If you or a loved one needs extra support at home, you might be wondering if you can rent hospital beds. The answer is yes, but there are several factors you should know.
While renting a hospital bed may seem like the only option, there are actually more comfortable alternatives that could provide better long-term value, especially for seniors.
Discover a better alternative to traditional hospital beds with the Dawn House Bed. See how easy it is to finance your new bed and transform your sleep experience today.
What to Know About Renting Hospital Beds
Generally, you can rent hospital beds for home use, but the process involves a few important steps.
Hospital beds are usually prescribed for medical needs, which means you’ll first need a doctor’s prescription to start the rental process. Once you have that, you can contact medical supply companies, local pharmacies, or online retailers that offer hospital bed rentals.
Renting a hospital bed is often a short-term solution, ideal for those who need the bed temporarily due to an injury or illness. It’s a cost-effective option compared to purchasing a bed outright, especially if you only need it for a few months.
Rental fees typically range between $200 to $500 per month, depending on the type of bed and where you rent it from. These beds come in various models, including fully electric or semi-electric, allowing for adjustments that make patient care easier.
However, keep in mind that renting a hospital bed might not always be the best option for long-term use. Rentals are often used by multiple people, which can raise concerns about sanitation and comfort.
Additionally, rental beds are designed for functionality, not comfort. If you’re planning to use a bed for an extended period, you might want to explore alternatives like adjustable beds, which provide the same support with added comfort and style.
For those who need long-term comfort, a solution like the Dawn House adjustable bed offers more features and superior comfort compared to rental hospital beds, making it a better investment for extended use at home.
Benefits of Renting vs. Buying a Hospital Bed
One of the first things you'll think about is whether to rent or buy a hospital bed. Let’s compare the two options.
|
Aspect |
Renting a Hospital Bed |
Buying a Hospital Bed |
|
Cost |
Cheaper in the short term. Monthly fees range from $200 to $500. |
Higher upfront cost. |
|
Maintenance |
Rental companies handle repairs and maintenance. |
You cover all maintenance costs if you own the bed. |
|
Sanitation |
May have been used by others. Ensure thorough sanitation. |
Brand new beds offer peace of mind with cleanliness. |
|
Flexibility |
You can return it when it's no longer needed. |
You keep it even if you no longer need it. |
Renting seems convenient, but remember, rental beds can be uncomfortable. Their designs prioritize functionality over comfort.
If you or your loved one will use the bed for an extended period, renting might not be the most comfortable or cost-effective option. Consider alternatives, like adjustable beds, which offer many of the same features with more comfort.
How to Rent a Hospital Bed
Renting a hospital bed isn’t as complicated as it seems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Get a Prescription: First, you need a doctor’s prescription to rent a hospital bed. Without it, insurance won't cover any part of the cost.
- Contact Medical Supply Companies: Look for local medical supply companies or online rental services. Call around to compare prices and services.
- Choose the Right Bed: Hospital beds come in various types. Some are fully electric, allowing you to adjust the bed height and angles with ease. Others are semi-electric, which means you’ll need to manually adjust some features. Make sure to pick the one that fits your needs.
- Insurance and Payment: Check if your insurance will cover any part of the rental. Medicare, for example, might cover hospital bed rentals under certain conditions.
- Set Up Delivery: Most rental companies offer delivery and set-up services, so you won’t need to worry about assembling the bed yourself.
Where to Rent a Hospital Bed
Many places rent hospital beds, including:
- Medical Equipment Companies: These companies specialize in hospital bed rentals and other medical equipment.
- Local Pharmacies: Some larger pharmacies rent out hospital beds and deliver them to your home.
- Online Retailers: Websites that sell medical supplies often offer rental options as well.
Be sure to compare rental fees, delivery charges, and rental terms, as they can vary widely.
Why Are Hospital Beds So Expensive?
Hospital beds are more expensive than regular beds for several reasons:
- Special Features: Hospital beds have built-in features like adjustable height, angles, and side rails, which add to the cost.
- Durability: These beds are made to be durable and long-lasting, especially for frequent adjustments and patient care.
- Safety Standards: Hospital beds meet high safety standards to ensure that patients are secure, adding to the price.
Because of these factors, the average price of a hospital bed can be steep. If you need a bed for long-term use, purchasing one could quickly add up, especially when you factor in maintenance and repairs.
Some beds, such as the Dawn House Bed, have financing options that make comfortable hospital bed alternatives more affordable.
Does Medicare Cover a Hospital Bed?
Medicare might cover part of the cost of renting a hospital bed, but there are some rules. First, your doctor must prescribe the bed as medically necessary.
Second, the bed must be classified as “durable medical equipment” (DME). If you qualify, Medicare Part B can cover 80% of the rental cost, but you’ll still need to pay 20% out-of-pocket unless you have additional insurance.
Even with insurance help, the rental costs can stack up over time. Plus, many hospital beds aren’t designed for long-term comfort, leaving you searching for a better solution.
The More Comfortable Alternative to Hospital Beds
While hospital beds serve an important purpose, they’re not always the best option for long-term home use. Fortunately, there are better, more comfortable alternatives, like adjustable beds from Dawn House Living.
Dawn House adjustable beds offer many of the same features as hospital beds, such as:
- Height Adjustability: These beds can be raised or lowered for easy access, just like hospital beds.
- Recline and Incline Features: You can adjust the head and foot of the bed to find the most comfortable position.
- Supportive Mattresses: Hospital beds often come with thin, uncomfortable mattresses. Dawn House Living offers mattresses with high-quality support, designed for comfort and pressure relief.
Even though you can’t rent these beds, they offer more value in the long run. The upfront cost might be higher than a few months of renting a hospital bed, but you’ll save money and be more comfortable in the long term.
Plus, these beds are ideal for seniors who need extra support but don’t want the sterile feel of a hospital bed. Unlike hospital beds, Dawn House adjustable beds fit beautifully into your home and provide a more restful night’s sleep.
For more information, check out this article on the features of an adjustable bed and how it can improve your quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Renting a hospital bed for home use might be the right choice for some, but it’s not the only option. Before you decide, weigh the costs, benefits, and long-term comfort. If you’re looking for an alternative that offers more comfort, flexibility, and a better overall experience, an adjustable bed from Dawn House Living could be the perfect solution.
For more information on the differences between hospital beds and adjustable beds, read Hospital Bed vs. Adjustable Bed: Which to Choose?
