Care beds in Switzerland: a comprehensive guide

Care beds are specially designed bed systems that aim to make everyday life easier for people in need of care and those who look after them. Whether due to illness, old age or disability: anyone who has to spend long periods in bed benefits from the many functions a care bed offers. In Switzerland, there is a wide range of care bed models and care bed accessories tailored to different needs. This article gives an overview of the most important aspects, from choosing the right model to cost coverage and financing.

What makes a care bed special?

A care bed is designed to increase both the comfort and the safety of the person in need of care. At the same time, it reduces the physical strain on caregivers. Compared with conventional beds, care beds are higher, which makes access easier and allows care that is kinder to the back. Many models also have electric height adjustment, which not only makes care easier but also makes it easier to communicate with people who are standing.

Another feature is the adjustable back and foot sections. For people who spend a long time in bed, changing the lying position regularly is essential to prevent pressure ulcers (decubitus) and promote blood circulation. Lifting aids, such as overhead trapeze bars or grab handles, also support mobility and promote the independence of the person in need of care.

In addition, many care beds have integrated safety features such as side rails, which prevent falling out, and castors, which allow the bed to be moved easily. These features are particularly useful in home care, where space and flexibility often play a role.

The benefits of a care bed at a glance

A care bed offers numerous benefits that make everyday life much easier for people in need of care and their families:

• Height adjustment: the height of the bed can be adjusted, allowing an ergonomic care position.

• Adjustable lying surfaces: back and foot sections can be adjusted electrically or manually, which increases comfort and makes sitting up, eating and drinking in bed easier.

• Safety features: integrated side rails and lifting aids protect against falls and support independence.

• Mobility: many care beds are fitted with castors, which makes it easier to move the bed for cleaning, changing or rearranging the room.

• Individual adaptability: with care bed accessories such as special mattresses, bedside tables or grab handles, the bed can be adapted to individual needs.

The variety of care bed models

Choosing the right care bed model depends on the specific requirements of the person in need of care. Here is an overview of the most common types:

1. Standard care bed

The all-rounder among care beds. It is electrically adjustable, offers numerous setting options and blends in well with its surroundings.

2. Low bed

Ideal for people with limited mobility. Because it can be lowered close to the floor, the risk of injury from falls is minimised. Particularly suitable for people with dementia.

3. Double care bed

Perfect for couples where one partner needs care. It allows them to sleep together without having to forgo the benefits of a care bed.

4. Heavy-duty bed

For people with a higher body weight. These beds are more robustly built and offer a larger lying surface, supporting up to 300 kilograms.

5. Standing bed

Supports raising the person into a standing position. This promotes circulatory stability and helps prevent bone loss.

6. Lateral tilt bed

Allows automatic sideways tilting, which helps prevent pressure ulcers and activates the muscles.

7. Children’s care bed

For children with disabilities, there are also special children’s care beds, which are smaller in size and have additional safety features.

Care bed accessories for individual comfort

With additional accessories, a care bed can be optimally adapted to the individual requirements of the person in need of care.

• Special mattresses: pressure-relieving mattresses distribute pressure evenly and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers. Waterproof mattresses are also available for people with incontinence.

• Lifting aids: overhead trapeze bars or grab handles help patients to sit up or get out of bed and promote independence.

• Side rails: protect against falling out and can be raised or lowered as required.

• Bedside tables: make eating, reading or other activities in bed easier and can often be positioned flexibly.

There are also technical aids such as app-controlled functions that allow the bed to be operated via a smartphone.

Cost coverage and financing of care beds

Buying a care bed can involve considerable costs. Fortunately, there are various ways to help with financing in Switzerland. The disability insurance (IV), for example, covers up to CHF 2,500 for a care bed, provided it has been prescribed by a doctor. Health insurers can also cover the costs partly or in full through their supplementary insurance. People receiving an AHV pension (AHV: Swiss old-age and survivors’ insurance) who receive supplementary benefits (EL) can also apply to the responsible compensation office for the costs to be covered. It is important to note that a care bed must always be prescribed by a doctor in order to claim benefits.

For families who cannot afford a new care bed, it is also possible to buy used models or to rent care beds. Many providers offer flexible rental options, which are particularly useful when the need is only temporary.

Because for people in need of care, the bed becomes their home

Everyone spends a third of their life in bed. People in need of care spend much more. So for home care, buying a care bed is definitely worthwhile. Anyone interested in a care bed should therefore find out about the options available at an early stage and, if necessary, contact advice services such as pflegehero. Because one thing is certain: a care bed offers not only safety and comfort, but also a piece of quality of life – for everyone involved.