For Caregivers

As the older US population continues to grow, many individuals prefer to maintain their independence by aging in place gracefully in their homes. Yet faced with new mobility constraints, a lifelong home can suddenly become full of safety hazards. 

Here’s the good news: there are plenty of steps you can take to make your home accessible and safe for yourself or a loved one. These adjustments don’t require expensive or lengthy home renovations, and can make a huge difference in overall quality of life. 

Without clear lighting, it can be easy to trip over furniture or stumble in the dark. Make sure your home has strong overhead lights that illuminate each potential obstacle in your home. Even at night, plug in nightlights and place lighting tracks along dark stairways.

Don’t forget about your floors! Check that all carpets are securely attached to floors and short enough for smooth wheelchair navigation. Install slip-resistant flooring and grip mats in bathrooms and kitchens and make sure all flooring is at a uniform level. 

Have a gravel driveway or muddy, cobblestone path outside? It may be time for smooth cement or asphalt landscaping. 

The more organized your home is, the less risk of trips, falls, and other injuries. Take time to clean up the clutter: install shelving units, clear hallways, and keep needless items off of the floor. This makes it easier for loved ones with wheelchairs, canes, or walkers to move through your home. 

Grab bars are a low-cost home addition that can make all the difference. Most commonly, homeowners install these bars for greater independence using the toilet and bath/shower. But the functionality doesn’t have to stop there: place grab bars along long wallways, beneath kitchen countertops, or beside doorways to offer a helping hand wherever you or a loved one needs it. 

Stairs are an especially common mobility obstacle. One-third of healthy adults age 65+ experience at least one fall per year, with many being linked to trouble ascending or descending steps. Stairlifts and vertical platform lifts can gently transfer users between floors without risk of injury or expensive home renovations. No matter if your stairs are indoor or outdoor, spiral or straight, there is a lift solution for your home. 

If an area of your home has only a few steps, consider an accessible ramp instead.

Transferring between positions can be especially challenging for those who are mobility-impaired. Invest in a lift chair or hi-low bed to encourage independent, safe transfers between seated/laying and standing positions.  

It’s all about the small details– Spend time brainstorming accessibility obstacles that you or a loved one may struggle with throughout everyday life. Consider replacing round doorknobs with ADA-compliant handles, substitute swinging closet doors for space-saving sliding ones, or even implement voice-activated commands for lights and other appliances.

While these are general suggestions to improve the accessibility of your home, you may want to consider additional modifications specific to your unique mobility needs. For instance, if you or a loved one typically spends the day in a wheelchair, make sure all lighting and thermostat controls are within reach from a seated position. 

These days, getting older or developing a disability shouldn’t mean having to leave your home. By taking steps to make your home more accessible, you can keep up a safe and independent lifestyle in your home for years to come!

Have additional questions about maximizing your home for mobility? Contact our team of product experts anytime and we’d be happy to help. 

If you’re searching for a hospital bed for you or a loved one, you may wonder about Medicare coverage. While Medicare does cover basic hospital beds for qualifying patients, a specific set of conditions must be met. 

In order to qualify for a hospital bed under Medicare, you must meet the following requirements.

Qualifying conditions range from congestive heart failure to breathing problems. Hospital beds are prescribed to individuals who require a head-of-bed angle higher than 30 degrees or sleeping positions that are not possible with a normal bed. 

A participating physician must prescribe a hospital bed based on a documented medical condition, paired with a signed Medical Necessity certificate. Each bed model and add-on comes with additional documentation requirements.

If the above conditions are met, Medicare will cover 80% of the total cost of the hospital bed for those with Part B enrollment. You’ll still be responsible for a 20% copayment, and Medicare will determine whether you purchase the bed or rent for a 13-month capped rental period.

Your final cost will be based on a variety of factors: type of bed, location, insurance parameters, etc. 

