To help you prepare your home to Support the safe recovery of your loved One after hospital stay, we developed this comprehensive resource. The availability of various medical products and equipment is extensive, but selecting which are necessary for your family’s financial resources and requirements can be overwhelming.
Once your family member leaves the hospital, he/she enters their most critical phase of recovery. Proper use of the right medical equipment and supplies in your home may improve the comfort of the patient, minimize the Risk of falls/injuries, accelerate the time to full recovery, enhance the patient’s ability to self-care and independent function, and minimize caregiver visits to the home. Reducing the possibility of your family member requiring readmission to the hospital may occur.
In some cases, having a home prepared for your family member’s recovery may provide them a safer and more personalized place to heal than spending additional time in a hospital.
Review your healthcare provider’s discharge instructions prior to acquiring or renting any medical equipment. Consider asking your health care provider about your family member’s post-hospital recovery needs, specifically:
- 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, and/or bathe independently?
- does my family member require oxygen therapy?
- will my family member need assistance being transferred?
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
- simplified entry/exit of the bed
- reduced Pressure points
- increased circulation
- improved comfort
- more easily accessed by caregivers
Hospital beds may be beneficial for several types of Patients including surgical Patients, stroke Patients, Patients with acute illnesses, or Patients with limited mobility.
2. Pressure relief mattress
Long durations of time spent lying in a bed can lead to discomfort and Pressure ulcers (de-cubitus ulcers) unless proper Pressure relief methods are utilized. These mattresses aid in distributing Pressure across the entire surface of the mattress rather than concentrating Pressure in local areas. Thus, both sleep quality and protection of skin damaged by prolonged bed rest can be improved. They are particularly recommended for individuals that spend significant amounts of time lying in a bed.
3. Mobility aids
Mobility aids are commonly used among families caring for loved ones after leaving the hospital. Various mobility aids include:
- Walking sticks (canes)
- Three-wheeled Walkers
- Four-wheeled rollators
- wheelchairs
- transport chairs
- Electric powered mobility scooters
Carefully chosen mobility aids can significantly Decrease the Risk of falls when attempting to move around.
Must-have bathroom safety items
The bathroom is often referred to as One of the most dangerous rooms in homes where recovering Patients reside. Bath/Shower Chairs provide:
- Stability for seated Patients during baths/showers
- less energy expenditure by Patients during baths/showers
- enhanced safety while bathing/showering
- greater confidence while bathing/showering
Bedside Commodes may be beneficial when:
- the distance between the bedside commode and the actual bathroom is too far apart
- limited mobility exists making travel to the restroom difficult
- excessive Nighttime bathroom visits become a concern
Raised toilet seats are designed to lessen the effort required to sit down and rise up during bowel movements. Raised toilet seats are particularly beneficial to Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.
Seating solutions for recovery
Lift recliner chairs
Many Patients recovering from a wide array of ailments spend considerable amounts of time simply sitting in their preferred chair during their recuperation. Lift recliner chairs enable Patients to properly position themselves within their chair and provide assistance in standing from the chair. Additionally, Lift recliner chairs alleviate strain on joints resulting from extended periods of sitting and promote increased blood flow. Patients recovering from knee, hip or back surgery tend to receive the greatest benefit utilizing Lift recliner chairs.
Respiratory breathing Support equipment after discharge from hospital
Some Patients will require assistance with breathing once discharged from the hospital. Respiratory Support equipment, such as oxygen concentrator systems, are examples of the types of equipment available to provide supplemental oxygen to Patients recovering from:
- Pneumonia
- Flares-ups of copd (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Acute respiratory infections
- Certain surgeries
Both portable and stationary rental options exist for Oxygen Concentrators.