How to Choose the Right Medical Supplies for Home Care

Choosing the Right Home Medical Supplies

When a person in your household has a chronic illness or is recovering from surgery, there will be a need for specific medical supplies. If you think about it, though, every home, regardless of the health of its occupants, needs home medical supplies. While some might not have the same advanced medical supply needs as others, every home must be stocked with both every day and emergency medical supplies.

Understanding the Benefits of Home Medical Supplies

Why does everyone need medical supplies at home? Home health care products offer benefits for people at every level of health. For those who have chronic conditions, having the right products at home can promote independence, which in turn positively impacts mental health by allowing people more of a sense of control. Home medical supplies also support medication management, as well as testing for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. For someone recovering from an injury or surgery, at-home medical equipment can help with physical therapy and rehabilitation routines, for faster recovery in familiar surroundings. Caregivers benefit from having appropriate home health care products, because it assists in their work, streamlining the delivery of care while reducing the physical strain experienced by caregivers. However, even if no one is sick in a household, every home should have certain medical supplies, so that when there is an accident or illness, there is no need to leave the house to find necessary items.

Identifying Essential Home Health Care Equipment

How do you identify essential equipment for your home? Start by determining your household’s unique needs. Home medical equipment comes in several different categories, to meet the needs of people with different medical conditions and living situations.

• Mobility assistance devices help those with limited mobility maintain independence. Being able to navigate their homes and communities safely empowers people with limited mobility. What’s more, use of these devices can reduce fall risk by about 30 percent, according to recent research.
• In the bathroom, home health care products offer safety and convenience. The bathroom is the site of many falls and injuries. Adding products like grab bars, shower chairs, non-slip mats, and raised toilet seats can promote safety while also making it easier for people to manage hygiene and toileting on their own.
• Certain items may be necessary in the bedroom to enhance sleep quality and offer support. Adjustable beds, pressure relieving mattresses, and supportive pillows can prevent pressure ulcers and bed sores. They can also promote recovery for chronic back pain, and some beds have smart features that monitor sleep quality.
• Incontinence care items help people discreetly manage incontinence. Issues with bladder and bowel control can be embarrassing, but having the right supplies on hand, including adult diapers, absorbent pads, and specialized underwear, can help a person manage these problems while maintaining dignity.
• First aid and emergency medical supplies are important for every home. Even if no one in the home has a serious or chronic illness, and no one is recovering from surgery, a first aid kit with common medical supplies. Adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptics, and wound dressings, along with more advanced medical supplies like hydrocolloid dressings and sterile compression wraps, are good for addressing emergencies and everyday issues.

What Health Care Supplies and Equipment Are Needed for Home Health Care?

When home health care is needed for a long-term illness, it’s important to have the right equipment available. Caregivers should have everything necessary to safely and effectively do their jobs, without having to take extra steps or wait for supplies. A hired caregiver will likely bring many of the things he or she personally needs, but having supplies on hand is thoughtful. In addition to equipment to manage the person requiring care, including emergency supplies like aspirators, oxygen, and resuscitation masks, assistive gear, and first aid supplies, it can be useful to provide caregivers with items for their personal use. This includes protective gear like gloves and masks, along with hand sanitizers, lotion, and perhaps aprons, to protect clothing against spills and accidents.

Key Considerations for Using Home Health Care Products Safely

Home health care products are only effective if they are used safely and efficiently. Complicated devices like oxygen concentrators, adjustable beds, and chair lifts must be in good condition, well-maintained, correctly installed, and properly used. Ask for help with installation if necessary, and make sure you understand the maintenance needs and safe operation instructions for the products you are using. If other people will be using the equipment, teach them how to operate the equipment safely as well. Additionally, pay attention to the wear and tear on medical equipment, replacing it as needed.

Having the Right Medical Supplies at Home Starts with the Right Medical Supply Company

For high-quality medical supplies from industry-leading manufacturers, trust Texas Medical Supply. Our locally owned and operated medical supply company in Houston, TX offers an extensive selection of hospital beds, lift chairs, mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, and more. Whether you are looking to buy or rent medical equipment, we have something to fit your budget and lifestyle, including used equipment at affordable prices. Our experts are here for you every step of the way, from helping you make the most of your equipment by delivering equipment directly to your home, to assembling your equipment for you. Shop now to find the medical equipment you need, or contact us through our website for more information.