Whether you are elderly, recovering from surgery or an illness, or have other medical issues, you may be fortunate enough to stay at home rather than remain in a hospital. If you are receiving care at home, you and your caregivers will probably need to have access to home medical equipment. Here in Missoula, Montana, great care is taken to ensure that patients and their caregivers have the right medical equipment to address the requirements of the situation.
What Is Home Medical Equipment?
This is a term used to describe the instruments and devices often essential to have at hand to take care of any individual who remains in his or her home. These items are also called durable medical equipment. This refers to the ability of such medical devices to withstand the stress of repeated use by nonprofessional – and often untrained, caregivers, including family members, relatives and friends.
Common Types of Home Medical Equipment
Here in Missoula, Montana, several pieces of equipment form the basis for home treatment and/or standard care. Of course, the number of medical devices and types of specific equipment required will depend upon the exact needs of the patient. Below is a basic list of the different types of equipment available for various home applications.
Ambulatory Aids: The list includes canes, crutches, mobility scooters, walkers, wheelchairs (manual and electric) as well as a host of other mobility assistive devices.
Bathroom Aids: This category includes a variety of equipment intended to make the bathroom safer. Among them are anti-slip grab bars and shower chairs.
CPAP/BIPAP: These devices address sleep apnea. The former delivers a single pressure, the latter two.
Hospital Beds: Hospital beds are a means of addressing various issues. Sometimes, it may be as simple as relocating the patient on a ground floor; at other times, it is to prevent bed or pressure sores. Bed rails can also be added to a bed to increase its safety. But how a hospital bed at home can improve overall recovery for a patient? See here for yourself!
Adult Nebulizers: These small machines convert liquid medicine into a mist for easy dispersion into the lungs. They are available in both electric or battery-run versions.
Oxygen: for those who require it, oxygen may be available in concentrators, liquid, and HELIOS system delivery medical devices.
This is some of the most common medical equipment available for home use.
Staying Safe; Remaining Comfortable
If you have a loved one, you want them to be safe and comfortable. It is also important he or she retain as much independence as possible. In a hospital, much of this can be accomplished easily. However, if you are the caregiver at any level, you can provide them with the ability to be safe, comfortable and independent in their own home by acquiring the right home medical equipment.