What qualifies you for a Cubby Bed? Your Guide to Eligibility

Oct 10, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Special Needs Adaptive Equipment

Sleep disorders and related safety concerns affect millions of individuals, especially in the aging population. For those who require a more secure sleep environment, a Cubby Bed may be a viable solution. Understanding exactly what qualifies you for a Cubby Bed is essential for determining if it's the right choice for you or a loved one.

Quick Summary

Qualifying for a Cubby Bed involves demonstrating a medical or behavioral need for a safe, enclosed sleeping space, often due to a high risk of wandering, falls, or self-injury. A healthcare professional's assessment and prescription are typically required to establish this medical necessity.

Key Points

Medical Necessity: Qualification is primarily based on a specific medical or behavioral need for a safe, enclosed sleeping environment.
Professional Assessment: A prescription or letter of medical necessity from a doctor, OT, or PT is crucial for establishing eligibility.
Safety Concerns: High risk of wandering, falls, or self-injury are key indicators for needing a Cubby Bed.
Sensory Needs: Conditions like severe autism where external stimuli are overwhelming can benefit from the calming, enclosed space.
Less Restrictive Alternatives: It's often required to show that standard hospital beds or other less restrictive options are not sufficient.
Funding Options: Insurance coverage for durable medical equipment often depends on the established medical necessity and documentation.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Cubby Bed?

A Cubby Bed is a specialized, enclosed bed system designed to provide a safe and calming sleep environment. Unlike a standard bed or a traditional hospital bed, its primary purpose is to address specific safety concerns and sensory needs. The ideal candidate typically has a medical diagnosis or exhibits behaviors that make a traditional bed unsafe.

Common Conditions That May Qualify an Individual

Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Individuals with these conditions may experience disorientation, agitation, and a tendency to wander, especially at night. An enclosed bed prevents wandering and provides a sense of security.
Severe Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders: For those with autism, the enclosed space can reduce external stimuli, creating a calm and predictable environment that promotes restful sleep.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Cognitive and behavioral impairments from TBI can lead to unsafe nighttime behaviors. The enclosed bed mitigates these risks.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): In severe cases, extreme leg movements can cause injury or disrupt sleep significantly. The bed's structure can help manage this.
High Risk of Falls: Individuals with mobility issues who are at a high risk of falling out of bed benefit from the secure, padded sides.

The Role of a Medical Professional in Qualification

One of the most critical steps in determining eligibility is getting a professional assessment. A medical professional, such as a doctor, occupational therapist (OT), or physical therapist (PT), is needed to evaluate the individual's condition and provide a recommendation. This assessment establishes "medical necessity," which is vital for insurance purposes.

What a Professional Assessment Determines

The specific safety risks the individual faces.
Whether alternative, less restrictive options have been tried and failed.
The potential for the Cubby Bed to improve the individual's safety and quality of life.

The official recommendation from a qualified professional is the most significant factor in justifying the need for this specialized equipment.

The Process: From Assessment to Acquisition

Obtaining a Cubby Bed follows a structured process to ensure it is the right solution for the individual's needs. This process can vary depending on the funding source, but generally includes these steps:

Initial Consultation: Discuss the individual's needs and behaviors with a healthcare provider.
Professional Assessment: An OT, PT, or physician conducts a formal evaluation and provides a written recommendation or prescription.
Insurance Review: Submit the medical recommendation and any supporting documentation to your insurance provider. Many companies and private insurers have specific criteria for covering durable medical equipment.
Order and Installation: Once approved, the bed can be ordered and installed in the home. Ensure proper training for caregivers on its features.

Comparison: Cubby Bed vs. Traditional Hospital Bed

To better understand the unique qualifications for a Cubby Bed, it's helpful to compare it to a standard adjustable hospital bed.


Feature	Cubby Bed	Traditional Hospital Bed
Primary Function	Safety enclosure, sensory calming	Positioning, mobility assistance, medical access
Design	Enclosed, padded walls, calming colors	Open with standard side rails, utilitarian
Primary User	Individuals with high safety risk, sensory needs	Patients needing medical-grade positioning
Sensory Benefits	High, reduces overstimulation	Low, standard hospital environment
Wandering Prevention	High, fully enclosed	Low, standard side rails can be climbed over

Funding and Insurance Coverage

Because Cubby Beds are considered durable medical equipment, coverage varies by insurance plan. Most providers require a formal letter of medical necessity from a doctor, detailing why the bed is essential and how less restrictive options are insufficient. Some state-run programs and special needs grants may also offer assistance. For detailed information on navigating insurance claims, a reputable medical supply provider can be an excellent resource. For more on navigating healthcare, visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Conclusion: Making the Right Decision

Deciding if a Cubby Bed is the right choice involves a careful consideration of an individual's specific medical and behavioral needs. The most important factor is the need for a safe, enclosed sleep environment due to conditions like dementia, autism, or a high risk of falls. By working closely with a healthcare professional to establish medical necessity, caregivers can determine if a Cubby Bed provides the safety and comfort their loved one requires for better sleep and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary factor is a documented medical or behavioral need for a safe, enclosed sleep environment. This can be due to conditions like dementia, autism, or a high risk of falls.

Yes, a prescription or a letter of medical necessity from a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or occupational therapist, is almost always required to justify the purchase and seek potential insurance coverage.

No, while commonly used for children, Cubby Beds are also designed and used for adults and seniors with conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, or other needs that require a safer sleep environment.

Insurance coverage varies by plan. It is often contingent on proving medical necessity with a doctor's documentation. You should check with your specific insurance provider to understand their policies on durable medical equipment.

A Cubby Bed's key difference is its fully enclosed, padded design, which is specifically for safety and sensory calming. A hospital bed primarily focuses on positioning and mobility assistance, with less emphasis on full containment.

Yes, for many individuals with dementia, the enclosed and familiar space can reduce agitation, prevent wandering, and provide a sense of security, leading to improved sleep quality.

A high risk of falls is a strong qualifying factor for a Cubby Bed. The enclosed design and padded surfaces provide a much safer alternative to standard beds with side rails, which can still pose a risk of climbing over or injury.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.