As our loved ones and we get older, it is only natural to need some assistance performing those necessary everyday activities. This also applies to any medical conditions that hamper our mobility through the recovery process. Such things as getting out of bed, cooking breakfast, and even changing clothes will become a chore that will exhaust the once strongly capable. Sometimes, unfortunately, this will lead to the need for assistance from an in-home caregiver.
Luckily, many people in our life are eager to help, including family, friends, or professional caregivers. The only problem is those who wish to help also need a little assistance. Caregivers need certain items to help them give the care their clients deserve. This article will highlight some essential items that are a must-have for caregivers.
What Should Be Considered When Choosing Durable Medical Equipment?
The first thing you should do is determine what your client needs. Not every situation will require the same equipment or supplies. And there are plenty of reasons why someone would need an in-home caregiver. The duration of the care will also play a significant factor in your caregiving items. Talking with your care team can help you establish a list of needed items to make your job easier.
The client or their insurance will most likely fund the items you will use for your caregiving. You might have a few needed supplies or even some of the smaller equipment, such as crutches, walkers, etc. However, the more extensive equipment, the more expensive things will likely need to be bought or rented. Therefore, price and available funds will primarily come into play.
Most items will give you the option to buy or rent. If your client will be using this item for the foreseeable future, then it makes sense that purchasing it outright will be more reasonable. However, renting it will be more cost-effective if this is a temporary situation. Don't forget to ask about the insurance and warranties on your equipment. There might be a difference in coverage in renting instead of buying, or vice versa. There is also a chance that your patient will be spending time in different locations. If this is the case, will you be able to transport the equipment? Will you need to purchase duplicate equipment?
All of these are essential questions you must get answers to before starting your care. The sad nature is that most home care equipment companies are only after your money. Therefore, they will tell you whatever you want to hear to get you to make the purchase. It is not just your in-home care that you provide but also your opinions and expertise on everything involved in the process. You must ensure you are helping your client in every way possible.
But there is good news! Deano's Senior Transit is dedicated to helping you give the best in-home care you can. They will be your best source of information and advice when trying to create your list of needed supplies and equipment.
Commonly Needed Durable Medical Equipment
As said earlier, the supplies and equipment your client will need will depend heavily on their situation. For example, if they are recovering from surgery, they might only need crutches, a cane, or a wheelchair. If something more serious had occurred that left them immobilized or worse, they might need a special bed or a stair lift. Knowing the situation before going in and the severity will be vital in providing the best care.
For clients needing in-home care after recently undergoing surgery, their mobility will likely be heavily impaired. They might need help getting around, so the use of crutches, canes, wheelchairs, or walkers could be needed. Most of these types of items are a one-size-fits-all type of equipment. Therefore, multiple clients can use these items. These items are relatively inexpensive, as well.
These types of clients could also benefit from hospital-style beds. After all, they are recovering from surgery. They need to make their recovery at home as close to a hospital stay as possible. It would help if you also looked into shower chairs and raised toilet seats to make their bathroom visits easier. IV equipment could be needed if your client is restricted to their bed or possibly at risk of post-op infections or complications.
Sometimes, the client is older or living with a condition compromising their breathing. In this case, portable oxygen tanks or respirators will be needed. Incontinent supplies might be needed as well. This includes incontinent pads for the bed, undergarments, and also possibly catheters.
The older client will also need somewhere to sit that they can quickly get up from. Geriatric recliners are an excellent item that will help them enjoy some time in the living room or den while giving them the independence to get up by themselves. Older clients are naturally sad that they require as much assistance as they do. Anything that you can provide them to give them their everyday independence will make their life better.
There is also a handful of other items that are not always needed but are commonly used. These items include limb braces and supports. Older clients could use these sporadically if they feel they need them. Also, with the loss of mobility comes a greater chance of accidents. Therefore, health supplies like bandages are good to have on hand.
While the situation you find yourself in may not require all of these supplies, it is a good bet that your client will need some, if not most, of them. Some of these supplies are inexpensive, so having them in your inventory will help you stay prepared.
If someone decides that you are the correct person to care for them or their loved one, then that is a duty you should take pride in and one you should not take lightly. Whether short-term or in the foreseeable future, it is vital to determine the supplies and equipment needed to make your care as effective as possible.
Why Choose Deano's for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?
Deano's was created out of the need for caretaking. At first, the company did pickups and transport for a handful of people, but then the need was significant enough to create a more extensive operation so that the seniors of central Oklahoma could make it to their appointments. We want to ensure that each client feels cared for and appreciated. Give us a call for punctual service that will help ease your mind!
