Adjustable Beds vs Hospital Beds: What’s Best for Home Aged Care?
Choosing the right bed for at-home care is more than just picking something comfortable—it’s about safety, independence, and long-term support. Whether you're caring for a loved one with mobility challenges or simply looking to age in place with dignity, the right bed can make everyday life easier (and safer).
But with so many options on the market, the choice often comes down to two big contenders: adjustable beds and hospital beds. Both are built to support care at home, yet they serve slightly different purposes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, explore their benefits, and help you figure out which one suits your situation best.
Why Choose an Adjustable Bed for Home Aged Care?
Best for: Seniors looking for independence, comfort, and a stylish bed that fits into a home setting.
Adjustable beds are designed for comfort and lifestyle—not just care. Think of them as the “everyday upgrade” for people who want more control over their sleep and rest. These beds allow users to elevate their head or legs, reduce snoring, ease back pain, and make it easier to get in and out of bed without assistance.
According to Zoma Sleep, elevating the upper body can help with acid reflux, circulation, and joint relief—especially important for ageing users.
Key benefits:
- Promotes independence and comfort
- Easier to adjust than manually propping up pillows
- Supports circulation and pressure relief
- Looks like a standard home bed (not clinical)
But keep in mind: While great for comfort and mobility support, adjustable beds don’t always have side rails, height adjustments, or fall-prevention features—things that hospital beds offer in higher care situations.
Why Choose a Hospital Bed for Home Aged Care?
Best for: People with higher care needs, mobility limitations, or those being cared for by nurses or family members at home.
Hospital beds are purpose-built for caregiving. They’re designed with safety, adjustability, and support in mind—especially for patients who are bedridden or recovering from surgery. Unlike adjustable lifestyle beds, hospital beds often feature full-height adjustability, side rails, and built-in wheels for easy repositioning and cleaning access.
According to Better Health Victoria, hospital beds can play a vital role in pressure injury prevention by allowing easier repositioning and caregiver access.
Key benefits:
- Electric height adjustment for transfers and repositioning
- Side rails to reduce fall risk
- Lockable wheels for cleaning or bed rotation
- Often compatible with pressure-relief mattresses
But keep in mind: While hospital beds offer top-tier support for care, they’re bulkier and look more clinical. If aesthetics or personal privacy are a concern, some users may prefer an ultra-low or homestyle alternative that balances care and comfort.
Adjustable Bed vs. Hospital Bed: At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | Adjustable Bed | Hospital Bed |
| Best For | Seniors who want comfort, independence, and lifestyle flexibility | Patients with higher care needs, limited mobility, or in-home nursing care |
| Main Purpose | Enhance sleep comfort, reduce snoring/reflux, ease into or out of bed | Medical support, easier caregiving, injury or post-surgery recovery |
| Height Adjustment | Limited or fixed base height | Full electric height adjustment (for transfers and caregiver ergonomics) |
| Position Adjustments | Head and foot lift | Head, foot, and height adjustment (some models allow Trendelenburg positions) |
| Side Rails | Optional or not included | Usually built-in or attachable for fall prevention |
| Design Aesthetic | Modern, homelike appearance | More clinical, but many now come in neutral or homestyle finishes |
| Ease of Cleaning & Access | Moderate (depends on frame) | High—lockable wheels and full access for carers |
| Mattress Compatibility | Often paired with memory foam or standard comfort mattresses | Requires compatible medical-grade or pressure-relieving mattresses |
| Who Should Choose This? | Independent seniors, couples, those with mild mobility issues | Individuals with chronic conditions, severe mobility limits, or post-op recovery needs |
| Funding Availability | May be eligible under NDIS/Home Care depending on need | Often funded under My Aged Care, NDIS, DVA, or other clinical programs |
Choosing the Right Bed for Home Comfort and Care
Not all beds are created equal—especially when comfort, support, and clinical needs are involved. Whether you're caring for a loved one at home, recovering from surgery, or simply need better sleep support as you age, selecting the right adjustable or hospital bed can make a huge difference in quality of life.
Below, we’ve handpicked some of our best-selling beds—each designed with unique benefits to suit different mobility, support, and clinical care needs. From ultra-low homecare beds to full-featured ICU solutions, here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your space, lifestyle, or care environment.
