Mom is 86 with a caregiver when I am at work. On the weekends, it's just us and I sometimes feel so inept sometimes when I'm trying to help like today. Her caregiver said she was going to need a lift at some point because she is getting where she has trouble walking, standing and getting up. I askeded my caregiver's boss what to look for in a lift because I figured I needed to start doing my research. She then tells me that Mom needs a hospital bed and has needed one for a while. That just made me feel even more incompetent. I don't think that's what she meant, but it hit an already raw nerve today.
I also asked about a lift chair and she said that I could find a decent one at I say I know my mothers has had several accidents in the recliner she currently has. I really don't know if I want to buy a used one. Is that unreasonable?
If the therapist thinks a hospital bed would be good for Mom then get a doctors order for it. Go to a store that sells durable equipment. Medicare may pay for the bed. Be aware though that Medicare is weird about if they have bought one thing they may not buy another. I oversaw a durable equipment loan closet. I had a client come in that knew what was what. So she rented what she knew if Medicare paid for they wouldn't pay for the bed she eventually would need.
And the right training, of course. Have you watched the caregiver supporting your mother? It's one way of learning how it's done :)
I advise strongly against a chair that lifts. It would be a waste of money at this point. Lifts and hospital bed mattresses are also washable, another plus.
Wishing you good luck. This isn't a matter of competence. It is a matter of caregivers being able to do this work without breaking their backs.
Are there rails that mom can hold onto? These can be helpful not just when getting her up but when you roll her she can hold onto a rail.
Is the mattress washable? If she becomes incontinent it is easy to change the bedding and wipe down the mattress on a Hospital bed, not so easy with a mattress that has a cloth covering.
Also hospital bed mattresses are now typically with air flow or alternating pressure mattress to help prevent pressure sores.
Does her bed go up and down? Easier for someone to change or bathe a person in a bed if it is higher so that the caregiver's "body mechanics" work with them rather than trying to bend over.
Some of the things that your mom might need in the future.
Sit to Stand. This will help with transfers from the bed to a chair or commode. Great if your mom has some upper body strength and some leg strength.
Hoyer Lift. this will be what would be used if mom can not hold onto the Sit to Stand and has lost strength in upper body and legs.
There are different slings used with a Hoyer.
One with leg straps. this allows a more seated position.
Full sling.
And a full sling, usually mesh with a commode hole. This is great if you are getting mom into the shower. You can shower her with the sling on and easily lift her back to the bed to finish drying and dressing.
Any of these can be ordered by her doctor and usually covered by insurance.
If mom is on Hospice all of these would be provided by Hospice. As well as other supplies that you might need.
Do not feel incompetent. This is a whole 'nuther world that we get into as caregivers.
Also begin to think about the best placement for the bed. Is the bedroom actually the best place? Is mom isolated in the bedroom? If you moved the bed to a kitchen, dining room, living room area would that make mom feel more involved with the family?
As for the hospital bed - I would question exactly what features she is looking for, although it is easier for caregivers to raise or lower the height of the bed when transferring or changing their patient most home caregivers learn to do just fine without having one.
My advice to you would be to have an OT and/or PT come into your home to evaluate your mother's abilities and make recommendations about what kind of devices you need, they would also know about any benefits available to help with the cost and how to apply for them.