What to Rent for Home Recovery: A Checklist from Hospital Beds to Oxygen

Your home is where you recover after leaving the hospital. But getting there can be just as challenging as the surgery itself. To start off, you have to turn your standard bedroom into a medical facility that will meet all of your recovery needs. With little time to waste, it can seem like a monumental task. That’s why we’ve created this guide outlining what to rent for your home care set-up, so you know exactly what to get — and what to expect.

Tier 1: the must-haves for safety, comfort and getting around (hospital bed, wheelchair & seated Lift chair)

The first piece of equipment you’ll want to consider renting is your recovery bed. Since most of the time spent recovering is going to be spent sleeping in this bed, it is imperative that you choose the right bed for you.

Adaptive medical frames for better healing

Medical beds are made specifically for people who have had surgeries. They come equipped with articulating joints that enable them to elevate your head and legs individually. When looking for a medical bed, look for one that has full electrical control for maximum independent use. Also, make sure the bed comes with safety railings to prevent late night falls. In addition, look for a bed with a pressure distribution mattress that will help distribute the pressure on your delicate skin profile. Lastly, find a bed that is rated for your weight; this will provide optimal comfort and support.

Geography matters when it comes to rental logistics

Having someone bring your electric hospital bed rental in Toronto directly to you can greatly reduce the amount of legwork involved in setting up a home care system. Many companies offer this type of service, and hiring one can greatly alleviate some of the stress associated with managing this process.

Delivery of heavy steel frames is best left to professionals

If you’re new to caring for someone who uses an electric hospital bed, then attempting to assemble or move the bed yourself could lead to problems such as damaged locking mechanisms or compromised electronic control units. Thus, it’s best to hire a technician to do this job for you. Finding a reputable company that offers a hospital bed rental near me with installation services provides you with total confidence knowing that the technicians hired by this company are trained professionals. Not only will the technicians calibrate the motors of your bed, but also test the back-up emergency systems. In addition, they will take the time to explain how to use the remote control properly and safely.

Tier 2: comfortable daytime use, sitting & strolling

While sitting down doesn’t cure respiratory problems, moving to a seated position does promote better breathing and increases positive feelings throughout the day. However, many people don’t realize that normal furniture found in the average living room may not provide enough mechanical assistance needed to facilitate ease of standing up from a deep couch.

Mechanically assisted reclining chairs help prevent straining abdominal muscles

As Patients grow stronger physically after surgery, standing up from deep-seated furniture can become increasingly strenuous and painful. While it is not uncommon for households to have comfortable sofas, few homes have recliners that provide sufficient Lift assist to prevent straining abdominal muscles when rising.

To solve this problem, Lift chairs are designed to slowly raise the user from a seated position to a standing position. Because these chairs are motorized and designed with safety features such as slow motion and gentle forward tilting, they greatly minimize lifting burdens placed upon caregivers when assisting Patients with standing.

Bath & showering essentials

Slips and trips occur most often in bathrooms due to slippery floors and hard tile. Thus, installing some safety devices will greatly increase the comfort level of those recovering.

Raised toilet seats over existing comodes

For individuals recovering at home, falling is one of the biggest fears. Installing a height-adjustable raised toilet seat over the existing commode can provide additional security and stability for Patients when using the restroom. Additionally, having a non-slip mat underfoot in the shower can greatly decrease slipping and falling. If bathing isn't possible, a portable commode can be used until further notice. Using a portable commode eliminates the need for prolonged bathroom trips late at night.

Tier 3: additional needs based upon patient specific requirements

Depending upon the type of surgery performed or other patient-specific factors, other types of equipment may be required. Examples include Oxygen Concentrators and therapy units.

Continuous oxygen supply through concentrator systems

Breathing difficulties are common immediately following surgery. An oxygen concentrator ensures continuous oxygen flow without cumbersome and hazardous storage containers. Be sure to place this equipment at least six feet away from heat sources or flammable materials.

Safe use of oxygen therapy devices

Be certain to keep the tubing running along walls and/or floors to prevent tripping hazards. Proper management of respiratory function can aid in improving overall sleep quality and potentially enhance healing speed.

one-stop-shops for all your home care rentals

Dealing with multiple providers for each piece of equipment needed for recovery can quickly become overwhelming. Consider bundling all of your medical and furniture rental needs through one local vendor.

Single company provides convenient communication between vendors & caregivers

Using a single provider for your home care hospital bed rental Toronto will greatly simplify communication. The same company will handle all aspects of your rental including shipping/delivery, billing and final pick-up. In addition, local vendors typically respond faster than national vendors in case of emergency repairs.

Caregiver organization ideas

Creating an uncluttered and safe space promotes less stress on both Patients and caregivers alike. Create traffic zones free of clutter and organize your space in order to create ease of movement and efficiency in completing tasks related to care giving.

Room clutter elimination ideas

Remove any small rugs, foot stools or low coffee tables because walkers or slippers can easily trip over these obstructions. Remove any clutter that would limit a caregiver's ability to walk within a three foot radius around all sides of the bed. Securely fasten loose corded appliance chargers along baseboards using painter's tape. Position a small trash bin adjacent to the primary seating area. Install a hand sanitizer dispenser outside the bedroom door.

Create a smooth caring experience

Keeping track of medications administered daily, fluids consumed daily and simple mobility exercise completed daily is an excellent way to stay on top of your patient's needs. Keeping a detailed log book located on the bedside table will aid in keeping track of these important details.

Emergency contact information at hand

Lastly, be sure to confirm that your rental company provides technical support 24/7. Knowing you have access to a knowledgeable person whenever you need assistance provides peace-of-mind for family members.

Getting ready for recovery

Once you've carefully reviewed your list prior to arrival at your home from the ambulance or transport vehicle, double check that your hospital bed rental Toronto kit includes all of the necessary linens and extension cords. Confirm that the technicians from your hospital bed rental near me with installation company will arrive ahead of schedule to ensure clearance in hallways allowing for easy entry into bedrooms. Finally, ensure that your chosen hospital bed rental Toronto company will continue to provide emergency assistance for future adjustments.