If a loved one has medical care at home, comforts, safety, and recovery may need to be admitted to the hospital with the exception of maybe for dill. But with varying price points for each model, is one really worth buying? Here’s how the 2025 guide breaks down the benefits, costs, and considerations to aid you in deciding.
1. Why a Hospital Bed Might Be Worth It
The advantages that hospital beds have that regular beds do not:
- Comfort and Positioning – It adjusts to all and varies the head, foot, and height to assist with breathing, circulation, and pain.
- Safety – Side rails keep patients from falling while the lock on wheels keeps it stable.
- Easier Caregiving – Height adjustment means less back strain for caregivers during transfers.
- Medical Necessity – Needed in diseases like COPD, ALS or in recovery from major surgery, or possessing severe mobility issues.
Real-Life Situations in Which Hospital Beds Can Help:
- A stroke patient who must be repositioned often.
- An elderly parent at risk of bedsores.
- A post-op patient with swelling in the legs that must be elevated.
2. When a Hospital Bed May Cultivate Indifference
Consider alternatives if:
- ❌ Any regular bed modified by bed rails or wedge pillows suffices for the patient.
- ❌ You need it for short-term use (renting may be better).
- ❌ There’s a very tight budget (because some insurance plans/Medicare may not cover it).
3. Hospital Bed Buying Guide for 2025
Types of Hospital Beds
Type Best For Avg. Cost (2025)
Manual Budget buyers, minimal adjustments $500–$1,500
Semi-Electric Moderate needs; easier adjustments $1,000–$2,500
Full-Electric Severe mobility issues; convenience $1,500–$4,000
Bariatric Heavyweight patients (500+ lbs) $2,500–$6,000
Key Features to Look For
- Height adjustment and positioning (Trendelenburg for medical needs).
- Side rails and fall prevention.
- Mattress quality (pressure relief foam or air pressure mattresses).
- Weight limits (standard: 300–500 lbs; bariatric: 600+ lbs).
Where to Buy in 2025
- Medical suppliers (Shoppers Home Health Care, Motion Specialties).
- Online retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Vitality Medical).
- Used/refurbished market (Kijiji, MedBuy Equipment).
4. Cost versus Value: Is It Worth the Investment?
Scenario Worth It? Best Option
Short-term recovery (1-6 months) Maybe Rent ($100–$400/month)
Long-term chronic illness Definitely Buy ($1,000–$4,000)
Bariatric or specialized needs Indeed Heavy-duty purchase
Tip: Check Medicare, ADP (Ontario), or private insurance for partial coverage.
5. The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Hospital Bed?
✅ Worth It If:
- Patient has severe mobility and/or medical issues.
- Long-term use is foreseen.
- Caregiver strain exists.
❌ Not Worth It If:
- It is short-term (go for rentals).
- A modified regular bed will suffice.
- Budget is too constraining (look for financial aid).
Help Deciding? We compare the best hospital beds in Canada—get in touch with us for a free consultation!