David spent the first night of his mother’s hospice care sitting in a folding chair beside a rented hospital bed that squeaked every time she shifted. The thin foam mattress had her awake by 2 a.m., asking him to adjust the pillows under her hips again. The hospice nurse had dropped off supplies that morning (medications, wound care dressings, a bedside commode) but nobody mentioned that the bed itself would be this uncomfortable, or that he’d need to figure out sheets that actually fit it.

By the third night, David had ordered a mattress topper, a set of fitted hospital bed sheets, a nightlight for the hallway, and a rail organizer to keep the TV remote, phone, and water within reach. He’d spent hours searching for a home hospice equipment checklist that told him what hospice would actually cover and what he needed to handle himself. This is that checklist.

Under the Medicare hospice benefit, your hospice agency is required to provide all durable medical equipment, medications, and medical supplies related to your loved one’s terminal diagnosis.¹ That covers the essentials. But research shows that 78% of family caregivers report regular out-of-pocket expenses averaging $7,242 per year — much of it on comfort items, safety modifications, and supplemental equipment that hospice doesn’t provide.²

The difference between a home that functions and a home that actually provides comfort often comes down to what families add on their own. This checklist breaks down every category so you know exactly what to expect, what to request, and what to purchase yourself.

What Hospice Provides: Your Covered Equipment

When a hospice agency accepts a patient, federal regulations require them to furnish all durable medical equipment (DME) related to the terminal illness and its management.¹ Your hospice team will assess your loved one’s needs and arrange delivery of the following. You should not need to pay for any of these items.

Medical Equipment (Hospice-Covered)

Hospital bed — A basic semi-electric or full-electric adjustable bed with head and foot elevation. Typically 36 inches wide with basic side rails.
Pressure-relief mattress or overlay — A standard foam mattress or alternating pressure overlay to reduce pressure injury risk. Quality varies significantly by supplier.³
Oxygen equipment — Concentrators, portable tanks, tubing, masks, and nasal cannulas for managing shortness of breath.
Bedside commode — A portable toilet for patients who have difficulty reaching the bathroom.
Wheelchair and walker — Mobility aids matched to your loved one’s current abilities.
Patient lift — A mechanical lift (such as a Hoyer lift) for safe transfers when mobility is severely limited.
Suction machine — For clearing airway secretions when needed.
Nebulizer — For delivering inhaled medications to manage respiratory symptoms.
Shower chair or tub seat — Waterproof seating for safe bathing.

Medical Supplies (Hospice-Covered)

Wound care supplies — Dressings, bandages, and wound care kits.
Incontinence supplies — Adult briefs, underpads, and related items.
Catheters and catheter care supplies — When ordered in the plan of care.
Medications — All drugs related to symptom management for the terminal illness, including pain medications, anti-nausea drugs, and anxiolytics.¹

Your hospice nurse will train you on using every piece of equipment. Don’t hesitate to ask for a second demonstration. A 2021 study found that enhanced caregiver training on equipment use and symptom management reduced emergency department visits by 30.7% compared to standard care.⁴ Understanding how to use what you have prevents crisis calls.

The Hospital Bed: Why Hospice’s Bed May Not Be Enough

The hospital bed is the single most important piece of equipment in home hospice care, and it’s where families most often feel the gap between what hospice provides and what their loved one actually needs.

Hospice agencies contract with DME suppliers who deliver basic hospital beds. These beds are functional — they raise and lower the head and foot, and they adjust height for transfers. But families consistently report three issues with them.

The mattress is thin and uncomfortable. Standard hospice mattresses are basic foam, typically four to five inches thick. For someone spending 20 or more hours a day in bed, that level of support leads to pressure points, restless sleep, and skin breakdown risk. A Cochrane systematic review of pressure-redistributing surfaces confirmed that higher-specification foam mattresses and alternating pressure systems significantly reduce the incidence of pressure injuries compared to standard hospital foam.³

The bed is narrow. At 36 inches wide, a standard hospice bed feels confining. Many adults find it difficult to shift positions comfortably. For larger individuals, it can trigger anxiety and claustrophobia, especially at night.

The bed looks and sounds institutional. Loud motors, visible cranks, and a steel frame make the bedroom feel like a hospital room. For a family focused on preserving dignity and normalcy at home, the aesthetic matters more than you might expect.

