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Renting or Buying Medical Equipment for Home Care

When a patient comes home from hospital, or needs more care at home, the family often has to arrange equipment quickly: a hospital bed, an oxygen concentrator, a BiPAP or CPAP machine, a suction machine or a wheelchair. Most of these can be rented or bought. The right choice depends mainly on how long the equipment will be needed — and on what the doctor has prescribed.

When Renting Makes Sense

• The need is short-term — for example, recovery after surgery or a fracture
• The patient’s needs may change, and a different model may be needed later
• The item is large, such as a hospital bed, and the family will not want to keep it

When Buying Makes Sense

• The need is long-term, as in many chronic lung, heart or neurological conditions
• Items used daily for months or years, such as a wheelchair, CPAP or a commode chair
• Small personal items, for hygiene reasons

Questions to Ask Before the Equipment Arrives

• What exactly did the doctor prescribe? For oxygen, BiPAP, CPAP and ventilators, the settings (such as the oxygen flow) must come from the doctor.
• Will someone set it up and train the family? Ask for a demonstration and keep the instructions.
• What happens if it stops working? Check who to call for service or a replacement, and how quickly.
• Is a power backup needed? Plan for power cuts, as the doctor advises: an inverter or UPS (or a machine with a battery) for BiPAP, CPAP and ventilators, and a backup oxygen cylinder for a concentrator.
• Is it clean and checked? Rented equipment should be cleaned and serviced before it is delivered.

Safety at Home

Keep oxygen equipment away from flames, smoking and heat sources — including the gas stove, diyas and incense. Do not use oil-based creams or petroleum jelly on the face while on oxygen, and keep cylinders upright and secured. Place beds and wheelchairs where the patient can be moved safely, with enough space for caregivers. Do not change machine settings without the doctor’s advice.

Common Equipment for Home Care

Hospital and ICU beds, air mattresses, oxygen concentrators and cylinders, BiPAP and CPAP machines, ventilators, suction machines, infusion pumps, patient monitors and wheelchairs are among the equipment that may be needed at home.

This article is provided for general information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every patient’s situation is different — please consult a qualified doctor for guidance specific to you. In a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.