care & love
Comfort, Dignity, and Care: Finding the Perfect Bed for Your Hospice Community
When you work in hospice care, you know the focus is on more than just medical treatment—it's about honoring dignity, easing discomfort, and creating moments of peace for patients and their families. In that mission, few tools are as essential as the nursing bed. It's where patients rest, connect with loved ones, and receive care around the clock. A well-designed bed doesn't just support the body; it supports the heart of hospice work.
But with so many options on the market—from basic manual beds to high-tech, multifunction models—how do you choose the one that fits your facility's needs? And let's not forget budget constraints; hospice programs often operate on tight funding, so "fair price" isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must. In this guide, we'll walk through the key features to prioritize, break down top models for 2025, and help you find a bed that balances comfort, functionality, and affordability.
Not all nursing beds are created equal, especially when it comes to hospice settings. Here's what to keep an eye out for as you shop:
After researching dozens of models and consulting with hospice caregivers, we've narrowed down the top picks that excel in comfort, functionality, and value. Let's dive in:
Manufacturer : Compassionate Care Solutions (a leading name among home nursing bed manufacturers)
The SereneCare checks all the boxes for a hospice setting. This electric nursing bed offers 8 preset nursing bed positions, including a "zero gravity" mode to reduce pressure on the spine. The quiet motor adjusts smoothly, so patients won't be jolted awake during nighttime position changes. The mattress is a 6-inch memory foam layer with a waterproof cover, and the frame is powder-coated steel for durability.
Bonus features: Two USB ports on the side rail, a foldable overbed table, and a weight capacity of 450 lbs. It's also surprisingly compact, making it a good fit for smaller hospice rooms.
Price Range: $1,799–$1,999 (a fair price for a multifunction nursing bed with these features)
Pros : Versatile positions, quiet operation, easy to clean. Cons : Heavier than some models (harder to move between rooms).
Manufacturer : HomeCare Innovations
If you're working with a tighter budget but still want the benefits of an electric nursing bed, the ComfortPlus Basic is a solid choice. It offers the essential positions (Fowler's, Trendelenburg, and knee break) with a simple two-button remote. The mattress is a 4-inch foam layer with a non-slip bottom, and the frame is lightweight aluminum, making it easy to maneuver.
While it lacks some frills (no USB ports or built-in table), it makes up for it in reliability. Caregivers love the low-maintenance design—no complicated parts to fix—and patients appreciate the quiet motor.
Price Range: $1,299–$1,499
Pros : Affordable, lightweight, easy to use. Cons : Limited positions compared to premium models.
Manufacturer : MedTech Medical Supplies
For facilities that need a workhorse, the MedTech Pro is a standout. This heavy-duty electric nursing bed can support up to 600 lbs and offers 12 adjustable positions, including a "cardiac chair" mode (seated position with legs elevated) for patients with heart or respiratory issues. The mattress is a therapeutic air-flow model that reduces moisture buildup, and the frame has a built-in scale (accurate to within 2 lbs) to track weight changes without moving the patient.
It's not the cheapest option, but the long-term durability and advanced features make it a smart investment for busy hospice units.
Price Range: $2,499–$2,799
Pros : High weight capacity, built-in scale, advanced positions. Cons : Bulky; requires more space than standard beds.
Manufacturer : GreenHealth Medical
For facilities with very tight budgets, the EcoCare Manual is a reliable backup. While it's not electric, it's designed to be easy to adjust—even for smaller caregivers. The crank handles are oversized for a better grip, and it still offers Fowler's and knee-break positions. The mattress is a 3-inch foam layer with a vinyl cover, and the frame is rust-resistant steel.
It's a no-frills option, but it's sturdy and meets basic safety standards. Great for facilities that need extra beds for short-term stays or as backups to electric models.
Price Range: $799–$999
Pros : Very affordable, no electrical components to fail. Cons : Requires manual effort to adjust positions.
Manufacturer : LiteCare Solutions
Portability is key for hospice programs that offer in-home care or have patients moving between rooms. The HarmonyLite is a lightweight electric nursing bed (only 150 lbs!) that folds in half for easy transport. Despite its size, it still offers Fowler's and Trendelenburg positions with a quiet motor and a 4-inch foam mattress.
It's also battery-operated, so you can use it in areas without power outlets (like temporary hospice spaces). The only downside? It has a lower weight capacity (350 lbs), so it's best for smaller patients.
Price Range: $1,599–$1,799
Pros : Ultra-portable, battery-operated, space-saving. Cons : Lower weight capacity, fewer positions.
| Model Name | Type | Key Positions | Price Range | Weight Capacity | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SereneCare Electric Multifunction | Electric | Fowler's, Trendelenburg, Lateral Tilt, Zero Gravity | $1,799–$1,999 | 450 lbs | USB ports + foldable overbed table |
| ComfortPlus Basic Electric | Electric | Fowler's, Trendelenburg, Knee Break | $1,299–$1,499 | 400 lbs | Lightweight aluminum frame |
| MedTech Pro Multifunction | Electric | 12 positions (including Cardiac Chair) | $2,499–$2,799 | 600 lbs | Built-in scale + heavy-duty frame |
| EcoCare Manual Multifunction | Manual | Fowler's, Knee Break | $799–$999 | 400 lbs | Oversized crank handles for easy adjustment |
| HarmonyLite Portable Electric | Electric (Battery-Operated) | Fowler's, Trendelenburg | $1,599–$1,799 | 350 lbs | Foldable design for portability |
Now that you've seen the top models, let's walk through the steps to make the best decision for your facility:
1. Assess Your Patients' Needs : Start by looking at your current patient mix. Do you have many patients with mobility issues? Prioritize higher weight capacities and more positions. If you often care for patients in their homes, the portable HarmonyLite might be a better fit than a heavy-duty model.
2. Consult Your Caregivers : Who better to ask than the staff using the beds daily? They'll have insights into what works (quiet motors, easy-to-clean surfaces) and what frustrates them (heavy frames, complicated remotes). A quick survey or team meeting can uncover must-have features you might have missed.
3. Set a Realistic Budget : While it's tempting to splurge on the fanciest model, remember that hospice funding is often limited. Aim for a fair price multifunction nursing bed that covers the essentials without overspending. Consider buying in bulk from home nursing bed manufacturers—many offer discounts for facilities purchasing 5+ beds.
4. Check for Certifications : Ensure the bed meets safety standards (look for FDA approval or CE marking). This protects your patients and your facility from liability.
5. Test Before You Buy : If possible, request a demo or trial period. Have a caregiver and a patient (or volunteer) test the bed—adjust positions, lie on the mattress, and get a feel for how easy it is to use. What looks good on paper might feel different in real life.
Choosing a nursing bed for hospice care isn't just about buying furniture—it's about investing in the dignity and comfort of the patients you serve. The right bed can turn a restless night into a peaceful one, ease a caregiver's workload, and create a space where patients feel safe and cared for.
Whether you opt for a budget-friendly electric model like the ComfortPlus or a premium multifunction bed like the SereneCare, remember to prioritize the features that matter most: adjustability, safety, and ease of use. And don't forget to involve your team in the process—their input will ensure you find a bed that works for everyone.
At the end of the day, a great hospice nursing bed is more than a piece of equipment. It's a tool that helps you do what you do best: provide compassionate care when it matters most.