Upgrading the Bed

You are not required to use the bed hospice provides. If your loved one already has a quality adjustable bed, or if you purchase one, hospice will work with whatever is in the home.

For families who want hospital-grade positioning without the institutional look, the SonderCare Aura Premium Home Hospital Bed ($6,999) offers full-electric head, knee, and height adjustment, Trendelenburg and Cardiac Chair positioning for breathing support, and FallSafe Ultra-Low height that lowers to just 10 inches — reducing fall risk significantly. It’s certified to International Hospital Standard but designed with upholstered panels and furniture-grade finishes that blend into a bedroom.

For families who need core adjustability at a lower investment, the SonderCare Impulse Essential ($3,999) provides head and knee elevation, full-electric height adjustment, and a 400 lb capacity in a residential design.

Both beds include a 5-year comprehensive warranty and white-glove delivery with full setup and walkthrough.

For a deeper comparison of hospice-provided beds versus purchased options, see our guide on hospital bed rental vs. buying for hospice care.

The Mattress: Your Most Important Comfort Upgrade

If you change only one thing about the hospice-provided setup, upgrade the mattress. The standard foam mattress that arrives with a rental bed is designed for short-term use and minimum cost. Your loved one will spend most of their remaining time on this surface.

Pressure injuries develop quickly in patients with limited mobility. The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) identifies immobility and poor nutrition — both common in hospice patients — as primary risk factors.⁵ A quality pressure-redistribution mattress is the most effective single intervention for prevention.³

SonderCare Mattress Options

Each of these mattresses is designed specifically for home hospital beds and includes a fluid-proof cover.

SonderCare Comfort Mattress ($899) — Visco memory foam with cooling gel technology. Provides solid pressure redistribution at the most accessible price point. A meaningful upgrade from any standard hospice mattress.

SonderCare Dream Bamboo Quilt-Top ($1,299) — Bamboo quilt-top surface with reversible soft and firm sides. Cooling gel foam and enhanced pressure redistribution. The bamboo cover is naturally breathable and gentle on sensitive skin.

SonderCare Signature Hybrid ($1,799) — Individually wrapped pocket coils combined with high-density orthopedic foam. The copper-infused cover provides natural antimicrobial protection and temperature regulation. Reversible soft and firm sides. At 9 inches deep, this is the most supportive option for patients who spend extended periods in bed.

SonderCare Alternating Pressure Air Mattress ($2,999) — An 18-bladder alternating pressure system with pump, designed specifically for patients at high risk for pressure injuries or those with existing wounds. This is a medical-grade therapeutic surface, not a comfort mattress. Your hospice nurse can help determine if this level of intervention is appropriate.

Accessories: Safety and Independence Essentials

Beyond the bed and mattress, a handful of accessories make daily caregiving significantly easier and safer. Hospice provides the clinical basics, but these items fill the practical gaps families discover in the first few days.

SonderCare Accessories

Overhead Trapeze Helper Bar ($369) — An adjustable overhead handle that helps your loved one reposition themselves in bed independently. Reduces the physical strain of repositioning for caregivers and preserves the patient’s sense of autonomy. This is one of the most requested items by hospice families.
Multi-Height Assist Rails ($594 per set of two) — Half-length rails that provide support during repositioning and transfers without creating an entrapment risk. Included with all Aura beds; available separately for the Impulse.
Extra Large Overbed Table ($789) — A large-surface rolling table for meals, medications, reading materials, and personal items. Keeps essentials within arm’s reach and eliminates the need to lean or stretch.
Underbed Auto-Nightlight ($219) — Motion-activated floor illumination that turns on when feet reach the edge of the bed. Prevents falls during nighttime bathroom trips without disturbing sleep with overhead lights. The CDC’s STEADI fall prevention program identifies nighttime lighting as a critical safety modification.⁶
Overhead Reading Light ($179) — An LED gooseneck light that mounts to the headboard. Provides focused task lighting for reading or eating without illuminating the entire room.
Convenient Rail Organizer ($89) — A pouch that attaches to the bed rail, keeping the phone, remote, tissues, glasses, and call bell within reach. Small investment, daily convenience.
Protective Rail Pads ($99) — Soft padding for bed rails, protecting patients who are prone to movement during sleep or who experience restlessness.
Portable Battery Back-Up ($149) — A 4-outlet battery backup that keeps the bed operational during power outages. Essential if your loved one depends on bed positioning for breathing comfort.

