How to Get the Best Medical Supplies for Seniors at Home

Immediate recovery can take time for a senior who has sustained an injury/illness or undergone an operation. While you would love to see your senior get better and resume normal living after being discharged from the hospital, the fact is that complete recovery can be a lengthy process for your aging family member.

Owing to increasing age and illness/injury, your elder will need assistance with performing their activities of daily living (ADLs). In such a scenario, the provision of in-home medical supplies for seniors can support your loved one and significantly improve their overall quality of life.

Most of the tools suggested by your medical practitioner will include senior medical equipment that will support the mobility, the stability, the range of motion, and the overall health of your aging family member.

The elderly care equipment you choose for your aging parent/relative will assist them until they recover and resume leading a normal life. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you provide them with the best medical equipment and supplies.

Here are five tips to consider when arranging for the finest medical supplies for the elderly so that they are safe and comfortable at home.

Key Takeaways

• Start by clearly identifying your loved one’s specific medical needs to avoid unnecessary or ineffective equipment purchases.

• Renting medical equipment can be a smart financial decision if the need is temporary or if purchase costs are too high.

• Always evaluate your senior’s budget and explore assistance from nonprofit and healthcare organizations when costs are a concern.

• Before choosing any equipment, check that it fits your senior’s physical needs, living space, and long-term safety requirements.

• Review your medical insurance plan, such as Medicare Part B, to see which durable medical supplies may be fully or partially covered.

1. Be Clear on Your Requirements

Investing in elderly care equipment is a crucial yet costly process; therefore, you must list down your specific needs. Evaluate your senior loved one’s health condition before you choose the equipment.

For instance, if they need support with moving around but are unable to stand, you can consider investing in a wheelchair. If they have been advised to walk slowly, you may need a walker. The medical practitioner may also recommend an in-home ventilator if the aging senior is critical and needs life support.

Thus, depending on the condition of your loved one, you may require these and other medical supplies like a hospital bed, shower chair, raised toilet seat, oxygen cylinder, intravenous apparatus, and disposable gloves. And don't forget your Bible and the many verses about healing that are worth meditating on during this difficult time.

2. Consider Procuring Medical Equipment on Rent  

Take into account the length of time for which you will require the medical equipment. If the cost of purchasing the equipment is high and your senior requires it for a short time, it is wise to research the available rental options.

Compare the cost of hiring and purchasing the supplies. Make sure you read the rental agreement properly. Check whether the agreement covers the maintenance/repair costs of the equipment, as they can increase your expenses. If you're worried that dependence on medicine conflicts with faith in God, rest assured that they can be one and the same. God created this world after all. 

3. Keep Your Senior’s Budget in Mind

If your senior family member is going to spend their savings on buying/renting medical supplies, see if their budget can provide for them.

If they are unable to afford them, seek assistance from health care foundations, mission/charity organizations, veterans’ organizations, and other non-profit organizations. You can also look for a low monthly payment scheme that can help you and your elder manage finances in a better manner.

4. Check the Technical Aspects of the Equipment

It is important to consider certain technical aspects like the type of support your senior will need, their body size/height, and the accessories preferred before procuring the medical equipment.

For instance, if you want to choose the right type of walker/rollator for an obese elder, you must ensure that it supports their weight. In case you opt for a rollator walker, check the hand grips and brakes, and the height of the rollator to avoid accidents.

Similarly, if you are investing in a wheelchair, make sure it is safe and comfortable for your loved one, as they will spend a considerable amount of time in it. A power wheelchair is apt for disabled seniors as it allows them to move around independently. If your senior lives in a smaller apartment/house, consider investing in a mid-wheel wheelchair that has a smaller turning radius.

Whether you purchase or rent the medical equipment, you must inquire about the long-term maintenance and repair services. This is especially applicable to electronic medical equipment like electric wheelchairs and ventilators.

5. Check Your Medical Insurance Plan

If medical supplies for seniors are necessary for bettering your aging family member’s health and are recommended by your health care provider, they are probably covered under Medicare Part B.

Items like hospital beds, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs are reusable and classified as “durable medical equipment”. Medicare Part B covers preventive care, ambulance assistance, durable medical equipment, and a few other services. Check your insurance claim options before investing.

Conclusion

Self-dependence is extremely crucial for your senior parent’s well-being and faster recovery. Choosing the right in-home medical supplies will not only ensure their safety and comfort, but also boost their will to get better. As the family caregiver, it is crucial that you empower your elderly loved one with the best medical supplies so that they can regain confidence and stay healthy and happy.

Caring is a beautiful way to show your love for another, but it can also be challenging. Thankfully, there are plenty of Bible-based prayers that are perfect for caregivers during those difficult times.

If you feel a call to help in other parts of the world, there are plenty of short-term mission opportunities that need people who are willing to care for the sick and suffering.

Related Questions

How do you get medical equipment for free?

You can sometimes get free medical equipment through nonprofit organizations, local churches, and senior centers.

What products do seniors need most?

Seniors most commonly need mobility aids, bathroom safety equipment, medication organizers, and comfort items like supportive cushions or adjustable beds.

Does Goodwill have walkers for seniors?

Some Goodwill stores carry gently used medical equipment like walkers, but availability varies by location, so it’s best to call ahead.

What three foods should seniors stay away from?

Seniors should limit processed meats, high-sodium foods, and sugary beverages, as these can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.