Medical equipment rental provides comfort to patients while providing an alternative to purchasing expensive equipment. However, many consumers are concerned about damaging their rented medical equipment due to the possibility of having to pay large damage fees. Fortunately, there are simple methods to preserve your medical rental equipment. By developing several easy-to-follow practices, you will save money and reduce your anxiety when using a lift chair rental or a hospital bed rental in GTA.
Practical steps to caring for rented medical equipment
While some may view the task of preserving your medical rental equipment as difficult, it is actually a straightforward practice. Most damage occurs because of a lack of maintenance rather than misuse. Taking a couple of minutes a day to perform inspections will assist you in saving money in the long run. Spilled beverages or loose wires account for the majority of the damages related to medical equipment rentals. Thus, the easiest method to prevent damage is through establishing regular routines.
Protecting your security deposit
By being responsible with your medical equipment, you are protecting your security deposit. Companies that rent medical equipment tend to reward customers who provide excellent care for the products. This may lead to reduced costs associated with renting hospital bed equipment for short periods of time. The key factor in receiving such rewards is demonstrating that you respect the rental product.
Two-minute daily habits
Morning inspection
The First step to maintaining your medical equipment is to conduct a visual inspection each morning. Take Two minutes to look for spills, loose parts, and abnormal noises. In doing so, you can also adjust pillowcases and bedding.
Preventing water damage
Equipment and water should never be mixed. Using a covered cup with a straw will eliminate the risk of spilling liquids on the rental equipment. Also, setting up a small tray table adjacent to the bed or chair will limit exposure to spills and create a barrier against liquids.
Adding additional protection
All medical rental equipment comes with standard protection covers. Adding additional layer(s) of protection will minimize any risk of damage. Purchasing a waterproof mattress protector for your rental bed or a washable chair pad for your lift chair will safeguard the original material and make cleanup much simpler.
Maintaining your lift chair rental in Ontario
Your lift chair rental in Ontario will likely include a power cord and hand control. Be gentle with both pieces. Pull the plug out of the wall instead of pulling the entire power cord out. Hang the hand control from a bedside hook. Never hang it from the floor as pets or wheelchairs could potentially crush it.
Lift chair checklist (bi-weekly)
Inspect the armrests by wiping them clean with a damp cloth
Listen for grinding noises when operating the lifting mechanism
Vacuum under the seat cushions
Press each button individually on the hand control
Conducting these checks every other Sunday morning is recommended. Catching minor issues prior to them becoming major problems allows you to address issues promptly. Log all complaints in a notebook and submit them to the rental company.
Hospital bed for home use (GTA) – operating procedures
Like any mechanical device, a hospital bed for home use in GTA requires some basic maintenance. There are only three main procedures you must follow to ensure you maintain your bed properly:
Procedure 1: Slowly lower side Rails
Pulling side rails up quickly puts unnecessary pressure on the joints. When lowering side rails slowly, listen for the clicking noise of each section of rail falling into position. If you hear grinding instead of clicking, stop immediately and contact the rental company.
Procedure 2: Always lock the wheels.
Always lock the wheels before allowing anyone to get in or out of the bed. An unlocked bed may roll, causing damage to cords or knocking over furniture placed next to the bed. Add a brightly coloured sticker to the bed frame to remind you.
Procedure 3: Clean without exposing parts to liquid
Dry cloths can be used to wipe down the frame; however, avoid spraying liquid directly onto the motor area. Remove moisture quickly by drying the frame once cleaned. Failure to remove excess moisture can lead to rust forming on the bed’s frame and/or electrical shocks occurring.
Hospital bed rentals for short terms
If you’re using hospital bed rentals for short terms, you’ll require even greater attention to detail. You typically won’t have access to the equipment for more than 30 days. Each day is crucial during this timeframe. Follow these suggestions for minimizing stress:
Document photos on delivery day
When you receive your rental equipment, document evidence of its pre-rental condition via photographs. Document any stains, tears, or scuffs on the equipment.
- Record existing defects & damage
- Document any defects/damage present when you receive your rental equipment.
- Have original instruction manual handy
- Be sure to retain a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions provided with your rental equipment.
- Use surge protector on all power cords
Wrapping cords tightly around bed frames or chairs can cause damage to cables/wires and thus damage to the rental equipment.
Unwrap cords completely before returning
- Do not wrap cords loosely around bed frames/chair legs upon returning your rental equipment.
- Remove shoes prior to sitting on the bed
- Do not wear shoes when sitting on your hospital bed, as dirt/creases caused by footprints can become embedded within the mattress/fabric.
- Shake sheets free of crumbs after bedtime
- Before putting on fresh linens, Shake free any debris/loose particles found on top/sides of mattresses.
Elevate bed frame above waist level for easy cleaning underneath
- Regularly elevate bed frame above waist level for easy cleaning underneath.
- Double check wheel locks twice prior to moving the bed
- Upon relocating your hospital bed, double-check that the wheel locks are secure.
- Place hand control inside zipper pouch upon not in use
- When not in use, store hand controls in zipper pouches.
- Notify rental co. Immediately if smells/burning odors are detected
Contact rental company immediately if you detect unusual odors/smell/burning odor emanating from equipment.
Verify with rental company all original accessories were returned
Prior to returning rental equipment, verify with rental company that all original accessories were returned with said equipment.
There are numerous common mistakes made when Renting medical equipment. Below are examples:
Damaging equipment through negligence
Do not use electrical appliances too close to your rented medical equipment. Also, never spill liquids on or under your rented medical equipment.
Not following manufacturer instructions
Carefully review manufacturer instructions prior to utilizing rented medical equipment. Incorrect usage can result in serious injury.
Overusing electrical appliances
Using too many electrical appliances too close together can generate excessive heat and potentially damage rented medical equipment.
Failing to inspect regularly
Inspect your rented medical equipment regularly. Any signs of malfunction should be addressed immediately by contacting your rental company.
Weekly quick maintenance routine
On every Saturday morning, allocate ten minutes of your time for performing the following weekly routine:
Step 1: unplug all equipment
Unplug all your rented medical equipment prior to commencing cleaning/maintenance tasks.
Step 2: dry surface wipes down all surfaces
Using dry surface wipes, thoroughly wipe down all surfaces including handles, levers etc.
Step 3: cord inspection
Inspection cords for frayed ends/ cut cords and replace if necessary.
Step 4: button test
Test all Buttons/levers to ensure proper operation.
Step 5: plug back-in
Plug-in all rented medical equipment and confirm proper function.
Step 6: log date book entry
Log entry into date book noting completion of weekly maintenance routine.
This routine identifies approximately 90 percent of possible malfunctions/repair opportunities prior to creating larger problems.