Home Care Hi-Lo Beds
Choosing the Right Home Care Hi-Lo Beds
Home Care Hi-Lo beds are electrically powered beds that can be lowered almost to floor level and raised to a comfortable seated height, helping reduce fall risk and making transfers easier for both the user and the carer. They feature adjustable head and knee sections for optimal positioning, and combine the essential functionality of a hospital bed with a softer, home-friendly appearance. These beds are ideal for individuals who spend extended periods in bed and need flexible positioning without the clinical look of a full-size acute care bed.
Types of Home Care Hi-Lo Beds
Designed for users at high fall risk, these beds lower to just a few centimetres above the floor, allowing safe transfers and easy access for wheelchairs.
Provide a broader height range that accommodates both low positioning for safety and higher seating for carers to provide care without excessive bending.
Offer the complete motorised range from floor-level to a tall seated position, plus independent head and knee articulation for precise therapeutic positioning.
Key Features to Consider Before Buying
A motor can lower the mattress to within 5-10 cm of the floor, dramatically reducing the distance a user has to travel during transfers and minimising the chance of a fall.
The bed can be raised to a comfortable sitting height, allowing carers to attend to the user without straining their back, which improves ergonomics and reduces injury risk for both parties.
Separate electric controls let the head and knee sections be adjusted independently, supporting a wide range of therapeutic positions such as Fowler's, Trendelenburg, or a relaxed recline.
Low-noise motors ensure adjustments are barely audible, preserving a calm bedroom environment and avoiding sleep disruption for the user and family.
The frames are finished in neutral colours and use sleek lines rather than the institutional look of hospital beds, helping the equipment blend into a residential setting.
Funding & Costs
Products in this category are commonly funded through the pathways below — always confirm eligibility and the current code with your plan manager, OT, or our team.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
- Capital Supports — Specialised — Level 3 : Adjustable beds are named as a Level 3 example — AT Specialist assessment and trial recommended. (prescription required — AT Specialist / Assessor)
Australian Government Support at Home Program
- AT-HM Medium Tier
- AT-HM High Tier (prescription required — Occupational Therapist (OT))
Statewide Equipment Program (Victoria)
- Aids & Equipment Program : Beds, mattresses and patient handling are explicitly covered under SWEP. (prescription required — Occupational Therapist (OT), Physiotherapist, Speech Pathologist)
Department of Veterans' Affairs
- Gold Card — Full Coverage (prescription required — Occupational Therapist (OT), General Practitioner / Medical Specialist)
- White Card — Accepted Condition Only (prescription required — Occupational Therapist (OT), General Practitioner / Medical Specialist)
Transition Care Program — short-term post-hospital care (usually loaned AT)
- Short-Term Loan AT : Home care beds are commonly supplied as short-term loan equipment after hospital discharge. (prescription required — Allied Health Team)
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Hi-Lo models lower to between 5 cm and 10 cm above the floor, which is low enough for a wheelchair user to roll straight onto the mattress without a step or lift.
Yes. The gradual motorised movement, anti-slip footplates and sturdy side rails create a secure environment, while the low-position setting removes the need for the user to climb or step down.
Most home care Hi-Lo bed frames are powder-coated steel, which wipes clean with a mild detergent and a soft cloth — though some models use a timber-look or upholstered finish for a more residential appearance, which may need gentler, fabric-appropriate cleaning products instead. For the mattress, use a removable, washable cover and spot-clean any spills; the motorised components are sealed and should never be sprayed directly, regardless of the bed's frame finish.
Key considerations include the lowest achievable height, the total height range, whether independent head/knee control is needed, the noise level of the motor, and the aesthetic finish that matches your home décor.
While the beds are designed for straightforward assembly, a qualified technician should connect the electrical components and verify that the height limits operate correctly to ensure safety and warranty compliance.