Helping an aging parent involves many choices, but few are as important as the one I recently faced when deciding on a medical bed for my father. Being located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), I had many choices—almost too many. Weeks of research and talks with healthcare professionals had me settling on the right bed. Here’s what I discovered on the way, in case you’re beginning that journey yourself.

All Medical Beds Are Not Created Equal

Prior to this, I thought a hospital bed meant it was adjustable. I soon discovered it comes in three varieties:

Types of Medical Beds

• Manual beds—operated by hand cranks; inexpensive but not simple.
• Semi-electric beds have electric head and foot sections, but the height adjustment is manual.
• Full electric beds—all adjustments are made with a remote; ideal for long-term home care.
• Bariatric beds have higher weight limits.
• Hospital-type beds are known for their higher safety standards and stronger construction.

I decided to get a full electric bed so that it would allow my dad independence and also make caregiving as easy as possible for everyone.

Comfort Is More Important Than You Realize

A bed is more than just a medical instrument—it is very much about quality of life on a day-to-day basis. So a test in store made me realize how important it actually is.

Comfort Elements to Look For

• Head, knee, and height are all adjustable.
• Pressure-relief mattresses (foam, gel, or air)
• Quiet motors for nighttime adjustments
• Transitions can be more subtle to avoid feeling dizzy or strained.

The mattress was as important as the bed frame. It took me almost as long to select the mattress as it did the bed.

Measure Before You Shop

One mistake that I very nearly made: taking for granted the bed would fit in my dad’s room. Medical beds are larger than household beds, especially when considering their dimensions. Selecting the mattress took me almost as long as selecting tables.

What to Measure

• Bedroom door width
• Room space around the bed (caregivers)
• Outlet placement for electric beds
• Space under the bed for lifts or cleaning

Thankfully, I double-checked the dimensions and saved myself an expensive, laughable return.

Well, GTA Delivery, Setup, and Service is a mixed bag.

They don’t all offer full service. Some leave the bed at your doorstep, while others will assemble it, adjust the settings, and provide ongoing support.

Questions to Ask Providers

• Can you deliver and professionally install?
• What is your service and warranty practice?
• Can you provide emergency repairs?
• Do you remove old furniture?

I’ve discovered in the GTA that local medical supply stores tend to offer better personal service than big-box or online sellers.

Renting vs. Buying Is Worth Another Look

If you need the bed relatively briefly for a loved one to recover, renting could be less expensive. When it comes to long-term conditions, buying is better.

Compare Costs

• Rental fee per month vs. the price to buy
• Maintenance and service costs
• Insurance or government program coverage
• I decided to buy since my dad was looking for a long-term solution.

Final Thoughts

At first, navigating how to select a medical-style bed for my father was overwhelming, but the process ultimately taught me something about what’s truly important: comfort, safety, and quality service. If you’re looking for a medical bed in the Greater Toronto Area and just beginning your search, take your time. Ask plenty of questions in store, and lie down on some beds. Indeed, the right one can make day-to-day life that much easier—for you and your loved one.