When looking into hospital bed rentals, be sure to first consult with the medical professional who is overseeing the care of the person who will be using the bed. He or she can make you aware of the features that the bed should have so as to facilitate the well-being of the patient. Caregivers, such as home health aides, may also be able to assist you in selecting a good bed and can sometimes give you some good leads on hospital bed rentals. Other things to ask about include the cost of renting the bed, rental terms and the cost of both delivering the bed. Finally, it’s a good idea ask about what the rental company does to sanitize its hospital beds after they are returned by other customers.
If you or a loved one will be recuperating from an injury, illness or surgery at home, a hospital bed may be necessary. Many medical supply companies specialize in hospital bed rentals, so you may have several businesses to choose from. Before committing to a rental company, talk to a nurse or doctor about the situation, since you or your family member may have special needs that can only be accommodated by certain types of home hospital beds. For example, some beds can help prop a patient up to make it easier for him or her to breathe. Caregivers may also appreciate a bed with an adjustable height feature, making it easier for the caregiver to perform his or her duties.
When talking to businesses that offer hospital bed rentals, first find out whether they have the type of bed that you need. Next, ask about cost — if you only need to rent the bed for a short period of time, find out if they have weekly rates. If you suspect that you’ll need the bed for a while, ask about monthly rates or even rent-to-own options. Be sure to find out what is included in the rental. Some hospital bed rentals include the cost of delivery or a set or two of bed linen.
In situations where you need the bed to be delivered, find out about the company’s policy. In addition to finding out whether the rental company charges a delivery fee, ask if the delivery includes set-up. Another thing to inquire about is how you will need to go about requesting the removal of the bed: Ask if there is an additional charge for bed pick-up after the bed is no longer needed.