At any given place or time, you are exposed to germs and other threats that can affect your health. This is why there are millions of people admitted to hospitals every year. In 2013 alone, hospital admissions reached 35.4 million.
Depending on the cause of the ailment, the average length of stay for patients in the hospital is 4.5 days. At times, even after being discharged, patients are still not in a capacity to resume life normally and may require home-based care. This is especially true for individuals with chronic ailments.
Such instances call for adjustments at home to ensure that the patient is in an environment that will help them recover. To begin with, you will have to clear out a room for them that will act as a hospital room. You will also need to purchase hospital equipment that’s necessary for their recovery.
At this point, one of the most important purchases is a hospital stretcher. You have to choose one that suits your loved one’s unique needs. No one ever expects that they may one day need to buy hospital equipment for their home. No need to panic, this article will take you through everything you need to know when looking for stretchers for sale.
What Are Your Options?
Manual Hospital Beds
These are the most economical options and are suitable for patients who do not require changing positions regularly. Manual beds, whether they are refurbished hospital beds or new, rely on the use of a crank to adjust the height and position of the bed.
Therefore, these beds require a caregiver or someone else near the patient to adjust the positions.
Semi-Electric Beds
Semi-electric beds have some features that can be adjusted by a push of a button and others that are still changed manually. These beds have motors that help with the adjustment for the head and feet. This feature is suitable for patients who need to reposition the leg and headrest frequently.
However, the height of the bed is adjusted manually.
Full Electric Beds
With full electric beds, all the features can be adjusted easily by using a remote that’s usually attached by the bedside. This allows the patient to adjust positions when they desire without relying on anyone else.
A resolution bed is suitable for a patient who needs to adjust positions multiple times or to be lowered to exit the bed.
The choice as to which type of hospital stretcher is suitable for your loved one should primarily be guided by their needs.
Choosing a Stretcher Bed Mattress
As with choosing a bed, there are also a lot of considerations to make when selecting a hospital stretcher bed mattress. Key among them is the condition of the patient.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses have some similar features with ordinary mattresses and are the most common hospital bed mattress. They are suitable for patients who do not need to spend most of their time on the bed.
Foam Prevention Mattresses
This type of mattress is suitable for a patient who needs to spend an extended period in bed. They are designed to prevent bedsores which can make a patient uncomfortable and worsen their condition.
Medical Air and Alternating Pressure Relief Mattress
If your loved one has already developed an ulcer or bedsore, you may want to get them an alternating pressure relief mattress. This type of mattress has air cells that help promote the circulation of air inside.
When the patient moves and the pressure points change, the air cells inflate or deflate, thus giving them a soothing effect.
Lateral Rotation Mattress
At times, bedridden patients are not able to change their sleeping position, causing other problems to arise. A lateral rotation mattress is suitable for such patients as the bed has a design that allows the user to be rotated gently to either side. This helps prevent pressure sores and makes them more comfortable.
When a loved one is unwell, the most important thing you can do for them is to be there and help make them comfortable. When it comes to comfort, ensure that you select the most suitable hospital stretcher and mattress.
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