Sometimes, taking care of our health at home requires us to change our habits and environment, and that’s okay.
Whether temporary or permanent, you may need equipment at home to properly recuperate or care for a loved one’s health condition. Today, your friendly McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy will help you make the transition easier by discussing the importance of medical equipment and some of the most common pieces of equipment you may need at home.
Medical Equipment And Recovery
Whether it is for yourself or a loved one, medical equipment is crucial for a patient’s recovery at home.
Medical equipment doesn’t just make patient care easier, but it also allows for the patient to feel comfortable and avoid further injury or worsening their condition.
Sometimes it’s not easy to identify what kind of equipment you may need. Here is a list of common equipment and what they are normally used for:
Wheelchair
Though it may seem like straightforward equipment, not everyone feels comfortable with the notion of having to use a wheelchair. However, there are several conditions that limit mobility and will require the use of a wheelchair to avoid further pain and/or injury, including:
- Rheumatic Arthritis
- Alzheimer
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Scoliosis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Asthma
Hospital Bed
A hospital bed is a more commonly needed piece of medical equipment than you may think. Hospital beds allow caregivers to provide proper care to the patient and will also make moving the patient easier and more comfortable for them.
Hospital beds move in different ways like lowering, reclining, or rising so the patient doesn’t have to. Suffering from extreme pain, having trouble breathing, or inflammation issues are some of the reasons why your doctor may prescribe you a hospital bed for home.
Diabetic Supplies
According to the US National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health, diabetes hospitalization rates are among the highest in Texas, with the diabetes mortality rate in Hidalgo County being higher than that of the whole state as of 2017.
With such worrisome numbers, it is especially critical to take the proper route to treat diabetes and have everything needed at hand. From diabetic shoes for avoiding injuries to blood sugar measuring devices, diabetic medical supplies (if used properly) can help any diabetic person lead a regular life.
Home Phototherapy
It may sound intimidating, but this type of medical equipment is based on the need for light. Phototherapy is the use of light or other forms of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation that serve as treatment for different medical conditions.
The most common use of phototherapy is with an ultraviolet radiation lamp to reduce or eliminate viruses that cause skin diseases, at least temporarily. Home phototherapy is also commonly used for neonatal babies with jaundice.
Nebulizer
Not to be confused with an inhalator, the nebulizer helps deliver medication to the lungs by changing the medication into a fine mist that can be aspirated.
Getting a nebulizer along with medication requires a doctor’s prescription.
Canes & Walkers
Canes and walkers are known to be frequently used by older adults. However, these types of medical equipment are meant to be used by anyone who has any form of walking impairment.
Patients who suffer an injury to one or both of their legs may be required to use either a cane or a walker (depending on their case) while they fully recover.
Bathroom Aids
Same as with canes and walkers, bathroom aids are more commonly associated with older adults. Despite that, they can be required to be used by anyone who suffered an injury impairing their movement.
Bathroom aids make the use of the bathroom safer and more comfortable for the patient and the caregiver alike. These aids let the patient or the caregiver find support, grips, or handholds where needed.
High-Quality Medical Equipment at a McAllen Pharmacy
Getting the right medical equipment and proper instruction on how to use it is vital for a successful recovery. That is why Saenz Pharmacy offers high-quality medical equipment and years of experience.
Your local pharmacist at Saenz Pharmacy can help you choose the equipment you need and instruct you on its proper use so you can just concentrate on recovering.