Medical Equipment Needed for Home Care

For people with a chronic medical condition, home health equipment and home health care supplies are critically important. These items may not only be necessary for managing their disease, they might also help keep a patient comfortable and provide a better quality of life. Consequently, it’s important to find the right medical equipment (sometimes referred to as durable medical equipment or DME) and supplies.

Choosing the Right Supplies

Getting the right home care supplies starts with talking with your care team about what you’ll need. However, there are other considerations to keep in mind, as home care affects everything from the patient’s comfort to the household’s finances.

For example, does the item you’re considering have the proper fit, sufficient capacity or ease of operation that you need? You should also think about how long you’ll need the equipment or supplies. With equipment, does it make sense to rent or is buying the item more cost-effective? And, is there a difference in warranty coverage with renting or buying? Also, would it be helpful to have duplicate items if the patient will be spending time at different locations, such as their home and the home of a friend or family member who’s providing care?

Home Care Equipment You’ll Need

While every patient has different needs, some of the more commonly rented or purchased home care equipment or supplies include:

• Crutches
• Canes
• Wheelchairs
• Walkers
• Respirators
• Portable oxygen
• Limb braces and supports
• Hospital-type beds
• Shower chairs
• Raised toilet seats
• Grab bars
• Geriatric recliners
• Bandages and wound care supplies
• Incontinence pads and undergarments
• Compression stockings
• Colostomy care supplies
• IV equipment
• Disposable gloves

If you’ve been told you’ll be needing home health medical equipment or supplies, you should talk with your care team in advance about your options so you’re prepared to make purchases or sign rental agreements, as needed.

Purchasing Home Medical Equipment

Home medical equipment and supplies can be rented or purchased from home healthcare companies. Your hospital or medical office may be able to provide information on trusted local suppliers. With many items, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor in order to obtain them. A prescription will also be necessary to have the equipment or supplies paid for by your insurance if it does, in fact, cover the items. Coverage varies and your insurance company can provide details.  

If you’re interested in learning more about our home care services, please contact Baptist Health Home Care.