I'm trying to order a fully electric hospital bed. I know medicare only covers up to the hand crank model. anyone with experience. i'm not sure if what i want to do is possible but hoping pay the differential . anyone with experience if they could advise?
I got our first one free - the person had died and the family didn't want to deal with removing it so it was offered free for hauling it away. That was a BIG CHORE! They are heavy and don't fit thru a doorway easily! So, make sure you have several strong people to move!
The second bed was paid by Medicaid. In Minnesota, you create a budget which is subject to approval. I added this in the budget, and it was approved.
I ended up buying an electric from one of the local supply houses and the special air mattress to prevent the bedsores.
I second the troubles in getting a bed. I had one from years ago when mom had only Medicare and not an advantage plan. In order to get that, she had to pay 20% over 13 months and then it was hers outright. I think it was 13, it might have been 18 but anyway it ran something like 20 dollars a month. Had she died, they'd have taken it back, as it was only rented until we had it for the prescribed period of time. It was a great fully electric bed with mattress. 15 ish years later when we wanted a new bed they were going to send her a HALF electric bed. No thanks. The full electric makes a huge difference getting them in and out of the bed, and it made it easier to slide her back up when she slid down in the bed. You can raise the legs high up and then use the sheets or chux pads to pull her back up near the head of the bed. One thing I can tell you is that if you are in an area that has frequent power outages, having the hand crank is a bonus if you are strong enough to use it. The bed we had came with an opening for a hand crank, and my husband got one just in case.
I live in a small town (200k population).
My wife was in hospital in Jan 2023 and I saw first hand the usefulness of a real hospital bed. The rails, the controls built into the rails, changing, feeding, and pulling her up towards the head of the bed when she slides down (the bed tilts so that one person can manage the pullup).
There are (5) "Medicare enrolled" suppliers of Durable Medical Equipment in my area. I called them all. They ALL offered only one bed. The s**t brown with bare springs showing version, and yes the hand crank. I was so shocked that this is what is supplied for a person with alzheimers in their final act. The indignity of the loss of your abilities one by one, and then to be put out to die in that monstrosity!
I wanted a real hospital bed so that she could at least end with whatever dignity there could be, not degraded by the brown bed.
I searched online. I consulted ChatGPT and got explicit directions to go to the Medicare website and there find a search mechanism for DME enrolled suppliers. I did that. I pulled down 5 suppliers and none of them had hospital beds.
Then I searched with Google for suppliers of real hospital beds. There are many who sell used and reconditioned beds, but there are not associated with Medicare and therefore Medicare will not help with the cost.
A good used bed runs about $2500, but if you want the Low Air Loss mattress (help prevent bed sores), it may cost another $1500. Delivery $700 to $1000 depending how far you are from the supplier.
I then researched beds and features. It seems there are two established manufacturers (Stryker, and Hill-Rom). There are many models from Hill-Rom, and three main models from Stryker.
I then landed on the model I wanted and the brand (Hill Rom), and searched Facebook Marketplace. I located a Hill Rom (7500 version) in a small town in SC.
I contacted the seller and he appeared to be an honest guy, and he gave me a live video walk-around of the bed. He wanted $2500. I already knew that was the going price, sso I agreed and sent him a bank transfer. He referred me to a transport guy he had used before, and I spent another $1000 to have it delivered to my garage. But no set-up.
The bed weighs 750 lbs, and it sits very low to the ground. It is too wide for the household doorways, so to get it into the house and then into the bedroom, it takes very big muscled guys (my cousin is a manager at a local big box store, and he was kind enough to come and move it into the house. There were six of them and they all participated in the move-in.
It now sits in our master bedroom, ready for use. I am still walking behind my wife cradling her as she takes tiny steps for toileting. I dread the time will come where she will be bed bound but I am ready.
One thing I didn't anticipate. The bed I bought has a foam/gel mattress 35" wide and 78" long. I have been unable to find fitted sheets that are 35" wide. I have searched high and low. If anybody can give me a lead to find them, please comment.
This was the most stressful project so far. I think because of the disappointment I felt that the beds paid for by Medicare are so degrading.
I felt betrayed.
It just amplified all the other little things we have to contend with on the Alz journey. Friends and relatives who don't even check in any more, medical specialists who are insensitive to alzheimer's needs. All of the negative things I have to put up with as a caregiver for my wife of 42 years.
If your patient has an advantage plan, that may be different. Go on Medicare.gov compare and look for a DMV company in your area.
Here is the link. You input your zip code to find one near you.
https://www.medicare.gov/medical-equipment-suppliers/
you will need a prescription.
My problem is medicare won't cover electric. the websites tell me you can pay the difference but when i call suppliers they tell me , no you can't get any medicare money once you go full electric.
that's my question. how to get this done
Because if you are looking to hospice, beds are available free (they are rentals and all electronic I have seen).
If this is temporary I would explore the issue with a medical supply store in your area, looking into rental.