Generally speaking, Medicare will only cover the most basic model of hospital bed to accommodate your needs. Medicare covers the following types of hospital beds: 

• Manual hospital bed: A fully-manual bed that adjusts by turning a crank. While affordable, these beds produce the most manual strain on caregivers. 
• Variable height hospital bed: In addition to adjusting the head and foot sections of the bed, patients can smooth transfers by adjusting the overall height of the bedframe.
• Semi-electric bed: While bed height requires a manual crank, head and foot adjustments are done with a handheld remote.
• Heavy-duty hospital bed: For bariatric patients who need additional support, patients over 300lbs can qualify for heavy-duty, extra-wide beds. 

If deemed medically necessary, Medicare can cover other items such as bed rails and trapeze bars. 

Be sure to double-check with your doctor, DME supplier, and Medicare to ensure approval throughout the process. Medicare may not pay any claims if the order is not submitted properly.  

Here’s the bottom line: if you want to customize your hospital bed to your specific needs and comfort, you’ll want to look outside of Medicare’s basic options. 

Some bed features not covered by Medicare include: 

• Full-electric beds, completely operated with a handheld remote.
• Rotating beds for easier transfer
• Customizable mattress types
• Ultra-adjustable beds with sectioned mattresses
• Customizable designs, frames, etc.
• Additional storage space
• Integrated weighting space
• Additional tilting and reclining options
• Etc. 

Proper sleep is critical for good health, and plays a principal role in injury prevention, memory, reduced cardiovascular risk, mood, and other important health indicators. You shouldn’t settle for the most basic model, but rather select a hospital bed which will best support your health needs and lifestyle. 

Our collection of homecare hospital beds are designed with optimal home-based care in mind.Here are a couple of our best-selling models.

EasyCare® SE Hi-Low Homecare Bed

Built with incredible attention to detail, this fully-electric hospital bed comes with a 4-section mattress support platform. This allows patients individual control over the head, legs, and deck elevation to create hundreds of different positions. 

Hi-low functionality make transfers a breeze, and advanced auto-contour functionality prevents shin shearing during position changes. With a built-in width extender, this bed can be perfectly customized to your comfort. 

Carroll CS7 Hi-Low Hospital Bed

Another best-seller, this highly versatile hi-low bed can easily accommodate any activity in your day-to-day life. 

The fully-electric bed can lower to an impressive 7” or raise to 30” for simple transfers and strain-free caregiving. Auto-contour functionality prevents shin shearing, and a one-touch floor lock system safely secures the bed in place. An upgraded slat-deck frame design creates increased ventilation and protects against infection. 

SafeCare LT Hi-Low Homecare Bed

Make no mistake: even at entry-level pricing, the MedaCure Ultra Low Hi-Low Homecare Bed provides the highest standard of comfort and attention to detail. Use the bright universal symbols on the remote hand control to find your perfect position. The auto-contour feature can raise the head and knees simultaneously, preventing painful skin shearing. 

Rapid tool-free assembly means you can start relaxing in your bed in no time. While set-up and maintenance may be a breeze, the quality of construction speaks for itself. The bed’s durable, reinforced steel tube frame can easily support up to 500lbs. 

PerfectCare Versatile 2-in-1 Homecare Bed

Delivering care has never been easier. Breeze through set-up and maintenance: this bed requires no tools at all. Bed too short or narrow? Extend the width and length in a matter of seconds (headboard and footboard included!). The 8-function hand pendant lowers the bed to a safe 7” tall for seamless transfers, then can raise to 30” to make caregiving easier. Protect from pain skin shearing with the auto-contour function, which raises both knees and head simultaneously. 

Medicare does provide limited hospital bed coverage, given that specific conditions for medical necessity are met. MedMart accepts Medicare at our brick and mortar stores, but not via online retail.

For those who don’t fit Medicare’s rigid requirements or are looking for additional functionality and comfort, privately purchased hospital beds through a provider like MedMart are the way to go. Customize your ideal bed based on your optimal positions, add-ons, or interior design preferences. 

