When getting around becomes tricky– whether because of an injury, a chronic medical condition, or just the natural changes that come with age—the right mobility aid can be a game-changer. But here’s the catch: with so many different kinds out there (canes, walkers, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, etc), figuring out which one’s right for you or a loved one can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve boiled it down to five simple questions. Answer these, and you’ll quickly narrow your options—and move one step closer to finding the mobility device that will give you more independence, comfort, and peace of mind.
1. What’s the Main Challenge You’re Trying to Solve?
Think about what’s holding you or your loved one back most from an active, independent life.
Balance issues: If you just need a little extra stability, a walking aid like a cane, walking stick, or rollator may be enough. If you want more stability, a standard walker surrounds you to provide stability and safety.
Summer is in full swing, and for many of us that means it’s time to pack a bag and finally take that long-awaited trip (don’t forget to bring sunscreen!). Whether you’re heading on a beach vacation, cruise, or weekend road trip, getting around should be the least of your worries.
That’s where the right mobility device can make all the difference. With over three decades in the mobility aid business, we’re proud to offer the most travel-friendly, lightweight options on the market. Keep reading to learn our tips on finding the best lightweight, comfortable, and TSA-approved mobility aids to keep you moving comfortably and confidently this summer.
Why Invest in a Portable Mobility Aid?
Traditional scooters and wheelchairs can be big, bulky, and hard to transport. When navigating unfamiliar sidewalks or airport lines, we recommend using a lightweight, travel-friendly option for versatility and peace of mind.
Do you want to help provide the best quality of care possible for your parent, spouse, or other loved one?
It can be difficult to watch loved ones get older: daily mobility and everyday tasks that used to be simple, suddenly aren’t anymore. Your loved ones may begin to struggle with getting out of bed on their own, may be a fall risk, or need to stay in specific seated positions to accommodate health conditions.
As family members age, risks of health complications and injuries also increase.
A home hospital bed can be an enormous help in caring for your loved one and providing them a happier, safer quality of life.
You may be wondering- how do I know when to buy a home hospital bed?
When to Purchase a Home Hospital Bed
When Your Loved One Experiences Decreased Mobility
As we age, many individuals find it challenging to get in and out of bed or adjust positioning on their own. Aching joints, injuries, and decreased strength can all play a role in seniors needing a bit more extra
Struggling to get in and out of bed? Need relief from pressure sores or achey joints? Dealing with a chronic health condition? Home hospital beds can provide significant relief, improve health outcomes, and improve everyday life for a wide range of people.
Here are our top tips for choosing a home hospital bed to improve you or a loved one’s quality of life.
Manual, Semi-Electric, and Electric Hospital Beds
How much would you like to rely on manpower to change patient positioning in your home hospital bed?
Manual Hospital Beds: Rely on cranks to raise and lower the head and feet of the bed without motors
Semi-Electric Hospital Beds: Use a motorized system to raise and lower the head and knees of the bed, but often rely on a manual crank system for vertical adjustments.
Electric Hospital Beds: These beds are fully electric– users can change their position in bed, transition to a seated position, or raise and lower the platform of a bed with the push of a button.
Gone are the days of struggling with bulky cranks or stacking pillows in order to help a patient change position in bed. These days, modern hospital and long term care beds include motorized systems for easy adjustment.
Need to sit up in bed? Raise your knees? Changing positions can be as simple as pressing a button on a handheld remote control.
If you’re looking for a home hospital bed, you may find yourself wondering– what’s the difference between a fully electric and semi-electric hospital bed?
Fully Electric vs Semi-Electric Hospital Beds
Both electric and semi-electric hospital beds use motors to adjust the positioning of the bed without manual strain. Patients or caregivers can adjust the bed through a handheld remote or control panel attached to the bed.
Hi-low Bed vs Hospital Bed
Hi-low beds and hospital beds are designed to assist patients with mobility and care, but they serve slightly different purposes. Hi-low beds are primarily used in home care settings and feature
Thinking about making the transition from a regular bed to home hospital bed, but aren’t sure if it’s worth it?
