Taking care of your loved one at home after surgery or a long hospital stay feels challenging when they need medical support.
If you are one of them, it is natural to wonder:
“How do I choose the right medical equipment for home care?”
“Is medical equipment available for rent?”
In this guide, we explain the types of medical equipment on rent, their uses, and how to choose the right equipment for safe and comfortable home care.
What Is Medical Equipment for Home Use?
In simple terms, medical equipment for home use is a medical device that can be used at home to treat and monitor patients. It is also called home medical equipment (HME).
According to the FDA, the definition of medical equipment for use is a medical device helpful for users outside of a professional medical facility.
Benefits of Using Medical Equipment at Home
Medical equipment at home makes life easier and more comfortable for patients by:
- Allowing patients to recive medical care in their own home, with familiar surroundings.
- Patients can manage their daily activities at home, which provides better recovery.
- Medical equipment that can be used for mobility, such as wheelchairs and hospital beds, can improve movement and positioning.
- Also, renting medical equipment required for a short period can reduce costs.
Types of Medical Equipment on Rent for Home Care
Below are some of the most commonly used medical devices for home that are available for rent:
1 Hospital Bed on Rent
A hospital bed is needed for those patients who need constant bed rest. This type of bed has many unique properties that can help you with positioning, also has side rails and height adjustment.
Read Also: How to Use a Hospital Bed Mattress at Home for Bedridden Patients
2 Oxygen Concentrator on Rent
Some patients need oxygen therapy that can be prescribed by their doctor. For those patients, oxygen concentration is used at home. This device takes air and concentrates oxygen. But it is advisable to check oxygen output, power requirements, maintenance, and backup arrangements.
Read Also: Oxygen Concentrator vs Oxygen Cylinder: Which Is Best for Home Care?
3. BiPAP and CPAP Machine on Rent
Both BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are used to deliver pressurised air for patients who suffer from sleep apnea and breathing difficulties.
But both differ in the following ways:
- BiPAP machine on rent provides different pressure levels during inhalation and exhalation
- CPAP machine on rent provides continuous positive airway pressure
4. Suction Machine on Rent
If patients can not clear mucus, saliva, blood, or other fluid on their own effectively, this suction machine helps to remove secretions. It is advisable to check the tubing, collection container, cleaning instructions, and ask for a demonstration on safe use before renting.
How to Choose the Right Medical Equipment for Home Care: Key Factors
Here we explain key factors that you should keep in mind when you choose the medical equipment for yourself or your loved ones:
1. Medical requirements of the Patient
Choose the right equipment according to your patient’s needs, whether it is walking, breathing, sleeping, or recovering from any surgical operation.
2. Comfort of the Patient
The choice of equipment must consider the patient’s age, body weight, and physical condition.
3. Ease of Use
Before choosing the equipment, ensure it has features that are easy and convenient for the patients and their family.
4. Available Space
Space availability at your home to keep medical equipment is an essential factor to consider; thus, measure doorways and room size, especially for hospital beds and wheelchairs.
Rent vs Buy Medical Equipment for Home Care
Can I buy or rent medical equipment? This is the most common concern for many caregivers.
So, let’s understand when choosing to rent makes sense and when buying may be better.
The table below shows the difference between renting vs. buying medical equipment for home care:
| Medical equipment for rent | Buying medical equipment |
| Appropriate for a short period of time or temporary use | Appropriate for a long period of time or frequent use |
| Affordable | Costly |
| Can return the equipment once it is no longer needed | Keep the equipment and use when it is needed |
| Maintenance is provided depending on the agreement | Maintaining the equipment becomes your responsibility |
What Affects the Cost of Medical Equipment on Rent?
Following factors affect the cost of medical equipment on rent:
- Types of equipment: For example, a hospital bed and a ventilator charge may differ.
- Period of rent: Weekly rental price may differ from monthly.
- Model: Advanced models have advanced features that can increase your rental cost.
- Delivery and Installation: These services may add additional charges to your rental cost.
- Maintenance and deposit: These charges may differ according to healthcare service providers, but they may increase the cost.
How to Rent Medical Equipment: Simple Steps
If you want medical equipment for rent, here are simple steps that help you choose the right medical equipment:
- First, consult your doctor to understand which type of equipment your loved one needs, its specifications and the duration of use.
- Prior to choosing equipment, analyze the needs of your loved one, the space available at your home, and your finances.
- Evaluate services of different healthcare professionals, including rental services, quality of equipment, and their feedback online.
- Request price quotes which include the price for rental, deposit fees, delivery fees, and maintenance fees.
- Carefully read rental terms and conditions.
- Once you have purchased the equipment, make sure that installation is done correctly.
Safety and Setup Checklist
Here are some of the guidelines that you must keep in mind to ensure you are using medical equipment safely:
- Always store equipment safely
- Ensure that cables are kept away from water sources and passage points
- Follow the cleaning instructions properly
- Try to keep oxygen machines away from any sort of flames
- Do not change any settings of the machinery without consulting your doctor
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Medical Equipment for Safe and Comfortable Home Care
The selection of appropriate medical equipment can make home care much easier for both you and your family members. Medical equipment on rent can be provided by various health care facilities and medical equipment companies as per your requirement and budget.
If you reside in Kolkata, contact Icosano Home Health Care Pvt Ltd to know about the availability of the equipment and other details.
Read Also: When Does Your Loved One Need 24-Hour Nursing Care at Home?
FAQs
1. Can I rent medical equipment instead of buying it?
Yes, you can lease medical devices if you need them for a short period of time.
2. What medical equipment should I have at home?
That really depends on the patient’s requirements. Some examples are a thermometer, a blood pressure monitor, a wheelchair, a hospital bed or other tools related to breathing.
3. How do I choose a good medical equipment provider?
Before choosing a supplier of medical appliances, it is necessary to check the quality of devices, rental costs, services offered by them, maintenance and customer service.
4. What is home medical equipment?
Medical equipment enables patients to treat their health and receive health care at home.
5. Do I need a doctor’s advice before using a BiPAP, CPAP or oxygen concentrator?
Yes, before using any breathing device, it is necessary to contact a medical professional in order to have the right device based on your condition.
