EQUIPMENT
Hospital bed
Wheelchair
Transporter chair (lighter weight, foldable wheel chair)
Walker
Cane
Bedside commode
Raised toilet seat
Shower seat
Hand held shower spray
Urinal for men
Safety bars
Lift chairs
What does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B does NOT cover:
shower seats, raised toilet seats, grab bars, medical alert systems, or intercoms OR common medical supplies like chux, diapers, bandages, gauze, basins, non-slip mats
It DOES cover: “durable medical equipment” with a doctor’s prescription:
hospital bed, commode seat, crutches, wheelchair, nebulizer and meds, oxygen equipment, power mobility devices, walker, patient lift (hoyer), bedpan, bedside rails, Lift chairs (only the lift portion of the chair)
Everyday Care Supplies
The following are many items that you may find helpful to have on hand:
- Bacitracin and/or Aquafor – for minor cuts
- A&D ointment – used as a skin protectant
- Bandaids, gauze pads
- Disposable gloves – or “examination gloves” – Vinyl (many people are allergic to latex)
- Baby wipes
- No Rinse Body Wash and No Rinse Dry Shampoo – will help a convalescent person feel clean and refreshed without using water. Has a very pleasing smell. Easy on the caregiver.
- Non-skid slippers
- Protective mattress pad
- Flashlight
- Nightlight
- Baby monitor – This works very well if you are in another room than the person who needs care
- Bed & wheelchair tray
- Alcohol
- Sterile water
- Small scissor
- Vicks
- Chapstick
- Biotene mouthwash for dry mouth – use with swabs
- Swabs for Biotene
- Saline nasal spray
- Dry eye drops – when eyes TEAR, it means eyes are dry. These can be used a few times per day
- Chux – these are disposable pads used on a bed
- Adult diapers
There are many helpful products that can make daily living easier:
Lift Chairs – Lift chairs look just like recliners but they feature a powered lifting mechanism that pushes the entire chairup from its base and so assists the user to a standing position. It’s extremely helpful when someone has difficultly standing on their own and when you need to assist them. Lift chairs qualify as Durable Medical Equipment under Medicare Part B. There are many available online. Prices range from $500 to $1300.
Transfer Pants – Transfer pants are a patient transfer device made with heavy duty nylon handles sewn into the pants and the liner to prevent falls and injuries to mobility challenged individuals. See: https://transferpants.com
U-Step Walker Stabilizer – helps to stop falls and increase mobility:
http://www.ustep.com/walker.htm
Dressing- ElderStore.com has adaptive products that assist in dressing:
http://www.elderstore.com/dressing-aids_231.aspx
Floor mat: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UWBSOW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00
Day Clock: – Extra Large Impaired Vision Digital Clock with Battery Backup & 5 Alarm Options (Brown Wood Color) – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XVP2HS6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B06XVP2HS6&linkCode=as2&tag=alzheimerswee-20&linkId=c141e3c2114808c41b9f64624f4a3ada
Joy for All Pets: These Companion Pets are designed to bring comfort, companionship and fun to elder loved ones. With realistic fur and pet-like sounds–and sensors that respond to petting and hugs with familiar pet-like actions–Companion Pets can deliver a soothing, joyful experience that inspire smiles, laughter and fond memories for people of all ages. https://joyforall.hasbro.com/en-us
Cameras: Mithril Technologies, 26 Bond Street, Westbury, NY, 877-648-4745, Jason Aptekar, www.mithrilcloud.com
Many helpful miscellaneous products:
Look through Elderstore.com’s list of best selling helpful products:
http://www.elderstore.com/elderstore-s-best_291.aspx
The Easier Living website has many products:
http://www.easierliving.com/elderly-and-senior-care-products-for-the-home/
Many good items are available through the Caring for Aging Parents website:
http://www.caring-for-aging-parents.com/equipment-for-seniors.html
Aging Care’s website offers many products:
https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/Equipment-Helps-Elderly-Live-at-Home-Safely-95653.htm