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My mother passed away in March. I have been trying to donate a hospital bed, but have had no takers. I called the county Department of Aging, the Salvation Army, Goodwill, hospice care, and other charities. I put the bed on Facebook Marketplace and had no interest. I really thought that there would be an interest in a good hospital bed. I checked Craig's List and eBay and they also sell and ship hospital beds. I would prefer for the interested person to pick up the bed. Has anyone had any experience with donating a hospital bed?

Hi I am looking for a hospital bed I have very bad asthma that when I'm sleeping upright am better than sleeping in a normal bed if anybody can help
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Reply to Callycairns
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Generousgranny Apr 2020
Good morning I have a hospital bed that I am trying to get rid of it is electric almost new if interested please get back to me thank you
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I'm also surprised given the need for durable medical equipment. Salvation Army has an ad that specifically asks for hospital beds so their refusal is rather shocking.

How old is it? We rented my MIL's hospital bed. Are you sure yours was purchased? I ask only because I thought FIL bought it but it turned out to be rented.

I had no problem donating MIL's other DME and supplies. Have you already donated other DME and supplies? If not, treat it as a package deal i.e. if they want the supplies and DME they also have to take the bed.

If it's just the bed, what comes to mind is calling houses of worship in your area, and asking them if they have someone in need of a good hospital bed.
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Reply to NYDaughterInLaw
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demstress May 2019
Dear NYDaughterInLaw,
That is surprising that Salvation Army accepts durable medical equipment. I called the local chapter in Washington, D.C. and they told me that they don't accept hospital beds. I know they usually just have one driver and any donations must be handled by one person. Maybe a bed is too heavy for one person to handle.
I purchased the hospital bed for my mother two years ago. I'll try your suggestion of calling houses of worship. Thank you!
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Try contacting VFW posts in your area. They may know of a veteran in need. Or, call your local Area Agency on Aging. I know that in my city, there is an organization that collects DME, cleans and fixes it up and then loans it out at no charge.
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Reply to Ahmijoy
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Im so sorry for your loss. There may be concerns about disease, stains an/or bed bugs hence the hesitation
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Hi Demsress, I’m sorry about your Moms passing. Try contacting PT or OT Agency. Since these folks are in homes, they know who is in need and would benefit. That is how my Mom got a slide shower chair. Through OT knowing what patients needed and what patients had. Good luck.
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Reply to Sweetstuff
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The concerns would be the mattress. In my state you cannot sell used mattresses. But the bed itself can be cleaned with bleach water. There is also a cleaner used by EMTs to clean up ambulances. I used this when I cleaned up equipment at the VNA I worked for.

Was the bed purchased thru Medicare. If so, it may be rented and needs to be returned to where u purchased it. Call them.

Most Homecare agencies have their own suppliers. They set up and take down. Do you have a Rotary, a Lions Club, Ruritan?
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Please note, this post is from 2019
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Reply to JoAnn29
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I’m really surprised there’s no interest. Perhaps try a few apps - letgo or Nextdoor & state pickup only. You can also try calling a few local rehabs or hospitals & see if any discharged patients might need it. Ask for a social worker or case worker. Very sorry for your loss.
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Reply to roseTerrace
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I would suggest your local Area Agency on Aging who work with the elderly and disabled. It’s kind of you to pass this on. Also I would call local Home Health Agencies. That’s where I got my air mattress.
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This post is 4 years old
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