When mobility or health challenges mean you or a loved one needs extra support at home, choosing the right bed is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. But should you get a hospital bed or a home care bed? And what’s the difference between the two?
In this guide, we’ll break down how hospital beds and home care beds compare, who needs them, and how to choose the best option for comfort, safety, and independence.
Why the Right Bed Matters
A good bed isn’t just for sleep — it helps with mobility, positioning, comfort, and care. For people recovering from surgery, managing long-term conditions, or ageing at home, an adjustable bed can make daily life safer and more comfortable for both the user and the caregiver.
What is a Hospital Bed?
A hospital bed is designed primarily for medical settings like hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes. It has features that make it easy for healthcare professionals to adjust a patient’s position for treatment, monitoring, or transfers.
Key features include:
- Electric or manual adjustability for head and foot sections.
- Height adjustment for caregivers to work safely.
- Side rails for fall prevention.
- Wheels for easy movement.
In a hospital, these beds must meet strict safety and infection-control standards.
What is a Home Care Bed?
A home care bed offers similar medical support but is designed for comfort, style, and easy use at home. It blends medical functionality with a more homely look and feel.
Home care beds typically include:
- Electric or manual adjustability.
- Height adjustment to help with transfers.
- Optional side rails for added safety.
- A design that fits comfortably into a bedroom without looking clinical.
At Assistive Tech Hub, we offer user-friendly options like the Voice Control Homecare Hi-Low Bed and Aged Homecare Hi-Low Bed, both designed for safety and everyday comfort.
Key Differences Between Hospital Beds and Home Care Beds
| Feature | Hospital Bed | Home Care Bed |
| Main Use | Hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities | Private homes, assisted living |
| Design | Clinical, functional, durable for heavy use | Comfortable, stylish, blends with home decor |
| Adjustability | Highly adjustable for medical procedures | Adjustable for comfort and daily care |
| Side Rails | Standard and often fixed | Optional, removable or foldable |
| Control Options | Manual or remote | Manual, remote, or voice-controlled |
| Mobility | Often on wheels for easy relocation | Some have wheels, but mainly designed for static placement |
| Mattresses | Designed for medical-grade hygiene and support | Comfortable, often waterproof and easy to clean |
Who Should Get a Hospital Bed?
A hospital bed may be needed if:
- You require frequent medical treatment at home.
- Complex medical equipment must be used.
- Multiple caregivers need access from different sides.
- High positioning adjustments are needed for treatment.
Who Should Get a Home Care Bed?
A home care bed is ideal if:
- You want medical support at home in a comfortable, less clinical setting.
- You need help with sitting up, transferring, or repositioning.
- Safety is a concern (e.g., risk of falls at night).
- You or your carer need to adjust bed height to make care tasks easier.
For example, the Voice Control Homecare Hi-Low Bed lets you adjust your bed with simple voice commands — a great feature for people with limited hand mobility.
Must-Have Accessories for Home Care Beds
Pair your home care bed with the right accessories for added safety and comfort:
- Side Rails: Foldable Steel Side Rails or Side Rails for Voice Control Bed help prevent falls.
- Quality Mattress: A Waterproof Mattress or Mattress for Voice Control Bed keeps the bed hygienic and comfortable.
- Backrests and Recliners: A Portable Power Backrest with Side Rails or Adjustable Headrest and Lumbar Support Recliner adds extra positioning support.
- Transfer Aids: A Powered Patient Lifter makes moving to and from the bed safer.
How to Choose the Right Bed
When deciding between a hospital bed and a home care bed:
Talk to your healthcare team about your specific medical needs.
Think about who will be providing care — and how easy it needs to be for them.
Consider your bedroom space — home care beds look less clinical and can blend in better.
Check if you qualify for funding through the NDIS, My Aged Care, or other supports.
Funding Your Bed
Many people are eligible for funding through:
- NDIS — covers “reasonable and necessary” supports like beds and rails.
- My Aged Care — Home Care Packages can fund mobility and home safety equipment.
- State equipment schemes — provide help for specific medical conditions.
- Private health insurance — may cover part of the cost.
Assistive Tech Hub provides quotes and invoices to help you claim your funding easily.
Why Choose Assistive Tech Hub
At Assistive Tech Hub, we stock trusted home care beds, mattresses, and accessories designed for Australian homes. Our team can help you:
Choose the best bed for your needs
Provide easy quotes for your funding provider
Arrange delivery to your home Australia-wide
Whether you need voice control, foldable rails, or high-quality mattresses, we’re here to help you stay comfortable and safe at home.
Key Takeaway
When it comes to hospital beds vs. home care beds, the right choice depends on your medical needs and how you want your bedroom to feel. Home care beds offer the medical support you need with the comfort you want.
Ready to make life more comfortable at home? Browse our range of home care beds and accessories at Assistive Tech Hub — and contact us for help finding the perfect fit.
FAQs
- Can I use a hospital bed at home?
Yes, you can, but many people prefer a home care bed because it looks less clinical and blends into your home better. - Do I need side rails for my home care bed?
Side rails add extra safety if there’s a fall risk or if you move a lot during sleep. Products like Foldable Steel Side Rails are a great option. - Are home care beds covered by the NDIS?
Yes! Many home care beds and accessories can be funded as reasonable and necessary supports under the NDIS. - What is a hi-low bed?
A hi-low bed allows you to adjust the bed’s height to make it easier to get in and out or for a carer to provide help. See the Voice Control Homecare Hi-Low Bed for an example. - Where can I buy a quality home care bed in Australia?
Assistive Tech Hub offers trusted, adjustable home care beds, side rails, mattresses, and accessories — with friendly support and Australia-wide delivery.
