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The Complete Guide to Renting a Hospital Bed in Calgary and Medicine Hat
When the time comes to care for someone at home, whether after surgery, during long-term illness, or as part of aging in place, a hospital bed can make all the difference.
The right bed not only helps with recovery but also adds safety, comfort, and dignity to daily life. While buying a hospital bed may not be necessary for every situation, renting one is often the smarter and more flexible choice.
For families in Calgary, Medicine Hat and surrounding areas in Southern Alberta navigating this decision for the first time, this guide offers everything needed to understand what hospital bed rentals involve. From bed types and features to costs and setup expectations, consider this your complete overview.
Why Rent a Hospital Bed Instead of Buying?
Renting provides access to advanced beds with features that can significantly improve quality of life without requiring a long-term investment.
Common Situations Where Hospital Beds Are Needed
Hospital beds are not just for clinical settings. They are used at home every day to help people recover, stay safe, and receive proper care. These are some of the most common scenarios where a rented hospital bed becomes essential:
A hospital bed creates an environment where rest, healing, and care can happen more comfortably and effectively.
Types of Hospital Beds Available for Rent
Hospital beds come in different models, each with its own level of adjustability and convenience. The right choice depends on the user’s medical needs, strength, and the assistance available from caregivers. We have classified our beds into two groups, standard electric hospital beds and premium electric hospital beds.
Standard Electric Hospital Beds
This bed includes electric height adjustment, head and foot positioning, and a manual crank for backup operation during power outages. It has a height range of 15” to 23”, supports up to 450 lbs, and is equipped with a sturdy welded steel frame. It is suitable for general home care use and applicable to most short term needs.
Premium Full Electric Hospital Beds
The premium bed provides all the same functions as the standard model — full electric adjustments, highweight capacity, and reliable construction. In addition, it lowers to a minimum height of 8” from the floor for improved fall prevention, weighs only 165 lbs for easier handling and transport, and can be expanded in width and length using optional accessories. Its design resembles regular furniture, making it more suitable for home environments and reducing the medical appearance.The premium bed also includes a trendelenburg feature, which is the ability to elevate the feet above the head in an incline position.
What to Consider Before Renting a Hospital Bed
Before making a decision, it is helpful to think through several practical factors that impact comfort, safety, and convenience.
Space and Room Layout
Make sure the room where the bed will be placed is accessible, has enough clearance around it, and is near necessary support features like a washroom or caregiver station.
Patient Mobility
The level of independence a person has affects what kind of bed will work best. If the user can operate controls independently, a fully electric bed may be best. If they need full assistance, features like side rails and adjustable height are more important for the caregiver.
Duration of Use
Short-term recovery might call for a simpler setup. Longer-term use could justify more advanced features to support comfort and reduce complications like bedsores.
Additional Equipment
Will the bed be used in combination with mobility aids, lift chairs, or transfer supports? Adding items like overbed tables, superpoles, or trapeze bars may improve the overall care environment.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Hospital Bed?
Costs can vary depending on the type of bed, rental duration, and included services. However, here are some general expectations for families in Calgary and Medicine Hat:
- Rental prices typically start at a modest rate for standard electric beds
- Premium electric beds have advanced features and will be priced higher
- Some providers offer discounts for longer-term rentals
- Delivery, setup, and pickup fees may apply depending on location
- A refundable deposit may be required or the provision of a credit card on file for any cleaning or damage to the unit may be required
Overall, renting remains significantly more affordable than purchasing in most temporary or transitional situations. You can also go here to view our current hospital bed rental prices.
What’s Included in a Hospital Bed Rental?
A professional rental service should include everything needed to safely and confidently set up the bed at home. Most rental packages include:
- Delivery to the home and full assembly in the chosen room
- A quality hospital-grade mattress suited to the bed model
- Side rails for safety and mobility support
- On-call support for maintenance or technical issues
- Scheduled pickup and removal when the rental is complete
Some rental options also allow additional items to be added as needed, such as specialty mattresses, oxygen holders, or overbed trays.
Delivery and Setup Expectations
Once the rental is confirmed, the delivery process is typically fast and well-organized. A technician will arrive at the scheduled time to bring the bed into the home and set it up completely.
This includes placing the bed where needed, adjusting it for use, ensuring all parts are working, and showing the family how to operate the controls. If needed, furniture can be moved temporarily to make space.
When the rental period ends, the team will return to disassemble and remove the bed efficiently, without disrupting the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can a bed be delivered?
In many cases, delivery can be arranged within 24 to 48 hours depending on availability.
Do I need a prescription to rent a hospital bed?
Not always. Some situations may require a doctor’s note for insurance coverage, but private rentals do not need a prescription.
Can the bed go on any floor of the house?
Yes, as long as there is enough access to the space. Ground floor placements are simplest, but beds can often be installed upstairs if the home layout allows.
What happens if the bed stops working?
Support is available for repairs or replacements during the rental period. Many providers will replace the unit quickly if there is a mechanical issue.
Can I extend the rental if needed?
Yes. Most rental plans are flexible and can be extended without penalty, as long as the request is made in advance.
Hospital Beds Improve More Than Just Sleep
The right hospital bed supports more than rest. It protects the safety of the user, reduces strain on caregivers, and contributes to better health outcomes. Features like adjustable height make transferring easier. Elevating the head or legs can reduce swelling, improve circulation, and relieve pressure points.
Beyond physical health, hospital beds also bring emotional benefits. They allow individuals to remain at home during difficult times. They provide a sense of comfort and control. For families, this can offer peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is in a secure, comfortable setting.
Where to Get a Hospital Bed Rental in Calgary or Medicine Hat
Hospital bed rentals should be simple, fast, and backed by knowledgeable service. We help people across the Calgary and Medicine Hat regions get the support they need with high-quality equipment and local service they can count on.
We offer a range of hospital beds, from basic to premium models, all delivered and set up by trained professionals. Whether the need is short-term or part of a longer care plan, we provide flexible rental options, clear pricing, and additional support items such as lift chairs, bathroom safety equipment, mobility aids, and daily living accessories.
Every family deserves access to safe and reliable care at home. We are proud to be part of that process. When the time comes to make home care safer and more supportive, we are ready to help. Reach out today.
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