Bed and pressure care equipment in Australia

The Right Bed Setup Prevents Pressure Injuries and Makes Care Safer

For anyone spending extended time in bed, whether due to disability, illness, or age-related frailty, the standard household bed becomes a risk. Pressure injuries develop when skin is compressed against a surface for too long. An adjustable bed with the right pressure care mattress prevents these injuries and makes positioning, transfers, and personal care significantly easier.

But bed and pressure care equipment is clinical. The wrong mattress for someone’s weight and risk level will not prevent pressure injuries. An adjustable bed without the correct height and rail configuration creates transfer risks. These decisions require professional assessment.

Through Carevo, you can connect with bed and pressure care equipment providers in Australia who assess, prescribe, supply, and service the full range of bed and pressure care systems.

Why Assessment Comes First

A qualified occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or clinical nurse assesses the person and their home to determine the right equipment. The assessment considers:

• Pressure injury risk. Using validated tools like the Braden Scale to determine the level of pressure redistribution needed.
• Mobility in bed. Can the person roll independently, sit up, or assist with transfers? This determines bed features like profiling sections and height adjustment.
• Transfer method. If a hoist is used, the bed must be compatible with hoist access. Bed height range, rail clearance, and mattress platform design all matter.
• Care needs. Does the person require repositioning overnight? Do carers need the bed to adjust height for back-safe care delivery?
• Body weight and dimensions. Mattress and bed frame weight limits must match the person. Bariatric options are available for higher weight requirements.
• Home environment. Room size, doorway widths for delivery, power outlet locations, and floor type.

Types of Bed and Pressure Care Equipment

Providers through Carevo assess, supply, and service:

Electric Adjustable Beds (Hospital/Hi-Lo Beds) Beds with motorised height adjustment and profiling sections (backrest, knee break, Trendelenburg). Height adjustment allows carers to work at an ergonomic level and assists the person with transfers. Profiling sections support comfortable positioning and can reduce reflux and respiratory difficulties.

Pressure Care Mattresses: Static Foam or gel mattresses designed to distribute body weight more evenly than a standard mattress. Suitable for people at low to moderate pressure injury risk. Options include viscoelastic (memory) foam, castellated foam, and hybrid designs.

Pressure Care Mattresses: Dynamic (Alternating Pressure) Powered mattresses with air cells that inflate and deflate in cycles, continuously shifting pressure points. These are prescribed for people at high to very high risk of pressure injuries, or those who cannot reposition themselves. Dynamic systems require a pump unit and regular servicing.

Mattress Overlays and Replacement Systems Overlays sit on top of an existing mattress and add a pressure redistribution layer. Replacement systems replace the existing mattress entirely. The choice depends on the person’s risk level and whether the existing bed frame is being retained.

Positioning Aids Wedges, rolls, T-rolls, and body positioning systems that maintain the person in a safe, pressure-relieving position. Positioning aids are used alongside pressure care mattresses to protect bony prominences like heels, sacrum, and hips.

Bed Rails and Safety Sides Rails that prevent falls from bed and provide a grab point for repositioning. Bed rail selection requires careful assessment because incorrectly fitted rails create entrapment risks. Australian standards govern rail gap dimensions and height.

Over-Bed Tables and Accessories Tables, trapeze bars, bed ladders, and other accessories that support independence and comfort in bed.

Funding Your Bed and Pressure Care Equipment

• NDIS Assistive Technology: Hospital beds and pressure care mattresses are funded under NDIS AT supports. An AT assessment report is required. Complex or high-cost items may require NDIA approval.
• AT-HM Scheme: Beds and pressure care systems usually fall under Tier 3 (high cost, up to $15,000), as Tier 2 is capped at $2,000. Assessment by an OT is required.
• Support at Home: Under Support at Home, beds are funded through the separate AT-HM scheme, which sits apart from your ongoing-services (quarterly) budget so it does not reduce funding for your other supports.
• DVA: Eligible veterans can access bed and pressure care equipment through DVA.
• State Equipment Programs: SWEP (Victoria), EnableNSW, and equivalent programs in other states provide bed and pressure care equipment for eligible applicants.
• Hire options: Many providers offer bed and mattress hire for short-term needs such as post-hospital discharge or palliative care.

What to Expect from a Provider

1. Clinical assessment. A therapist or clinical nurse assesses the person’s pressure risk, mobility, and care needs.
2. Equipment prescription. The assessor specifies the bed type, mattress type and risk rating, and any accessories.
3. Delivery and setup. The provider delivers the bed to your Australia home, assembles it, and configures all settings.
4. Training. Carers are trained in bed operation, mattress pump settings, and safe rail use.
5. Ongoing servicing. Dynamic mattresses require regular servicing. Providers schedule maintenance and respond to equipment issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a static and dynamic pressure mattress? A static mattress uses foam or gel to spread body weight across a larger surface area, reducing peak pressure at any one point. A dynamic (alternating pressure) mattress uses powered air cells that inflate and deflate in cycles, actively shifting pressure points. Dynamic mattresses are prescribed for higher-risk individuals who cannot reposition themselves.

Can I keep my existing bed frame? In some cases, a pressure care mattress overlay can be placed on an existing bed. However, if height adjustment, profiling, or hoist compatibility is needed, a purpose-built adjustable bed frame is required. Your assessor will advise on whether your current setup can be adapted.

How much does a hospital bed cost? Basic electric adjustable beds start from around $2,000. Mid-range beds with full profiling and hi-lo adjustment range from $3,000 to $6,000. Bariatric and specialised beds can exceed $8,000. Hire options are available from many providers, typically from $30 to $80 per week depending on the bed type.

Are bed rails safe? Bed rails are safe when correctly assessed, selected, and fitted. Australian standards specify maximum gap dimensions to prevent entrapment. Your OT will assess whether bed rails are appropriate and specify the correct type. Rail selection considers the person’s cognitive function, mobility, and body size.

Related Assistive Technology Services

Bed and pressure care equipment is often prescribed alongside hoist and transfer equipment for safe transfers in and out of bed, specialist seating for daytime pressure management, and personal emergency alarms for overnight safety. A comprehensive assistive technology assessment can address all your bed and positioning needs.

Find a Bed and Pressure Care Provider in Australia

Get matched with someone who can help with bed and pressure care equipment in Australia For a free, no-obligation discussion about bed and pressure care equipment in Australia.