Getting older doesn’t mean giving up control. These days, seniors and families have more support to help them stay independent at home. One of the easiest ways? Aged equipment for hire.
From walkers to shower chairs, hiring aged care equipment makes life easier without the burden of owning bulky gear you may only need for a short time. With the right setup, older Aussies can move freely, feel safer and enjoy their home for longer.
Why Hiring Beats Buying for Most Seniors
Not all equipment needs to be permanent. A broken hip, knee replacement or short-term illness can create temporary mobility issues. Buying gear for that short time is often costly and unnecessary. Hiring solves that.
Most families now choose to rent equipment like hospital beds, walking frames or toilet aids instead of buying them. Hiring allows flexibility, easy upgrades and quick delivery without large upfront costs.
Take Joan, a 74-year-old from Brisbane. After hip surgery, her daughter organised a walker and a raised toilet seat for her. She used them during recovery, then returned them. No clutter, no long-term expense and no maintenance worries.
This simple solution helped Joan feel confident and independent at home without putting a dent in her pension.
More families are turning to aged care equipment for hire as a first step to safer, more comfortable living.
Key Types of Aged Equipment That Make Life Easier
You don’t need a full home renovation to support ageing in place. Small changes go a long way. A grab rail in the bathroom. A shower stool. A walker for balance. These things prevent accidents and add comfort.
Some of the most popular hire items include:
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Mobility aids: crutches, rollators, wheelchairs
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Bathroom aids: over-toilet frames, non-slip mats, shower chairs
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Bedroom items: bed sticks, hospital beds, over-bed tables
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Everyday tools: reachers, jar openers, sock aids
Each item supports a specific need. A raised toilet seat reduces strain on knees. A wheeled walker helps steady movement in and out of the house. These tools allow seniors to move safely and maintain daily routines.
Adding just one item can make a big difference. A client who rented a bed rail said it gave him the confidence to sleep without worry of falling. These tools aren’t just gear—they’re peace of mind.
People also use aged care hire to improve daily living during recovery periods or while waiting for permanent care.
The Rising Trend of Ageing at Home
The dream of staying at home is shared by most older Australians. They want their familiar surroundings, their garden, their pets and their own kitchen. Equipment hire supports that dream.
With the right tools in place, older people can avoid early admission to aged care homes or reduce hospital readmissions. It also gives families breathing room to adjust and plan properly without rushing big decisions.
The government has stepped up with support too. Through Home Care Packages and NDIS, more seniors can hire equipment using allocated funding. This model supports:
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Personal choice
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Better outcomes
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Reduced aged care costs
Hiring gear to age at home is no longer a backup plan. It’s the go-to strategy for more families across Australia. Providers are stepping up too, offering delivery, maintenance and support that feels more like healthcare than retail.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with this checklist for hiring aged care equipment to guide your decisions.
Safety First: Preventing Falls and Injuries
One bad fall can change everything. That’s why preventing accidents is the first step toward safe ageing. The bathroom, stairs and bedrooms are common danger zones—but they don’t need to be.
Simple tools like bed rails, toilet raisers and hand-held shower heads stop slips and reduce strain. Adding a walker or mobility cane helps maintain balance while moving around the house or yard.
Small changes protect your health and independence:
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Use shower chairs to stay steady while bathing
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Add sensor lights near stairs and hallways
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Install grab bars beside the toilet and tub
Hiring this equipment removes the stress of buying or installing permanent fixtures. You test what works. You keep what helps. You return the rest.
Professionals can also do a home safety check, pointing out issues you may not see. They often recommend hire options to match your specific needs and space.
Real-Life Story: Tom’s Transition from Rehab to Home
Tom, 81, had a stroke. After three months in hospital and rehab, his doctor said he could go home—with help. His daughter reached out to a local equipment hire service.
Within two days, his house had:
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A hospital bed with side rails
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A bedside commode
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A walking frame
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A table to help with meals
This setup allowed Tom to return home sooner and adjust slowly. As his strength came back, the equipment was returned one item at a time.
Tom’s story shows how temporary support can speed up recovery, reduce family stress and avoid permanent facility care. Hiring gave the family time to think, plan and support Tom in stages.
Eco-Friendly and Budget-Smart Choice
When gear is only needed for weeks or months, buying it new doesn’t make sense. Hiring cuts waste, lowers costs and supports a reuse economy.
Each time you hire instead of buy, you:
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Reduce landfill waste
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Save manufacturing energy and resources
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Lower your long-term spending
Hire services clean, inspect and prepare every item between uses. Items are safe, sturdy and ready to go—without creating another landfill problem down the track.
It’s not just practical. It’s responsible. For seniors on a pension or carers juggling costs, this model protects your wallet and the planet at the same time.
