After a medical procedure or hospital stay, it is common to require some form of durable medical equipment (DME) to aid in your recovery and help you perform your activities of daily living. DME equipment is widely used to ensure continued care and comfort at home.
Here are some common types of DME equipment that may be prescribed to you after leaving the hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation facility:
- Mobility Aides: Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes can help you move around safely and independently. These devices are especially helpful if you have limited mobility and endurance due to surgery, injury or a medical condition.
- Home Hospital Beds: Home hospital beds are adjustable beds that provide support and comfort for individuals who may have difficulty getting in and out of a traditional bed. These beds can also help with head and body positioning, transferring, and reducing the risk of falls.
- Patient Lifts: A patient lift is designed to assist caregivers in safely lifting and transferring patients who have limited mobility. It consists of a metal frame with a hydraulic system that allows the caregiver to use a hydraulic pump to raise or lower patients. Lifts typically use a sling that a patient can comfortably sit or lay in while being transferred.
- Suction Pumps: Suction pumps are used in the home to remove mucus, blood and other bodily fluids from a patient’s airway or surgical site. These pumps create a vacuum to suction out unwanted fluids, helping clear the airway and management of conditions that affect mucus production and clearance. These devices come in a stationary and portable design.
- Pressure-reducing Support Surfaces: These support surfaces are specialized mattresses or overlays designed to help prevent pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores. These surfaces distribute body weight more evenly reducing pressure on bony prominences and vulnerable areas of the body. By promoting better circulation and reducing friction shearing forces, pressure reducing support surfaces can play a crucial role in providing comfort and preventing skin breakdown for individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
- Bathroom Safety Equipment: Bathroom safety equipment such as grab bars, shower chairs, commode chairs and raised toilet seats can help prevent slips and falls in the bathroom. These devices can assist individuals with limited mobility or balance issues.
- Medical Alert Systems: Medical alert systems are devices that allow you to call for help in case of an emergency. These systems typically include a wearable pendant with button that activates a monitoring system and emergency services.
It is important to follow your healthcare providers recommendations when using DME equipment to ensure your safety and comfort. Your healthcare provider will determine and prescribe the type of equipment you need. Lincare offers delivery, setup, and training on how to use the equipment properly, contact us today to learn more about individual requirements and insurance coverage. By incorporating DME equipment into your recovery plan, you can promote independence and ensure a smooth transition from the hospital back to your home.
