Yes, you can rent a recliner after surgery, and for many people, it is a necessary part of the recovery process. A specialized recliner, often called a power lift chair, offers significant benefits that a standard household chair or sofa cannot provide. Post-operative recovery involves managing pain and limited mobility, making simple actions like sitting down or standing up challenging and sometimes unsafe.
A medical-grade recliner is designed to reduce physical strain, protecting incision sites and preventing falls during the healing period. By assisting with movement, these devices help conserve the patient’s energy, which can be directed toward recovery and rehabilitation. Renting provides a temporary, flexible solution for an item needed only for the short duration of recovery.
Understanding Rental Recliner Options
The most common rental option is the power lift chair, which differs from a standard residential recliner. This equipment features a motorized mechanism that gently tilts the entire chair forward, raising the seat high enough to assist the user into a near-standing position. This lift feature is helpful for individuals who must avoid bending at the hip or knee, or straining abdominal muscles.
Lift chairs offer multiple reclining positions, controlled by a simple remote. An “infinite position” model allows the backrest and footrest to move independently, enabling the user to achieve a nearly flat or “zero gravity” position. This positioning helps improve circulation by elevating the feet above heart level, reducing post-surgical swelling.
Choosing the correct size is important, as rental suppliers carry models in various dimensions, including petite and heavy-duty options. The width and weight capacity must be appropriate for the user to ensure comfort and safety. Some advanced models may include optional features like heat and massage, although these are less common on rental units.
Locating Suppliers and Arranging Rental
Power lift chairs fall under the category of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and are primarily supplied through specialized medical channels. The most reliable places to find rental units are local DME providers and dedicated mobility equipment stores. These businesses handle the logistical demands of medical rentals.
The procurement process begins with a prescription from your physician, which verifies the medical necessity of the equipment. Rental agreements are usually structured on a weekly or monthly basis, allowing flexibility for unpredictable recovery timelines. Most suppliers offer convenient services such as home delivery, setup, instruction on safe operation, and eventual pickup.
Financial Considerations and Insurance Coverage
The cost of renting a lift chair varies depending on the model and the duration of the rental agreement, with rates typically charged monthly. Many DME suppliers require a security deposit in addition to the first month’s rental fee. It is important to inquire about potential fees for delivery, setup, and eventual pickup.
Insurance coverage for rental lift chairs is nuanced and requires specific documentation. Medicare Part B covers DME and will pay for the motorized seat lift mechanism if it is medically necessary, but it does not cover the cost of the chair frame, cushioning, or upholstery. For coverage, the doctor must complete a Certificate of Medical Necessity (Form CMS-849) confirming conditions prevent the patient from standing independently from a regular chair.
If you qualify, Medicare pays 80% of the approved cost for the lifting mechanism after you meet your annual Part B deductible. The patient is responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance on the mechanism, plus the entire cost of the non-DME components. If the rental period extends for 13 consecutive months, Medicare’s “capped rental” rule transfers ownership of the lift mechanism to the beneficiary.
Selecting the Best Chair Based on Surgery Type
Consulting with your surgeon or physical therapist determines the specific features needed for a safe recovery. For major joint replacements, such as hip or knee surgery, a power lift function is beneficial to maintain post-operative precautions and avoid excessive bending. A firm seat and back are preferred to ensure proper posture and limit sinking, which can make standing more difficult.
Patients recovering from back or abdominal surgery, including spinal fusion, benefit from the ability to achieve a zero-gravity position. This position reclines the body with the feet elevated to minimize pressure on the lower back and surgical sites. Remote control access is useful for shoulder or arm surgery, as it eliminates the need for manual levers or buttons that could cause strain on the affected limb.
For all surgeries, a chair with a continuous, sealed footrest is advantageous because it eliminates the gap between the seat and the footrest when reclined. This design provides better leg support and prevents the heel or calf from getting caught, ensuring a smooth transfer. The chair’s position should be easily adjustable to allow for frequent changes in posture, promoting circulation and preventing stiffness during long periods of sitting.