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Elderly parents
Original poster

Hospital bed to hire or buy?

42 replies

tobee · 22/09/2025 11:32

Does anyone know where to look or what prices to expect?

My dad needs one to come out of hospital as part of his care package and I'm trying to help mum get the best suitable for him.

I'm not sure I'm looking in the right places!

Thanks!

OP posts:
Original poster
tobee · 22/09/2025 14:26

Thank you @aodirjjd

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aodirjjd · 22/09/2025 14:16

It’s so shit that you have to do this op. Being pragmatic, the head thing to do is put your foot down and say he’s entitled to one on nhs and he’s not coming home without it.

But that could delay his discharge for days/ weeks and it’s horrible being in hospital especially when you don’t need to be. So I would have done the same as you to get him out of there.

But what you must do now is hassle whoever you need to hassle to ensure you get an nhs one and swap it over asap when they have it spare. Thats presuming it’s not a case of your dad only needing it for a week or so.

Original poster
tobee · 22/09/2025 14:11

I shall get back to them @LIZS even though I've set up this hire.

Trying to be clear sighted but not wasting time while keen for dad to be back home asap

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Original poster
tobee · 22/09/2025 14:08

@LambriniBobInIsleworthISeesYa that's a lovely suggestion although mum & dad live quite far from there and we wouldn't have the transport etc.

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Original poster
tobee · 22/09/2025 14:07

Just come back here to read updates but while I was away I've hired one and for 2 weeks and then we'll see what happens and how long he'll need it for.

It's been complicated by the fact I've been at the other end of the country on holiday and my sister very busy working and my mum not being able to hear reliably on the phone and feeling vulnerable.

My sister and I stepped in because mum said some guy at a company had one he could sell her for £1,900 and he was "a lovely man".

Thank you for the kind and helpful responses.

Btw the o.t person at hospital apparently didn't give any further advice re type of bed or trusted companies.

OP posts:
LIZS · 22/09/2025 13:00

tobee · 22/09/2025 12:06

Thanks for replies.

My mum spoke to the hospital care team person this morning and there is no bed available for my dad.

She's spoken to someone who can get him a bed delivered in good time; that they'd need to buy but my sister and I are wondering if it's good value, don't want mum to be ripped off.

That doesn’t mean they won’t supply one though. Ask them to find one before he can come home,

IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 22/09/2025 13:00

I thought I was doing the right thing by buying an electric bead for my mother six years ago when she was in hospital. The OT was very disparaging and said that it wasn't any good! No offer to help me source the right one but the one I had was no good because it didn't go low enough to enable her to sit easily.

Unicorn34 · 22/09/2025 12:55

If its necessary for discharge and not something that is "preferred" then call your Social Care team who should be able to help.

shellyleppard · 22/09/2025 12:53

Op could you hire one from the red cross?? The hospital should organise it surely or it's not safe for home discharge??

weaselwords · 22/09/2025 12:50

Sorry to hear that your dad isn’t well.
I’m an OT. He really shouldn’t be discharged without the OT ordering the equipment for him. These beds are so expensive and routine equipment for hospital discharge. Don’t go buying it yourself.

LambriniBobInIsleworthISeesYa · 22/09/2025 12:44

Should have added, for free.

LambriniBobInIsleworthISeesYa · 22/09/2025 12:44

If you’re anywhere near East London or can get there with a van I have an unused one that I’m trying to get rid of.

Original poster
tobee · 22/09/2025 12:06

Thanks for replies.

My mum spoke to the hospital care team person this morning and there is no bed available for my dad.

She's spoken to someone who can get him a bed delivered in good time; that they'd need to buy but my sister and I are wondering if it's good value, don't want mum to be ripped off.

OP posts:
didgeridid · 22/09/2025 11:42

There is a company that comes and sorts it via the NHS, also social services.
But as above, the hospital should arrange a team to pop in and assess the house then they loan you what is needed.

LIZS · 22/09/2025 11:42

The OT on the discharge assessment team should be able to direct you .

Wonderknicks · 22/09/2025 11:41

You should be provided with one by the NHS as part of the care package, along with anything else he needs (raised toilet seat etc etc).

Original poster
tobee · 22/09/2025 11:39

Looking myself quickly via google they are all kinds and all prices

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