Don’t let the name fool you, “hospital beds” belong in your home as well, and can dramatically transform the everyday comfort and wellbeing of those with mobility issues.
In this blog, we’ll explore four of the top reasons to have a hospital bed at home for yourself or a loved one.
Improved Comfort
Home hospital beds are designed to be highly adjustable, conforming to your exact comfort level and preferences.
Adjustable Positioning: Transition from a laying to a sitting position with a button's touch. A home hospital bed allows you to adjust your foot or head positioning, raise your knees, and more without stacking pillows.
Mattress Selection: Choose from foam, gel, air, or multiple materials to find the perfect mattress to match your comfort. The mattress selection options for home hospital beds are endless, providing far greater customization options than traditional mattresses.
A home hospital bed safety rail is a component that secures to a home bed, offering a helping hand to support loved ones with mobility limitations. These rails help provide a sturdy grip while entering/exiting the bed and prevent harmful falls.
Bed safety rails can be purchased as part of a hospital bed kit or individually.
5 Things to Consider When Selecting Bed Safety Rails
When evaluating different hospital bed rails for your needs, here are the top five things to consider:
Support Requirements: What are the user’s mobility limitations? Will the patient be using the rail independently for transfers? Are they at risk of falls? It’s important to understand which safety features are most important for your loved one.
Portability: Will the bed rail stay in one place, or are you looking for a more portable solution? Plenty of lightweight bed rails can easily be packed and taken with you on trips.
Installation Complexity: Some bed rails can be easily installed
Bedwetting is a common issue that affects both children and older adults. If you find yourself frequently replacing mattresses, washing sheets, or managing unpleasant odors, it may be time for a better solution.
Modern-day incontinence mattresses and mattress protectors provide a restful, comfortable night's sleep while protecting against bedwetting. Featuring a built-in fluid barrier and odor protection, users of all ages can enjoy a comfortable night's sleep worry-free.
Looking to buy an incontinence mattress? Here are four things to keep in mind (as well as some of our top bedwetting solutions!).
Do You Need a Mattress or Mattress Protector?
Yes, you need a mattress protector if you’re wetting the bed. Both incontinence mattresses and mattress protectors help those who suffer from bedwetting. Depending on your needs and budget, one might be better suited for you than the other.
Hi-low beds offer a helping hand to promote easy caregiving, increased independence, and greater comfort in everyday life for you and your loved ones.
What is a Hi-Low Bed?
A hi-low bed is a hospital bed designed to raise and lower vertically with the touch of a button. Bedframes can typically descend to as low as 7 inches off of the ground, then raise to up to 30 inches. Hi-low hospital beds have a number of benefits, including:
Easier transfers: A lowered bedframe makes it easier for patients to get in and out of bed safely and with greater independence.
Strain-free caregiving: Caregivers can raise the bed in order to change dressings and administer care without strain.
Improved circulation: Adjustable head and foot sections can elevate different parts of the body, allowing for improved circulation and blood flow.
Top 4 Hi-Low Hospital Beds for Home Use
Med Mart offers a collection of hi-low hospital beds for a range of budgets and custom needs.
Fewer things are more important to home care and recovery than the right hospital bed. Don’t spend all your time and energy comparing different hospital bed features without considering one of the most important features of all: bed and mattress size.
It's about more than comfort– the right fit can make a significant difference in recovery and overall health
An incorrectly sized hospital bed frame or mattress can lead to discomfort, poor sleep quality, and even health complications.
Before you select your next hospital bed purchase, take the time to slow down and evaluate the different sizes of hospital beds to find the best fit for your needs.
Identifying Your Needs
Start by identifying the measurements of the patient or loved one who will be using the home hospital bed. Height and weight are the most important factors, but if the patient requires a particular width to feel comfortable in a hospital bed, note that as well.
Then, move on to evaluate the space you have available for the