Bedding: Comfort That Hospice Doesn’t Cover

Hospice provides the bed and mattress, but sheets, pillows, and protective covers are the family’s responsibility. Hospital bed mattresses are non-standard sizes, so your regular home bedding won’t fit properly. Ill-fitting sheets bunch, slide, and create wrinkles that increase pressure injury risk.

SonderCare Bedding

Premium Microfiber Sheet Set ($99 for 39″ Twin XL) — Soft-brushed microfiber fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcase. Designed to fit hospital bed mattresses securely without bunching.
Organic Cotton Sheet Set ($169 for 39″ Twin XL) — 300-thread-count certified organic cotton. Ideal for sensitive skin. Breathable and temperature-regulating.
Fluid-Proof Mattress Cover ($169 for 39″ Twin XL) — A full-zip breathable stretch cover that completely encloses the mattress. Protects against spills and incontinence while remaining comfortable to sleep on. Much more effective than disposable underpads alone.
Heavenly Pillow ($189) — Plush down-filled pillow with 100% combed cotton cover. Includes a waterproof cover. Quality pillows support positioning and reduce neck and shoulder strain during extended bed rest.
Duvet and Duvet Cover ($469 for 39″ Twin XL) — Washable 100% cotton with alternate down fill. Available in white or gray. Replaces the thin hospital blankets that make a room feel clinical.

Personal Care and Hygiene Supplies

Hospice covers incontinence supplies and wound care materials, but the following items improve daily comfort and are the family’s responsibility.

Preferred toiletries — Familiar brands of soap, lotion, shampoo, and lip balm. Using products your loved one recognizes preserves normalcy and personal identity.
Oral care supplies — Mouth swabs, moisturizing mouth spray, and lip balm. Dry mouth is one of the most common and distressing symptoms in hospice patients.
Extra towels and washcloths — Soft, absorbent towels dedicated to personal care. Keep several sets clean and accessible.
Hand sanitizer and disposable gloves — Positioned at the bedside for caregivers and visitors.
Skin care products — Barrier cream for incontinence-associated skin damage, unscented moisturizer for dry skin, and gentle no-rinse cleansing wipes for bathing between full washes.

Comfort Items That Make a Real Difference

Research consistently shows that non-medical comfort items have a measurable impact on quality of life during hospice care. A 2026 meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that a simple bedside fan provided significant immediate relief from shortness of breath (standardized mean difference of -1.33), rivaling the effect of some medications.⁷ Systematic reviews of music therapy demonstrate benefits for anxiety, mood, and overall quality of life in palliative care settings.⁸

These are the comfort items experienced hospice families recommend most:

Small fan — Position near the bedside for air circulation. The gentle breeze provides both physical comfort and documented relief from breathlessness.⁷
Bluetooth speaker or tablet — For music, audiobooks, podcasts, or video calls with family members who can’t visit in person. Music therapy has documented benefits for reducing anxiety in palliative care.⁸
Familiar photographs and personal items — Pictures, a favorite blanket, religious or spiritual objects, and other meaningful items preserve identity and connection. Qualitative research consistently identifies personal belongings as significant contributors to dignity at the end of life.⁹
Aromatherapy diffuser — Lavender and other calming scents can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Avoid strong fragrances if your loved one has respiratory sensitivity.
Soft lighting — A warm-toned lamp or dimmable light replaces harsh overhead fixtures. Adjustable lighting lets you match the mood of the moment — brighter for visits, softer for rest.
Journal or notebook — For recording memories, messages from visitors, or caregiver notes on symptom patterns and medication timing.

Room Setup and Safety Modifications

The equipment checklist doesn’t end at what’s next to the bed. The room itself needs modification for safety and accessibility. These are home modifications that hospice recommends but does not cover.

Clear pathways — Remove throw rugs, loose cables, and unnecessary furniture between the bed and bathroom. Every obstacle is a fall risk.
Grab bars — Install near the toilet, in the shower, and beside the bed if the patient transfers independently. Professional installation is recommended.
Non-slip mats — Place in the bathroom, shower, and beside the bed on hard floors.
Wheelchair ramp — Temporary or permanent ramp at the home entrance if your loved one uses a wheelchair for outings or medical appointments.
Doorway widths — Standard wheelchairs require 32 inches of clearance. Some interior doorways may need temporary hinge modifications to swing fully open.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — Verify all detectors are functional. If oxygen equipment is in use, the NFPA recommends posting “No Smoking” signage and keeping all ignition sources at least 10 feet from the oxygen source.¹⁰
Temperature control — Hospice patients are often sensitive to temperature fluctuations. A small space heater (with auto-shutoff) or portable fan dedicated to the care room provides independent climate control.

For a complete guide to transforming a room for home hospice care, read our article on setting up a comfortable hospice bedroom at home.

The Complete Home Hospice Equipment Checklist

Use this as your printable reference. Check off items as they arrive or as you purchase them.

Provided by Hospice (Confirm with Your Team)

[ ] Hospital bed (semi-electric or full-electric)
[ ] Pressure-relief mattress or overlay
[ ] Oxygen equipment and supplies (if prescribed)
[ ] Bedside commode
[ ] Wheelchair and/or walker
[ ] Patient lift (if needed for transfers)
[ ] Suction machine (if needed)
[ ] Nebulizer (if needed)
[ ] Shower chair or tub seat
[ ] Wound care supplies
[ ] Incontinence supplies
[ ] Medications for symptom management

Family Purchases: Bed and Mattress Upgrades

[ ] Upgraded mattress (pressure-redistribution foam, hybrid, or alternating pressure)
[ ] Premium home hospital bed (if replacing hospice rental)
[ ] Mattress topper (if keeping hospice mattress)

Family Purchases: Accessories and Safety

[ ] Trapeze helper bar for independent repositioning
[ ] Bed rails or assist rails
[ ] Overbed table
[ ] Underbed nightlight or motion-activated hallway lights
[ ] Bedside reading light
[ ] Rail organizer for essentials
[ ] Rail pads (for restless patients)
[ ] Battery backup for bed and oxygen equipment
[ ] Grab bars (bathroom, hallway)
[ ] Non-slip mats
[ ] Wheelchair ramp (if applicable)

Family Purchases: Bedding

[ ] Fitted hospital bed sheets (2-3 sets for rotation)
[ ] Fluid-proof mattress cover
[ ] Pillows (head support + positioning pillows)
[ ] Duvet or comfortable blanket
[ ] Extra pillowcases

Family Purchases: Comfort and Personal Care

[ ] Small fan for bedside
[ ] Bluetooth speaker or tablet for music
[ ] Personal photographs and meaningful items
[ ] Preferred toiletries and skin care
[ ] Oral care supplies (mouth swabs, lip balm, mouth spray)
[ ] Soft lighting (warm-toned lamp)
[ ] Aromatherapy diffuser (optional)
[ ] Journal or notebook
[ ] Extra towels and washcloths
[ ] Hand sanitizer and disposable gloves

How to Talk to Your Hospice Team About Equipment

Your hospice nurse is your strongest advocate for getting the right equipment. Here are the questions experienced caregivers recommend asking during the first visit:

“What specific equipment will be delivered, and when?” Get the complete list with expected delivery dates. Don’t assume anything is included that isn’t explicitly confirmed.
“Can I request a different mattress?” Some hospice agencies have access to higher-quality mattresses or alternating pressure systems. Ask before purchasing your own.
“What if the bed doesn’t work for us?” Hospice can often swap equipment. If the bed is too narrow, too noisy, or the mattress causes discomfort, communicate early.
“What should I purchase on my own?” Your hospice nurse has guided dozens of families through this process. They know exactly which supplemental items make the biggest difference.
“Who do I call for equipment problems?” Get the DME supplier’s direct number. Equipment issues at 2 a.m. shouldn’t require calling the hospice nurse first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hospice pay for a hospital bed?

Yes. Under the Medicare hospice benefit, the hospice agency must provide a hospital bed when it is included in the patient’s plan of care.¹ The bed is delivered at no cost to the family. However, the bed provided is typically a basic model. Families may choose to supplement or replace it with a higher-quality bed at their own expense.

