Home Access

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. 

If there’s one thing that everyone should look forward to at the end of a long day, it’s a comfortable place to rest. While traditional recliners and beds are comfortable, they aren’t always a safe solution for those with impaired mobility. If you or a loved one struggles with transitioning from a seated to standing position, lift recliners are a perfect solution. 

While they may look like ordinary reclining chairs at first glance, lift chairs come equipped with powerful motorized systems to gently lift users from a seated to standing position with the press of a button. They’re perfect for those struggling with chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or anyone in need of an extra helping hand. 

If you’re shopping for a lift chair for you or a loved one, the choices can seem overwhelming. How many motors do you need? What size lift chair? What add-ons or additional features should you consider? 

With over 30 years of experience finding the perfect mobility solutions for our customers, we know a thing or two about what makes a quality lift chair. Here, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the five top lift chairs in the United States available for purchase. Each of these solutions are top-ranked in terms of comfort, functionality, and add-ons. 

There’s a reason the Cloud MaxiComfort is one of our bestselling power chairs: overstuffed arms and very forgiving flex foam give incredible comfort and alleviate aches and pains. Dual motors allow for infinite positioning, and a patented scissor-box mechanism conforms the seat precisely to your measurements. The Cloud Maxicomfort comes in a variety of colors and sizes to fit your needs. 

If you’re looking for an elegant, contemporary-looking chair that’s packed with features, look no further. Designed with infinite positioning functionality, you can charge your phone with the built-in wireless phone charger while you find your perfect position. This chair also features a state-of-the-art heating system: relieve muscle tightness with three heating pads in the lumbar, shoulder, and seat areas. This chair may also be a great selection for bariatric patients, as it accommodates up to 400lbs. 

The Cloud Twilight Maxicomfort is a unique lift chair that provides the ultimate zero-gravity experience. The chair base, armrest, and back all recline to eliminate pressure on your spine and maximize relaxation. Complete with a contoured seat, power headrest, and power lumbar, it will be difficult to ever want to leave the comfort of this chair. Select from 22 fabrics to perfectly match your style. 

Need a top-tier lift recliner that won’t break the bank? Consider the Aura Luxe Power Lift Recliner. This all-in-one lift chair grants incredible rest and relaxation at an affordable price. Quickly change to any position using the ergonomic hand remote and charge your devices with the convenient USB charger. The Aura Luxes includes deluxe fabrics that are incredibly durable and stain-resistant, ensuring it looks like new for years to come. 

You may not be literally carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders like the Greek god Atlas, but this Atlas lift recliner will effortlessly melt away your aches and pains at the end of a long day. Stylish enough to be the center of attention in any room, this chair is built with a breathable faux level and detailed contrast stitching. The well-padded backrest supports infinite positioning and accommodates users up to 375lbs. 

Lift chairs can offer much greater independence for those struggling to transfer from seated to standing positions, but the benefits don’t stop there. Today’s lift chairs are equipped with a wide array of customizable positions, add-ons, dual motors, and more to provide the ultimate relaxation experience. Take a look at the lift chairs above, or browse the Med Mart site for even more options.  

Still need some assistance finding the perfect lift chair match for you? Our team of product specialists would love to help– Give us a call anytime and together we’ll find the best-fit chair for you or a loved one. 

For those struggling with poor mobility, lift chairs can offer valuable support in everyday life. While they may look like everyday recliners, lift chairs contain powerful motors to gently guide users to a standing position. This can be an invaluable tool to those struggling with arthritis, recovering from surgery, or anyone needing an extra helping hand.

Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a lift chair, your next question may be “which chair best suits my needs?”. Not only do lift chairs come in a variety of materials, colors, and brands, but different position options as well. 

Today’s lift chairs come in a wide range of positions and motor functionality depending on your needs. Adjustable footrest positioning or a flexible recline mechanism can make all the difference in your daily comfort. 

In this blog post, we’ll explain the differences between 2-position, 3-position, and infinite-position lift chairs so that you can make an informed purchasing decision. 

When most people think of a recliner, a 2-position chair comes to mind. A 2-position lift chair raises the footrest while offering a few inches of back recline, making it more comfortable to rest or watch TV. These chairs can be affordable, still offer the mobility support of a lift chair, and are ideal if you need only a small recline. 

Most 2-position lift chairs have a gap between the ottoman and seat, and a single motor that controls everything. All our lift chairs are electrically powered, meaning there’s no need to fumble with a manual lever to comfortably recline. 

2-position chairs are great for relaxing after a long day, watching TV, reading, or conversing with family and friends. 

If you’re looking for more versatility, a 3-position recline chair leans back further than typical recliners. While it does not move into a fully horizontal position, the back of the chair moves into a deep incline comfortable for relaxation and sleeping. A hand control stops the recliner at any position along the way, making it easy to find your ideal position. 

3-position lift chairs typically come equipped with a single motor, meaning that the back and footrest cannot be adjusted independently. Most have no gap between the ottoman and the seat, making for a more comfortable seat. 

For the full versatility of 3-position lift chairs at an affordable price, we recommend our best-selling Heritage 358 Lift Recliner. 

If you or a loved one spend a significant amount of time in a lift chair, it may be time to consider ugrading your comfort with an infinite-position chair. 

These highly-flexible lift chairs come equipped with a dual motor system that allows the back and footrest to operate independently. With the push of a button, users can lift their legs without reclining, or move the backrest only. These chairs are typically padded all the way down, with no gaps between the back and footrest.

Infinite position chairs come with a much greater range of positions than 2 or 3 position chairs. Bring the back rest completelly parallel to the floor for a comfortable sleep, raise the footrest above your body to promote circulation, or enjoy zero-gravity mode. Users can adjust the seat and footrest to their specific needs, then program those positions to the hand-held controller. 

If you’re looking for a single chair to accommodate all your needs now and in the future, look toward an infinite-position chair. While you or a loved one may only require a slight recline now, in the future they may wish to sleep in their chair or use different positioning to aid injury recovery. With additional add-ons like massage and heat, they may never want to leave the chair! 

If you’re considering an infinite position lift chair, take a look at the Cloud MaxiComfort Power Lift Recliner. This chair includes endless opportunities for comfortable positions, wrapped in a very forgiving flex foam. The patented scissor-box mechanism raises and tilts the entire seat to customize to your body precisely, alleviating back or knee pain. 

If you or a loved one needs a bit of extra assistance raising from or lowering to a deep seated position, a lift chair can make all the difference. Browse MedMart’s collection of lift chairs, or talk to a product specialist today to choose the perfect chair to accommodate your needs. 

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. 

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.

Did you know that almost 80 percent of falls occur in bathrooms? If you or a loved one is aging at home, it is incredibly important to take bathroom safety into consideration. We carry a wide range of products, from shower chairs to grab bars, that will help to prevent falls and maintain independence in the bathroom.

The most common reason that our customers choose to purchase a patient lift is to reduce the risk of injury to both caretakers and patients during transfers. Helping a loved one from their bed into a wheelchair or helping them up from the floor after a fall may seem perfectly safe. However, when these transfers happen frequently they can cause back problems in caretakers and extreme discomfort for patients.

Pools are a great place to cool off during the hot summer months. Unfortunately, many pools are not accessible to those unable to safely navigate a set of stairs or a ladder. One simple way to make sure your pool is accessible to everyone is to install a pool lift! This helpful type of lift was designed to safely transfer people from a wheelchair into the pool. There are a wide variety of lifts designed specifically for poolside access, so the team at Med Mart is here to help you understand your options.