Get in touch with a MedMart product expert today to find the best-fit hospital bed for you. 

Do you prioritize healthy sleep habits? You spend over one-third of your life in bed, and sleep habits can have incredible, long-lasting effects on overall health and quality of life. 

So why do we still sleep on old or uncomfortable furniture? Everyone has different preferences for what they require for an optimal night’s sleep. Your bed and mattress are two of the most important investments you can make toward your overall health. For loved ones who require extra bed functionality, multiple positions, or pressure point relief, this is exponentially more important. 

In this article, we’ll cover the importance of quality sleep as well as how to select an optimal bed frame and mattress for you or a loved one’s needs. 

A night of tossing and turning does more damage than needing an extra cup of coffee the following morning. Poor sleep has significant consequences to long-term health, including: 

Getting fewer than six hours of sleep increases susceptibility of high blood pressure. Without sufficient rest, your body is unable to balance hormone levels, which increases cardiovascular risk. 

During sleep, the brain produces brain waves that preserve memory. As sleep quality deteriorates, so do neural connections and information storage. It can be more difficult to process and retain information while running on insufficient sleep. 

If you are part of the one-third of US adults who struggle with insomnia, you have a 10x higher risk of depression. Without the restorative properties of sleep, the body struggles to balance mood and stress systems. 

Almost everyone, unfortunately, has experienced feeling a little drowsy at the wheel after a night of poor sleep. In the right circumstance, poor sleep can lead to fatal or life-altering consequences. One study found that individuals with poor sleep patterns were twice as likely to die in a workplace accident than their counterparts.

Disturbed sleep is also associated with an increased risk of falls in senior populations. Falls are one of the most common risk factors among seniors, with one in five leading to a serious injury like a broken bone or head trauma. 

And that’s just the start. Poor sleep patterns lead directly to weight gain, risk of diabetes, weakened immunity, and a long list of other risks. Insufficient sleep keeps your body from the restorative process that keeps it safe and functioning optimally. 

A good right’s sleep starts with the right bed. The right bed and mattress for your needs can make an incredible difference in health outcomes. 

With proper sleep being so critical to good health, it’s important to start with the right bed. If you are bed-bound or a fall risk, bed selection can make an enormous difference in the quality of day-to-day life. You need a bed that is safe, provides adequate customization, and can be comfortable enough for a great night’s sleep. 

Two highly-configurable beds we recommend are the EasyCare® SE Hi-Low Homecare Bed and the Carroll CS7 Hi-Low Bed. These best-sellers are Hi-Low, meaning they can raise or lower with a push of a button: accommodating easy transfers, reduced caregiver strain, and more. 

Both models include auto-contour functionality, which raises both knees and head at the same time, preventing abrasion from sliding down the bed. A hand pendant can change to any number of positions with the press of a button. 

Let’s be honest: not every mattress is built the same. Consider desired mattress material, coolness, firmness, foam density, and more based on your individual needs. 

If you choose to purchase a foam mattress, take into account the important role foam density plays in mattress support and durability

Low-Density Foam: Soft, and quickly regains shape because of more air inside the material. These mattresses are cooler to sleep on and often are available at a lower price point. On the other hand, low-density mattresses are less durable. 

High-Density Foam: Packed with more material per cubic foot, high-density foam is best for durability and pressure relief. These mattresses conform to your body’s unique shape and retain heat. 

For the “best of both worlds”, we recommend the best-selling Total Care VLX Tri-layered Foam Mattress. Cooling memory foam draws away excess heat from the body while sleeping, while still offering the pressure point relief of a foam mattress. 

Don’t be afraid to look beyond traditional foam mattresses, either. There are a wide range of mattress materials that provide specific benefits. 

Foam: Foam mattresses combine pressure relief with conforming, soft material. They may run warmer than other mattress types, but provide good support for sleepers. 

