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Beginning two weeks ago, my 99-year-old mother, who was walking until then, contracted a UTI, leading to a temporary halt in her mobility. Currently in the hospital and on the road to recovery, I've been her primary caregiver for several years. As she returns home, I'm seeking a donated hospital bed to enhance her comfort during this transition, especially considering our financial situation. If anyone can guide me to a source or has a bed to donate, especially an electric one, it would be immensely appreciated. We are located in Glendale, CA.

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curielmemo: Go through her physician who could write a prescription for the hospital bed to ensure that it is covered by Medicare.
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Medicare/Medicaid paid for my aunt's and mother's electric beds. You may need a prescription from her doctor or a registered nurse. They were the kinds of beds that went up and down, and the head and foot of the bed also inclined. They also had optional bars that prevented people from falling out.
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Check with your local VA hospitals. We got a very nice bed that they were getting rid of (they had 30!) free.
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Before we chose hospice, we rented a hospital bed with electric control from a local DME company. I did't get the doctor order because I wanted it asap. It cost about 225. dollars per month. You do have to Buy the mattress, at least here. They do not rent those. The 8 inch mattress was 600. dollars. Once we went on hospice, the DME company came and picked the rental bed up. I used the good mattress on the hospice provided hospital bed. These are pretty simple. But are definitely a help.
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Easiest way to get a hospital bed is to have the doctor write an order for one and either rent or buy. Much will be covered by insurance.
OR
If mom qualifies for Hospice a hospital bed will be provided by hospice and will be covered.
Most places that would normally have taken a hospital bed will no longer take them and if they do they will not take the mattress that goes with it.
you can search FB marketplace or Craig's List. If you do buy one form a site like that arrange pick up in a safe location. Many communities also have a "Buy Nothing" site on FB and people post items they want to get rid of or I have se "ISO" (In Search Of posts)
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Good Morning,

Usually health insurance covers 80% and you pay 20. They will deliver, set up. You can also get 1/2 a rail if that is what the primary care doc prescribes.

There are also some Church donations programs for recycled medical equipment. In all honesty the one in my neighborhood the equipment had seen better days and I needed a transfer chair immediately so I went on Amazon.

There a lot of supply chain and demand issues right now ever since the Pandemic. I would also call a senior citizen center or put an add on Craigslist.

Some neighborhoods have a "Free Stuff" website.

I hope I was of some help to you...Happy New Year!
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At 99, going the hospice route to get the bed may or may not be the way to go. Hospice will provide a bed free of charge, but the trade off is that they will take over her care and might not pay for some medications that she is on. If your mother is doing well and really doesn’t need hospice then ask the attending physician to write an order for a bed upon her release from the hospital. Chances are good that your request will be granted. Medicare will pay for it but in order to get some convenience features - like electric controls vs a crank to move it up and down, you will have to pay a monthly up charge. At the end of 14 months (or so) the bed is yours!
If you can find a donated one that is great but that might be difficult.
i recommend that you upgrade the mattress if you can and also buy a twin size foam topper from a store like Kohl’s to help reduce the chance of bedsores.
Good luck!
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You can rent a hospital bed from a local medical equipment supplier. They should deliver and set up for you. With Doctor's order, I believe Medicare or Medicaid may pay for this.
I've seen some good suggestions here recommending Hospice help, if that is appropriate.
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If a doctor orders a hospital bed, Medicare may cover it.
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Hospice or freecycle.org
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We put one outside the house that was 20 years old and I listed it on Craigslist under free stuff. I described it and said it was very heavy and needed 3 strong men to lift it and that it was outside and just come and get it.

It was gone in about 45 mins. I never saw who got it and then I deleted the listing.

The end.

I hope you find one.
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Thank you so much, I just did both.
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This really isn't a buy, sell or trade site. I think the chance that someone will notice your request who does live in your area and who just happens to have this is unlikely.

May I ask if your mother is eligible for or would want hospice care? At her age of 99 she may easily qualify for same, and so much equipment, including said bed comes with it without cost. You may not wish medications, or need them, but the help with a bath several times a week, an RN stopping by one a week and calls from clergy and social workers may help you.

Hospice is end of life care, and so many treatments and tests, and even some meds aren't given. Hospice care when ordered by her MD would require the MD to say that in this professional opinion your mother may not survive beyond 6 months. If that isn't something you would want to face now, and if you wish further treatments and a lot of testing, then Hospice is definitely not for you, but it is worth discussion with your Mom's MD, and with your Mom if she is still up to discussing her wishes for you as she nears the end of her life's journey.

Wishing you the best.
Check with some medical supply outlets in your area to check on rental cost for said bed; I think it's worth trying.
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JuliaH Dec 28, 2023
Hospice is a good idea. I would like to add that I was advised to keep mom's health insurance premiums paid in case she went off hospice.
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She is 99 so hospice may help. They were great with my Mom.
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Put an ad in next door or Craigslist. You will have to haul the bed.
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