To assist you in preparing your home for safe recovery of a loved One after being discharged from hospital stay we created this comprehensive resource. There are many medical products and equipment available; however, selecting which ones are needed for your family’s financial resources and requirements may be overwhelming.
Once your family member leaves the hospital he or she enters their most critical phase of recovery. Utilizing the right medical equipment and supplies in your home properly may increase the comfort level of the patient, reduce the Risk of falls/injuries, speed up time to full recovery, enhance the ability of the patient to self-care and function independently, and reduce the number of caregiver visits to the home.
Reducing the possibility that your family member will require readmission to the hospital may occur.
Having a home prepared for your family member’s recovery may provide them with a safer and more personalized place to heal than spending additional time in a hospital.
Prior to acquiring or renting any medical equipment review your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding discharge. When consulting your healthcare provider about your family member’s post-hospital recovery needs ask:
- What type(s) of mobility loss will my family member experience?
- Will my family member need to sleep in a different position (i.e. Side-lying) than horizontally?
- Can my family member walk independently? Lift objects? Bathe independently?
- Does my family member require oxygen therapy?
- Will my family member need assistance being transferred?
By understanding what type of recovery your family member requires, you can avoid buying unnecessary items.
Recommended medical equipment for successful and safe recovery at home
1. Hospital bed
A hospital bed has been viewed by many individuals as One of the best purchases made by those recovering from a lengthy hospitalization.
Advantages of ownership of a hospital bed include:
- Adjustable head/foot sections
- Simplifies entry/exit of the bed
- Reduces Pressure points
- Increases circulation
- Improves comfort
- More easily accessible by caregivers
Hospital beds may be beneficial for several types of Patients including surgical Patients, stroke Patients, Patients with acute illnesses, and Patients with limited mobility.
2. Pressure relief mattress
Extended periods spent lying on a bed can lead to discomfort and Pressure ulcers (de-cubit ulcers) unless appropriate methods for relieving Pressure are used. These mattresses aid in distributing Pressure across the entire surface of the mattress rather than focusing all Pressure in local areas. Therefore both sleep quality and protection of skin damaged by prolonged rest in a bed can be improved. They are particularly recommended for people who spend significant amounts of time lying on a bed.
3. Mobility aids
Mobility aids are common among families caring for relatives after leaving the hospital. Examples of mobility aids include:
- Walking sticks (canes)
- Three-wheel Walkers
- Rollators (Four-wheel)
- Wheelchairs
- Transport chairs
- Electric powered mobility scooters
Properly selected mobility aids can significantly lessen the Risk of falls when attempting to move around.
Bathroom safety essentials
The bathroom is often considered One of the most hazardous rooms in homes where recovering Patients reside. Bath/Shower Chairs provide:
- For situated Patients during baths/showers: Stability
- Less energy expenditure by Patients during baths/showers
- Enhanced safety while bathing/showing
- Greater confidence while bathing/showing
Bedside Commodes may benefit Patients when:
- The distance between the actual bathroom and the bedside commode is too far apart
- Limited mobility exists making travel to the restroom difficult
- Excessive night-time bathroom trips become an issue
Raised toilet seats help lower the effort required to sit down and rise up during bowel movements. Raised toilet seats tend to offer the greatest benefits to orthopedic surgery Patients.
Recovery seating options
Lift recliner chairs
Many Patients recovering from a wide variety of health issues spend considerable portions of their recuperation simply sitting in their preferred chair. Lift recliner chairs allow Patients to position themselves correctly within their favorite chair and assist Patients in rising from the chair. Furthermore, Lift recliner chairs help reduce strain on joints due to extended sittings and promote blood flow. Knee, hip or back surgery Patients receive the greatest advantages using Lift recliner chairs.
Equipment supporting breathing functions for Patients after discharge from hospital
Some patients may require assistance with breathing once released from the hospital. There are many forms of equipment available providing supplemental oxygen to Patients recovering from conditions such as pneumonia flares-ups of copd (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), acute respiratory infections, certain surgeries etc. Oxygen concentrator systems are representative examples of these equipment systems available for rental (portable/stations).