Transitioning into the role of caregiver is a significant life change, and as you are discovering, the bed your loved one is going to spend time resting or being cared for will quickly become a central part of nighttime comfort and daytime care.
Read more about caregiving at this link https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving.
Is Aura Easy to Assemble?
If you have opted to use a white-glove delivery service, trained individuals will bring the bed inside the home, assemble the bed, and walk you through setting it up and using it.
If you are DIY and will be assembling the bed yourself, most of the major components will arrive organized and labeled. Do note that the bed frame is in connectable parts you should be familiar with. Read all instructions, as there will be steps that do not require tools.
Make sure to measure door frames and hallways, ensure that you have a grounded outlet available, and to leave yourself enough space to walk around the bed on all four sides. Once you plug-in the control box and test out the bed handset, you will only need to finish preparing it for your loved one by adding a mattress and linens.
Accessory Must-Haves for Comfort
There are small upgrades that can turn a premium home hospital bed into a cozy, restful retreat that your loved one enjoys and helps them feel accepted and at home. SonderCare beds for home healthcare will usually be complimentary, along with a few reasonable add-ons.
- Pressure-relief mattress: With so many pressure-relief mattresses on the market, consider choosing an appropriately priced fit with a product that has a responsive, comfortable surface to redistribute weight and assist with reducing hot spots during long periods lying down.
- Bedside safety rail: Low-profile rails can help with repositioning; however, they act as a steady handhold to sit up without making the bed feel clinical.
- Overbed table: This is a good option for meal prep, hobbies, and medications; it glides to/from the adjustable bed frame easily and when not needed, can be tucked away without hassle.
- Wedge or knee boost: Ramps up legs & head – these can help with swelling, reflux, and snoring and create comfort when watching the TV.
- Under bed night light: A soft glow while awake & motion-aware will help you avoid stumbles getting to the bathroom at 3:00 AM.
How to Program Bed Settings
They will likely have their “favorite” positions that you will use every other day: head-up for reading, knees slightly raised to reduce lower back pressure, or maybe even a flatbed for sleeping. You will learn the icons for head, knee, and height and test each movement while you or your loved one is in bed.
If your model has memory buttons, press and hold the “M” key along with a number (e.g., 1) to save the favorite position. Check-in every week, a person’s comfort needs can change as their medication or level of swelling or activity changes.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best home-care equipment may require a tune-up from time to time. Before contacting support, do a quick checklist (always unplug the bed first!); have the user manual handy, and run through the basics.
- Bed won’t move: Make sure the power cord is fully seated at both the wall and control box; try a second outlet; confirm that the circuit breaker didn’t trip.
- Handset is unresponsive: Check to see if there is a child-lock icon; if so, follow the unlock sequence noted in the user manual. Examine the cable for pinches.
- Some noise: A gentle humming noise is fine; a grinding or clicking noise may mean there is a loose bolt. Lock casters and inspect every visible fastener, tightening as needed.
- One function works and others don’t: Follow each motor cable to the control box; reseat any loose plugs until you hear a ‘click.’
- Bed rolls when transferring: Check to see if you engaged the caster locks; if you have slick floors, consider using wheel cups to keep the bed in one place.
Insurance and Rental Options
For traditional health insurance and Medicare, home-care beds are classified as durable medical equipment. Read more on this page. Approval is based on medical necessity (your clinician will be asked to provide notes), and each plan’s policy will be different. Call the insurer, find out what codes and note your clinician has to write, and request a physical pre-authorization determination so you aren’t surprised later.
An option to purchasing is that many dealers allow you to rent one, which can be useful for short-term recovery or to “try before you buy.” If you’re considering this option, ask if there are minimum terms, monthly rental rates, and if delivery, swap-outs, and maintenance are included. If you go straight to the purchase, compare warranty length, motor coverage, and the response time for in-home service.
Final Thoughts
With the Aura, your main concern is: how do you make daily living safe, and nights peaceful again? Start simply, add accessories that match your needs, and keep a checklist of common issues close by. You can do this, and each small comfort you create means a lot!