Air Pressure: Designed for those who require extra care around pressure sores and back pain relief, air mattresses support blood circulation and movement without causing damage to skin or back.

We recommend the bestselling Deluxe Air LAL 2-1 Alternation Mattress or Triple Air 3-1 LAL Alternation Mattress. These low-weight mattresses give extra stability and comfort while sleeping. 

Innerspring:  Classic innerspring mattresses have an inner steel coil support system covered by a thin topper. They offer firm support at a low price, and don’t trap heat in. However, they aren’t able to conform to relieve specific pressure points. 

Gel Mattress Toppers: For those needing additional comfort, a gel mattress topper helps regulate body temperature while providing extra support. 

Choosing a bed and mattress isn’t only about finding somewhere to rest your head at night. Your bed and mattress selection can play a major role in long-term health and well-being. 

Our team of product experts at MedMart can help you find the perfect bedframe and mattress set to support deep, restful sleep no matter your needs. 

Do you or a loved one struggle with poor mobility? You’re not alone. 

 41% of adults aged 65-79 experience some form of mobility constraint in their everyday life and a full 1 in 4 US adults have been diagnosed with arthritis. Even in younger populations, any number of diagnoses or surgeries can affect one’s ability to perform daily actions. To those with mobility impairments, transitionary movements are a significant safety risk.

But poor mobility shouldn’t mean a loss of independence or reduced quality of life. Lift chairs can provide individuals with the support they need in sitting-to-standing transitionary movements. 

At a first glance, lift chairs look like ordinary reclining chairs. But don’t let looks deceive you– these chairs have powerful motorized systems to gently lift the user from a sitting to standing position. No need to risk injury, require assistance from others, or place undue pressure on joints. 

At the simple press of a button, the motorized chair safely lifts the user to an upright position or reclines back into a seated position. It can be an invaluable tool to those struggling with arthritis, recovering from surgery, or anyone needing an extra helping hand. 

Transitioning between seated and standing positions can be a complicated movement for those who are mobility-impaired. Poor transitions can lead to serious injury or slow a healing process post-surgery. Even worse, loved ones may avoid asking for help out of embarrassment or fear of burdening others. 

Lift chairs provide consistent, solid mobility support whenever the user needs it. 

Mobility limitations affect mental health just as much as physical health. It can feel frustrating to struggle with simple movements or to rely on the help of others. 

A lift chair gives loved ones back their independence. With mobility support at the touch of a button, users can quickly transfer themselves in and out of a seated position. 

Lift chairs not only prevent injury but actively contribute to positive health outcomes. 

The motorized system emphasizes correct posture when in motion, and customizable chair positions can ease muscle tension and joint pain. For example, Zero Gravity chairs have a seat area that can tilt and raise, lifting tension off of the spine. 

Some lift chairs are specifically designed for sleep: promoting circulation and allowing for deeper and more relaxed breathing. 

Lift chairs come with many options of sizes, features, and movement. Here are some features to consider when choosing a lift chair. 

Lift chairs can be categorized by the number of different positions they can accommodate. For example, a 2-position lift chair reclines to a 45-degree angle only. An Infinite Position chair, in contrast, has dual motors which allow the back and footrest areas operate independently and adjust to any number of different positions. 

Some additional features that you may want to consider are: 

• Heating and massage systems
• Charging ports for electronics
• Heavy duty lift chairs for users desiring additional space and weight capacity
• Trendelenburg position functionality (to elevate the legs and improve circulation) 

For patients or loved ones needing extra mobility support, a lift chair can make all the difference. There are many options available and customizations to choose from: MedMart can help you find the best lift chair to fit your needs. 

Seniors or those with special needs may require something more specialized than a regular bed. That’s where a hospital bed comes in. If you’re taking care of a sick, disabled, or aging family member, a hospital bed can make them more comfortable and make it easier to give them the care they need.