How to Choose the Right Hire Provider
With more providers popping up, it’s important to pick one that puts care first. The best companies:
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Offer clear pricing (no hidden fees)
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Provide delivery, pickup and setup
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Have trained staff who understand aged care
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Offer flexible terms, from a week to a year
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Keep their stock clean, safe and reliable
The right provider doesn’t just drop off equipment. They listen, guide and help families make smart decisions. Some even work with allied health professionals to ensure the gear suits your needs exactly.
If possible, ask for a call or consult before ordering. Five minutes on the phone can help avoid weeks of frustration.
What About Tech-Based Aged Equipment?
Smart technology is becoming part of aged care too. More devices are now available for hire, helping older Aussies live safer lives at home.
Examples include:
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Bed sensors that alert carers if someone leaves the bed at night
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Fall alarms that call a nominated contact
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Smart lights that turn on with voice commands
These devices help people stay independent while giving peace of mind to loved ones. Some providers now offer short-term trials for these gadgets—another reason hiring beats buying for new tech.
In coming years, expect aged care hire to include more tech—from smart walkers to digital medication reminders. It’s all about making home safer, smarter and more connected.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between hiring and buying aged care equipment?
Hiring gives you the flexibility to use equipment short-term without the cost or commitment of buying. It’s ideal for recovery periods, temporary injuries or while figuring out what works best. Buying means you own the gear, which can be helpful for long-term or permanent conditions.
Let’s say someone breaks their leg and needs a shower chair for six weeks. Buying it means paying full price and storing it afterwards. Hiring costs less, and once you're done, you just send it back. No clutter. No stress.
Hiring is also great when needs change. If you’re unsure about which item works best, you can try different options. If one walker doesn’t feel right, you can swap it. That freedom doesn’t exist when you buy.
In short, hire when needs are temporary or changing. Buy when needs are fixed and long-term.
2. Is hired equipment clean and safe to use?
Yes, top providers follow strict cleaning and safety protocols. Every item is cleaned, inspected and tested before going out again. This includes disinfecting surfaces, checking for wear and tear and making sure each part works correctly.
Providers usually use hospital-grade cleaning methods, especially for items like commodes or beds. They also tag and log each item to track usage and servicing.
Before hiring, ask the provider how they handle cleaning. You should also confirm if they follow any national safety standards or health guidelines.
A good company will be upfront about their process. Clean and safe gear isn’t just a promise—it’s part of their business.
3. Can I use my Home Care Package to hire aged care equipment?
Yes, you can. Home Care Packages (HCPs) are designed to support independent living, and that includes hiring the right tools. Things like walkers, shower stools and lift chairs are often approved under these packages.
To access this, talk to your care manager. They’ll help you include the hire in your care plan, check the provider’s registration and manage payments through your package.
This makes equipment hire easier, especially if you're on a budget. Many providers already work with care package clients, and some even offer direct billing to your care coordinator.
So, if you’ve got an HCP, don’t hesitate to use it for equipment. It’s one of the smartest ways to stretch your funding and get the help you need.
4. How long can I hire aged care equipment for?
You can hire equipment for a day, a week, a month or even longer. There’s no fixed rule. Most providers offer flexible terms based on your needs.
If you're not sure how long you’ll need something, start with a short term. If recovery takes longer, just extend it. If you get better faster, you can return it early.
For example, someone recovering from a knee replacement might need a walker for four weeks. But if complications arise, they can keep it longer without buying new gear.
Hiring gives you that flexibility. You’re not locked in. And if something changes, you don’t have to spend more or get stuck with unused items.
5. What should I check before hiring aged care equipment?
Before hiring, always double-check a few key things:
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Is the item right for the person’s size, strength and needs?
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Will the provider deliver and set it up?
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Are there extra fees like deposits or service charges?
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What happens if something breaks?
You should also make sure the gear fits your home layout. A large mobility scooter won’t help if it can’t fit through the hallway. Talk to the provider—they’ll guide you.
Also ask about their support. Can you call if something goes wrong? Do they offer swaps or upgrades?
Doing this check before hiring saves time, money and stress later on.
Independence Starts with One Smart Step
Aged care hire is more than a service. It’s a tool that helps people stay in control of their lives. It gives freedom without pressure, support without expense and care without commitment.
The right hire at the right time can mean fewer hospital trips, more comfort and longer stays at home. It’s a smart choice—eco-friendly, affordable and tailored to what you need.
So whether you're planning ahead or helping someone now, start simple. Start safe. Start smart. Explore reliable, flexible equipment hire at Get About Mobility.
Please call get in touch today on 1300 168 902 or leave an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.