Freeman Makes a Difference in the Comfort of Caregivers

Freeman Health System recently received a generous donation of six Caregiver Beds® from Caregiver Company. Totaling $31,500, the beds increase comfort for loved ones staying overnight in patient rooms. Four Caregiver Beds were installed in Freeman Postpartum Unit, one was installed in the Cardiac/Medical Unit and a sixth was installed in the Orthopaedic/Neurosurgery Unit.

“When a loved one is in the hospital, it is easy to lose sight of oneself, and getting enough quality sleep is important to provide proper support and care,” said Paula F. Baker, Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer. “These caregivers are an integral part of the hospital experience and play a major role in the healing process.”

The idea for the Caregiver Bed came from Chris McCoy, President of Caregiver Company. During his mother’s fight with cancer, McCoy watched his father struggle with uncomfortable nights in a chair.

“I knew there had to be a better solution,” said McCoy. “When someone is already in a stressful situation, a lack of sleep can make that situation worse. Caregiver Beds provide comfort, while enabling loved ones to remain at the patient’s side.”

The exterior panels of the Murphy-style bed are composed of high-density polyethylene resin. The resin is infused with an anti-microbial agent which makes it easier to clean and sanitize. Each bed is equipped with a custom Tempur-Pedic® mattress sized to fit standard hospital linens.

“More and more hospitals are integrating their patients’ caregivers as part of the patient care team,” said Jeremy Henak, Caregiver Company Vice President. “With that added responsibility, hospitals need to provide a higher level of comfort than traditional blue chairs or uncomfortable sleeper sofas. The Caregiver Bed provides a higher level of comfort by integrating a custom-designed Tempur-Pedic mattress into an industry-first retractable bed.”

Installed in less than 15 minutes, the bed folds down with only 12 pounds of force and is easily closed when not in use. The steel frame construction is rated for a 600-pound load capacity.

Jeffrey Carrier, Freeman Chief Clinical Officer, demonstrates a new Caregiver Bed.

About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2017, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman one of the top Hospitals in Southwest Missouri more than five years in a row, and the Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Spring 2017 Hospital Patient Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com, facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman at twitter.com/FreemanCares4U. Follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo.