How can I find a free or inexpensive hospital bed and other caregiving items? Live in San Diego.

Medicare will pay for a hospital bed is what I understand. They did for my Dad and that was years ago. Good Luck to you.

Check your local Senior Center they often have "lending closets" where items have been donated and you can borrow or sometimes they are given away.
Depending on insurance if there is a medical need for the equipment often insurance will cover DME (durable medical equipment)
Check Face Book, your local "garage sale" or Craig's List.
Goodwill, Salvation Army and other resale shops often have used walkers, wheelchairs.
If you do find a used Hospital bed you will still need a mattress. Most places that will accept beds will not take mattresses.

Nextdoor.com put out a ISO appeal

Check Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. Good luck!

If you are comfortable going out in public, in California you can usually find new and used durable medical equipment at the flea markets.