How to Rent a Hospital Bed for Your Aging Parent: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve ever sat down to write a “Five Year Plan” (and it’s debatable if this is even a good idea), this vision quest probably didn’t include learning about hospital beds. Likely it was more along the lines of: crushing it at work, maybe raising some kids who don't turn out to be sociopaths, and occasionally remembering to water your plants. But here you are, Googling "hospital beds" at 2 AM because your dad's coming home tomorrow and surprise! Your IKEA futon isn't going to cut it.
Renting a hospital bed might seem overwhelming but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process less daunting…unlike the instructions for that IKEA furniture. Big Picture Though: this isn't just about medical equipment – it's about creating a safe, comfortable environment for your parent to heal or age in place with dignity. This guide will walk you through the process without losing your mind, your savings, or your sense of humor.
Why Your Parent Might Need a Hospital Bed
Whether you’re moving your parent in with you or trying to set their home up to make things easier from afar, here a a few reasons why you might consider getting a hospital bed :
Mobility issues: When getting in and out of bed requires the strategic planning of a military operation
Chronic pain: Because "grinning and bearing it" stops being cute around day three
Recovery from surgery: When "taking it easy" needs mechanical assistance
Respiratory problems: When sitting upright is necessary
Caregiver strain: Because your back didn't sign up to be the human forklift
So, lot’s of reasons, but you already knew this otherwise you wouldn’t be here. Still, what kind of self-help article would this be if we didn’t state the obvious? Now on with the steps.
Should You Rent or Buy a Hospital Bed?
Hospital beds are a lot like relationships – you're either in it for the long haul or you need a convenient exit strategy when things get weird. Let's break this down.
RENTING
PROS:
No long-term commitment! Just like dating in your 20s – if it doesn't work out, return it and pretend it never happened!
Someone else handles maintenance and repairs. When that motor starts making sounds like a dying vacuum cleaner at 3 AM, it's THEIR problem!
Insurance might actually cover it. I know, shocking! The ONE time insurance decides to do its actual job.
You can upgrade to the fancy model. It's like dating someone with a boat – enjoy the perks without the marina fees!
CONS:
Monthly payments that never end: like your mother's commentary on your life choices.
That bed has been places, people. PLACES. Rest assured, if you get it from a reputable place it will have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected by the time it gets to you. Still, this is some people’s ick.
Limited options based on what you qualify for through insurance and the stock available.
BUYING
PROS:
Eventually pays for itself, unlike that college degree in theater.
You can modify it however you want! Go ahead, add those underglow lights and bumper stickers – it's YOUR medical equipment nightmare!
No awkward "We need our bed back" conversations when insurance decides your mom isn't quite sick enough anymore (yes, this happens).
Lots of options to get exactly what you need.
CONS:
Upfront cost.
When you're done with it, you’ll need to figure out what to do with it. Is Craigslist still a thing?
At the end of the day, it’s like any other mattress situation. If your parent needs one, they’ll likely be there a lot. Make sure you get the best option you can afford. It’ll will ultimately make your life easier.
Step 1: Get a Prescription
Most people with go through insurance for a hospital bed because it tends to be the most cost effective. If you do, you’ll need a doctor's prescription first.
Contact your parent's primary care physician and explain the situation. Be specific about challenges: "My mother fell twice trying to get out of bed last month" hits different than "She's having some trouble."
Make sure the prescription specifies:
Type of hospital bed you’re looking for (read on for an explanation of different types)
Medical necessity
Expected duration of need
Step 2: Understand Insurance Coverage Options
This is just a very quick overview but it should give you enough background to ask pointed questions when the time comes. Be sure to note that even if insurance covers most of the cost of the rental, you might still have to pay a monthly “rental” fee.
Medicare Coverage
If your parent has Medicare Part B, they might cover 80% of the approved amount if:
The doctor certifies it's medically necessary
The supplier accepts Medicare assignment
The bed is required for use in the home
Medicaid Coverage
Coverage varies by state but generally covers hospital beds when medically necessary.
Private Insurance
Most require prior authorization and proof of medical necessity.
A Note About Dealing With Insurance: Make sure you keep records of every conversation you have with insurance. You’ll want the day & time of the call, the name of the person you spoke with as well as their ID number, and a summary of what you discussed. When you’re done each call ask if there is a case number as well so you can reference it next time you have to call.
Step 3: Research Bed Types & Features
A lot of people skip this step because they’re just happy to have something but the type of bed can make a huge difference depending on your situation. Here are the main types of beds you’ll encounter:
Manual hospital beds:
Operated by hand cranks
Most affordable option
Best for: Temporary situations with able-bodied caregivers
Semi-electric hospital beds:
Electric controls for head and foot adjustments
Manual height adjustment
Best for: Long-term use with occasional position changes
Fully electric hospital beds:
Electric controls for all adjustments
Best for: Patients with limited mobility
Low hospital beds:
Positioned closer to the ground
Best for: Parents with fall risks
Bariatric hospital beds:
Reinforced frame for higher weight capacity
Best for: Larger individuals
Aside from the type of bed, there are some features you absolutely have to consider: Side rails are great for preventing falls and adding a handle for getting in and out. Pressure-reducing mattresses and toppers will help to prevent bedsores but you may need additional notes from the doctor depending on your insurance. A battery backup is very helpful, especially if you live somewhere where the power likes to go out just when you need it most. Finally any kind of transfer assistance features, like a bed that makes it easier to get in and out of, are also worth considering if you’re dealing with a patient who has limited mobility.
Step 4: Find Reputable Suppliers
You may be able to skip this step if the hospital, clinic, or Home Health department is taking care of everything because they typically contract with specific suppliers. However, you can always go rogue and find your own:
Where to Look:
Medical supply companies: Local businesses specializing in “Durable Medical Equipment”
National chains: Companies like Apria Healthcare or Lincare
Online marketplaces: Companies specializing in medical equipment rentals
Here are some questions you should ask becore choosing a supplier:
Are you Medicare/insurance certified?
What's included in the rental?
What happens if the equipment malfunctions?
Do you offer delivery, setup, and training?
What are the cleaning protocols for previously rented equipment?
Step 5: Prepare Your Home
Before the bed arrives, prepare space in your / your parent's home:
Space Requirements:
Minimum clearance: You’ll want at least 3 feet on each side if you or someone else will be caring for your parent in the bed.
Room dimensions: Measure doorways (standard hospital beds are 36" x 80") to make sure the beds will fit when delivered.
Electrical outlets: Located near the head of the bed
Flooring: Consider protecting carpets with plastic mats so the floors don’t get scuffed.
Step 6: Delivery and Setup
On delivery day:
Supervise the setup
Learn how to operate all features
Test all functions
Get contact information for technical support
Don't let the delivery team leave until you can operate every feature yourself!
Wrap Up
Whether you're just bed curious, or you’ve somehow landed in the deep end of “I now have to manage my parent’s care and my life is a mess” territory, getting a hospital bed for the home is a big deal. It’s like buying a normal mattress, but, you know, way less sexy.
Look, it may seem like a lot but when you break it down, it’s totally doable. Remember, this hospital bed isn’t just a piece of medical furniture—it’s a lifeline. It helps your parent maintain some dignity, independence, and maybe even get a solid night’s sleep for the first time in forever. And hey, you might get a little peace of mind too. It’s a win-win.
