A hospital bed is bigger than most people expect. Once it is in the room with the rails up and a caregiver working beside it, a bedroom that felt roomy can feel tight. The families we talk to at our Scarborough store get the best results when they prepare the space a few days before delivery. This guide goes through what to do and in what order.
Pick the right room
Choose the room before you choose the bed. Ground floor rooms are easiest, since they avoid stairs and are close to the kitchen and bathroom. If the bed has to go upstairs, mention it when you order. Tell us about narrow staircases or tight turns so the delivery can be planned around them.
If the patient will spend most of the day in the bed, think about the window and the door. A bed with a view of the garden or the hallway keeps the patient connected to the household. A bed pushed into a dark corner tends to feel isolating.
Measure before delivery day
Measure the room, the doorway and any hallway corners the bed has to pass. Most hospital beds arrive in sections and are assembled in the room, so a standard doorway is usually fine. You still want to know where the tight spots are.
Leave at least one open side of the bed for the caregiver. Many people position the head of the bed against a wall so that one long side and the foot stay clear. If two people help with transfers, you need clear space on both sides.
Plan the power
An electric bed needs an outlet within reach of the cord. Put the bed where the cord can reach the wall without crossing a walkway, since a loose cord is a trip hazard for the caregiver and for the patient later on. Read the manufacturer's guidance on extension cords and power strips before using either.
Ask about battery backup too. Some beds, like the Drive Medical full electric bed, can lower the head and foot sections during an outage, which matters at night.
Clear the floor
Remove loose rugs, low tables and anything the caregiver could trip on while carrying a tray or helping the patient stand. Clear a path from the bed to the bathroom or to a commode chair if that is part of the plan. Good lighting along that path helps at night, so a small lamp or nightlight is worth adding.
Think about the nearby supplies
Set up a bedside table within reach of the patient. Keep water, tissues, the phone, glasses and the remote there. If the patient has trouble reaching, a long handled reacher from our aids to daily living range can help them pick up dropped items without calling for help.
If the patient cannot stand to transfer, ask whether a patient lift would make the move from bed to chair safer. A lift needs floor space under and around the bed, so decide this before you finalize the layout.
Choose between buying and renting
The room plan helps you decide on the equipment too. If you expect a short recovery, our hospital bed rentals cover that need without a large purchase. The MedaCure full electric bed with half side rails is one rental option. If care will last many months or longer, a hospital bed for sale such as the Full Electric Hospital Bed with Mattress and Side Rails (JJ1040) is usually better value.
What to do on delivery day
Clear a path from the front door to the room before the delivery team arrives. Move furniture ahead of time rather than during setup. Have someone at home who can answer questions about where the bed should go.
Once the bed is set up, test every control with the delivery team still there. Raise and lower the head, foot and height, and try the rails. Ask any questions then, since it is easier than calling later.
The first night
Put the bed at a comfortable height for getting in and out, lock the wheels if it has them, and keep the remote where the patient can reach it. Check that the cord is clear. Show everyone who helps with care how the controls work, so no one is learning on a stressful night.
Get your hospital bed in Scarborough and the GTA
If you are still deciding between a purchase and a rental, or you want a second opinion on the room layout, our team can help. Tell us who the bed is for, how long you expect to need it and what the room looks like, and we will suggest suitable options.
Browse hospital beds for sale, check our hospital bed rentals in Scarborough, or contact JJ Healthcare Products to talk to our team. You can also call 416-474-4830 or visit our Scarborough or Ajax store.
About JJ Healthcare Products
JJ Healthcare Products is a medical equipment supplier with stores in Scarborough and Ajax, Ontario. We carry hospital beds, patient lifts, walkers, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, lift chairs and bathroom safety equipment, and we offer rentals and in store service.
Frequently asked questions
How much space does a hospital bed need?
It needs more room than a regular bed, mainly for the caregiver to work on at least one side. Measure the room and plan for clear floor space around the bed.
Will a hospital bed fit through a standard door?
Most beds are delivered in sections and assembled in the room, so a standard doorway is usually fine. Tell us about narrow halls, tight corners or stairs when you order.
Can I put the bed upstairs?
Yes, but tell us in advance. Stairs change how delivery and setup are planned.
Do I need a battery backup?
It is worth asking about. A backup lets some beds lower the head and foot sections during a power outage, which helps if the patient is stuck in a raised position.
Can I rent a hospital bed for a short time?
Yes. Rentals suit short recoveries. Call us with your dates and we will check what is available.
📞 Call us: 416-474-4830 | 647-243-2231 | 844-211-4996
🏪 Scarborough Store: 2036 Ellesmere Road, Unit# 1,Scarborough , ON M1H 2Z8,Canada
🏪 Ajax Store: 40 Blowers Cres, Ajax, ON L1Z 0N4, Canada
🌐 Shop online: jjhealthcareproducts.com