A lift chair is a specialized piece of motorized furniture, classified as durable medical equipment (DME), that assists users in moving from a seated to a standing position. This powered mechanism gently tilts the chair base forward, reducing physical strain on the user’s joints. Lift chairs are particularly useful for post-operative recovery or managing chronic mobility issues. Renting a lift chair is a practical solution for individuals facing a temporary medical need, such as rehabilitation after a knee or hip replacement.
Where to Find Rental Lift Chairs
The most common source for securing a rental is a local Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider or specialized medical supply store. These local businesses typically maintain a fleet of rental chairs and often have knowledgeable staff who can assist in selecting the correct size and model for a user’s specific needs. They frequently offer personalized services like white-glove delivery, professional setup inside the home, and instruction on proper use, which can be invaluable for someone with limited mobility.
National home healthcare rental companies and large chain pharmacies also offer lift chair rentals. These larger entities may offer standardized pricing across different regions, but their services might be less flexible than those provided by a dedicated local supplier. When choosing a provider, verify the extent of their service, especially concerning the setup and retrieval of the chair from inside your residence. Rental equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between users to adhere to health and safety standards.
Calculating Rental Costs and Time Frames
The financial structure for lift chair rentals is usually based on defined timeframes, with weekly and monthly rates being the most common options. Weekly rates typically range from $75 to $150, while monthly rates are often a more cost-effective choice, frequently falling between $225 and $350, depending on the chair model and location. Providers typically offer a discount for extending the rental period, making the monthly rate notably lower than four weekly payments combined.
Customers should anticipate additional charges beyond the base rental fee for services such as delivery, professional setup, and pickup, which are calculated separately and vary based on distance. Many rental agreements require a security deposit, which safeguards against potential damage to the equipment and is refunded upon the chair’s return in good condition. For individuals whose short-term need extends into several months, some providers offer a “rent-to-own” program, crediting a portion of accumulated rental payments toward the full purchase price of the chair.
Essential Checks Before Renting
Before finalizing a rental agreement, confirm the chair’s specifications align with the user’s physical requirements. This includes verifying the chair’s weight capacity, which ranges from standard models supporting around 375 pounds to heavy-duty (bariatric) models accommodating 500 pounds or more. The user’s height and body type must also be measured against the chair’s seat width and depth to ensure a correct and supportive fit.
Mechanical Capabilities
It is important to understand the chair’s mechanical capabilities, distinguishing between a basic two-position chair, which reclines slightly and lifts, and an infinite-position chair. Infinite-position chairs utilize dual motors, allowing the backrest and footrest to operate independently. This offers a greater range of movement, including zero-gravity and Trendelenburg positions, which can be important for circulation or specific medical needs.
Insurance Coverage and Medical Necessity
A crucial step involves verifying if the rental is covered under a payer, such as Medicare Part B or a private insurance plan. Coverage may apply to the lifting mechanism portion of the chair if a physician documents medical necessity. The provider will require a prescription and a Certificate of Medical Necessity confirming the user cannot rise from a standard chair without assistance.