintenance does a hospital bed need?

Check the bed regularly for loose parts, damaged cords, or malfunctioning controls. Contact the equipment supplier if repairs are needed.

Keep the area around the bed clear to prevent trips and falls.

How do you plan the room layout around a hospital bed?

A hospital bed takes up more space than most people expect, and caregivers need room to work around it. Leave enough space on at least one side, ideally both, for transfers, repositioning, and equipment like a wheelchair or lift. Keep a clear path from the bed to the bathroom or commode.

Place a bedside table within reach for water, glasses, a phone, and a call bell. Make sure outlets are close enough for the bed and other equipment without running cords across walking paths. Good lighting, including a nightlight, helps both your parent and caregivers at night.

Many families place the bed in a main living area so the person stays part of daily household life.

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare pay for a hospital bed at home? Medicare Part B may cover a hospital bed as durable medical equipment when a doctor documents medical need.

Should I rent or buy a hospital bed? Renting often makes sense for short-term needs and is how Medicare typically covers beds.

Are bed rails safe for elderly people? They can help but carry entrapment risks. Follow clinician and supplier guidance.

How much space do I need for a hospital bed? Plan for the bed plus room on both sides for caregivers and equipment.

How often should someone in a hospital bed be repositioned? Often every 2 hours if they can’t move themselves, or as the care team directs.

Hospital bed at home: a quick recap

A hospital bed at home makes care safer when a parent spends much of the day in bed, has trouble getting up, or is on hospice. Renting a hospital bed is common, and knowing whether Medicare covers hospital beds helps families plan, since Medicare Part B may cover one when a doctor documents medical necessity.

Plan your hospital bed setup with space on both sides, easy access to the bathroom, and good lighting. Home hospital bed safety includes locking the wheels, lowering the bed when not in use, and using rails only as directed. Caring for someone in a hospital bed is physically demanding, so consider help with repositioning and personal care. In-home care costs $40 to $50 per hour depending on the level of care, and 24-hour care runs $850 to $1,100 per day. See our personal care services and 24-hour home care services.