What equipment does hospice provide for free?

Hospice covers all durable medical equipment related to the terminal illness, including a hospital bed, pressure-relief mattress, oxygen equipment, bedside commode, wheelchair, walker, patient lift, suction machine, nebulizer, and shower chair. It also covers medical supplies like wound care materials and incontinence products, plus all medications for symptom management.¹

Can I keep my own bed instead of using the hospice bed?

Yes. If you already own an adjustable bed or home hospital bed that meets your loved one’s positioning and safety needs, you can use it instead. Discuss this with your hospice nurse to make sure the bed provides adequate support for the care plan.

How much do families spend out of pocket during hospice?

A 2021 AARP study found that 78% of family caregivers have regular out-of-pocket expenses averaging $7,242 annually.² Common expenses include supplemental equipment, private caregiving help, comfort items, home modifications, and preferred personal care products. Hospice covers medical needs; families cover comfort and lifestyle preferences.

What is the most important equipment upgrade for hospice comfort?

The mattress. Hospice patients spend the majority of their time in bed, and the standard foam mattress provided with rental beds offers minimal pressure redistribution. Upgrading to a quality memory foam, hybrid, or alternating pressure mattress has the most direct impact on comfort and skin integrity.³

Does Medicare cover a premium hospital bed for hospice?

Medicare covers the basic hospital bed provided by the hospice agency. It does not cover upgrades to premium beds. If you want a higher-quality bed with features like ultra-low height, advanced positioning, or residential design, that is a private purchase. Some families find the investment worthwhile for comfort and dignity during an extended hospice stay.

Making It Feel Like Home

The equipment in this checklist creates the foundation. But the most important element in any home hospice care setup isn’t something you can buy — it’s the intention behind every choice you make.

Every sheet you smooth, every pillow you adjust, every time you dim the lights and put on their favorite music — you’re telling your loved one that they matter, that their comfort matters, and that home is still home.

A 2024 JAMA Network Open study found that 9% of patients discharged alive from hospice were subsequently hospitalized, often due to gaps in home support and equipment readiness.¹¹ Being prepared with the right equipment from the start reduces these disruptions and keeps your loved one where they want to be: at home, surrounded by the people and things they love.

If you have questions about beds, mattresses, or accessories for home hospice care, SonderCare’s care bed experts have helped thousands of hospice families find the right equipment. Contact us for a free consultation — no pressure, just honest guidance.

References

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 9, Section 40.1.6; 42 CFR §418.106. https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/guidance/manuals/downloads/bp102c09.pdf
AARP. “Caregiving Out-of-Pocket Costs Study,” 2021. Found that 78% of family caregivers report regular out-of-pocket expenses averaging $7,242 annually.
Shi, C., et al. “Beds, overlays and mattresses for preventing and treating pressure ulcers: an overview of Cochrane Reviews and network meta-analysis.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8407250/
Hsu, C.L., et al. “Enhanced home palliative care could reduce emergency department visits due to non-organic dyspnea among cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study.” BMC Palliative Care, 2021. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12904-021-00713-6
National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP). Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Clinical Practice Guideline. Identifies immobility and poor nutrition as primary risk factors for pressure injuries.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). STEADI — Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries initiative. Home modification programs have demonstrated up to 39% reduction in falls.
Meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials on fan therapy for breathlessness in palliative care, 2026. Standardized mean difference = -1.33, indicating significant immediate relief from dyspnea.
Systematic reviews of music therapy in palliative care demonstrate measurable benefits for anxiety reduction, mood improvement, and quality of life. Multiple Cochrane and systematic reviews support this finding.
Qualitative research studies on dignity in palliative care consistently identify personal belongings, familiar surroundings, and individual rituals as significant contributors to patient dignity and reduced anxiety during end-of-life care.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Home medical oxygen safety guidance. USFA data indicates an average of 1,041 thermal burn-related ED visits annually involving home medical oxygen.
Luth, E.A., et al. “Burdensome Transitions Among Patients Discharged Alive From Hospice in a National Medicare Cohort.” JAMA Network Open, 2024. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2815881

Notes

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Home Hospice Equipment Checklist: What Hospice Provides vs. What Families Need to Buy