1. Aspire ComfiMotion Activ Care Ultra Low Bed
Best for:
Seniors at high risk of falls, or those requiring carer assistance but prefer a bed that still looks like home.
Why you’ll love it:
This ultra-low bed isn’t just about safety — it’s about preserving dignity and lifestyle. It lowers closer to the floor than most beds on the market, reducing fall risk, especially during unsupervised nighttime movements. The soft, upholstered finish blends beautifully into home décor, making it ideal for aged care without the hospital feel.
Features:
- Ultra-low floor height (just 195mm!)
- Electric head, knee, and height adjustments
- Timber-look frame for a stylish, non-clinical aesthetic
- Quiet, smooth operation — ideal for shared bedrooms
- Safe Working Load: 200kg
2. iCare IC333 Ultra Lo Adjustable Bed
Best for:
Independent older adults who want personalised comfort, especially for sleep disorders, circulation issues, or reflux.
Why you’ll love it:
The IC333 combines the freedom of lifestyle positioning with the low height safety features often reserved for hospital beds. Whether it's easing back pain or making getting into bed a little easier, this sleek adjustable bed is built for comfort, support, and long-term use in a home setting.
Features:
- Ultra-low height with hi-lo capability
- Head, knee, and foot lift via remote
- Premium comfort mattress compatibility
- Lockable castors for stability and portability
- Long single size fits most bedrooms comfortably
3. Three-Function Hospital Bed (Electric)
Best for:
Individuals recovering from surgery or managing ongoing medical conditions who need frequent positional changes.
Why you’ll love it:
This hospital-grade bed offers clinical support without the clinical hassle. With three motorised functions (backrest, knee rest, and height adjustment), it allows for safe repositioning and carer convenience — all at the push of a button. It’s a simple yet highly functional solution for medical care at home.
Features:
- Electric height, backrest, and leg elevation
- Removable head and foot boards for transfers
- Smooth-rolling wheels with braking system
- Durable steel frame with high weight capacity
- Compatible with pressure care mattresses
4. Five-Function Hospital ICU Bed
Best for:
High-dependency patients or home users who need full clinical-grade care and advanced positioning options.
Why you’ll love it:
This ICU bed brings hospital-level technology right into the home. It supports Trendelenburg positions, side tilting, and multiple elevation points for maximum clinical flexibility. Built to withstand high workloads while offering exceptional comfort, it's ideal for those needing intensive daily care.
Features:
- Electric five-function adjustability, including Trendelenburg
- Built-in side rails for safety
- Emergency CPR release
- Easy-clean surfaces for infection control
- High weight-bearing and robust design for stability
Funding Support Options for Beds
Adjustable and hospital-style beds can be a significant investment—but for many Australians, there are funding options that can help reduce or fully cover the cost. If you or your loved one needs a specialised bed for comfort, mobility, or medical care, it’s worth exploring these support programs:
1. NDIS – Assistive Technology (AT) Funding
If you're an NDIS participant, beds that meet specific support needs—such as improved positioning or fall prevention—may be considered low to mid-cost assistive technology. This includes larger bed sizes if required for pressure relief or carer access.
See NDIS guidelines on beds and larger sizes
2. Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VA&EP)
For eligible residents in Victoria with a permanent or long-term disability, the VA&EP can assist with funding for essential equipment such as hospital beds, hoists, and pressure-relieving mattresses. Your healthcare provider can support your application.
Learn more about VA&EP eligibility
3. Support at Home – Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
This national program helps older Australians living at home access the aids and equipment they need to stay safe and independent. If you’re under My Aged Care, ask your provider whether a specialised bed may be funded as part of your care plan.
Explore the AT-HM scheme details
Try Before You Buy – Visit Us in Epping
Choosing between an adjustable bed and a hospital-style bed isn’t just about specs—it’s about comfort, independence, and peace of mind. And the best way to find the right fit? Try it for yourself.
At Platinum Health’s Epping Showroom, we don’t just sell beds—we help families and carers make informed, confident decisions. Whether you’re after advanced positioning features, ultra-low height safety, or premium homecare comfort, our team can walk you through each option, answer your questions, and let you (or your client) experience the bed in person.
Visit us at Unit 2/51 Trafalgar Rd, Epping VIC
Open Monday to Friday, with expert staff on hand to support your journey
No pressure, just people who care—and a space designed to help you find the equipment that makes life easier, safer, and more comfortable at home.
