Incontinence Supplies
Although they are at the other end of the cost scale, incontinence supplies are no less important to get right. A typical medical supply catalog offers several brands of products, each of which has several varieties and sizes. There are pull-on briefs, adult diapers with different types of tapes and waistbands, night-time briefs, waterproof shields, products for men and women, disposable pads, underpads for bedding or chairs, skin care products, male external catheters, sterile catheters, drainage bags, suppositories and more.
Personal preference plays a large role in making appropriate choices. Some factors to consider are: absorbency, fit, ease of changing and price. Buying by the case saves money.
Respiratory Therapy
As already noted, a physician must prescribe oxygen therapy. The prescription will include the flow rate (in liters per minute) and the amount of time you need to use oxygen. Some people need oxygen continuously, while others need it only while they are sleeping or exercising.
Three common methods of providing oxygen therapy are compressed gas, liquid oxygen or oxygen concentrator. With compressed gas, oxygen is delivered to your home in a cylinder. Small portable cylinders are available for out-of-home use, since the large tanks are heavy and not easily moved.
An oxygen concentrator is an electrically powered device that separates oxygen from the air, concentrates it and stores it. It is less costly than liquid oxygen, however, a power failure can cut off the supply. Backup cylinders of oxygen should be kept on hand and users should alert their power company that this type of oxygen is in use.
As with wheelchairs - perhaps even more so - the vendor's availability for delivery of supplies and service is critical. Instructions for keeping the equipment clean should be followed carefully. Safety procedures and infection control must be followed scrupulously.
Today, elderly people and their caregivers have many choices among products that will help keep them safe, healthy and comfortable at home. While the process of selection and maintenance can be difficult, it is well worth the effort. In almost all cases there is a financial cost to making the best choice. The key is finding out as much as you can, choosing what seems to be the best option, and being willing to reexamine those choices as the situation changes.