To provide proper at-home care, you will need certain supplies. There are two types:
- general medical supplies
- durable medical equipment
Before buying anything or signing a rental contract, ask your doctor, physical or occupational therapist, or nurse. Salespeople may not be trained to assess what the person in your care may need. Occupational therapists can advise you on low-cost substitutes for expensive equipment. With the proper doctor's orders (referrals) and documentation, some equipment is covered by Medicare or private insurance. Get in touch with your insurance carrier to see if what you need is covered and follow the company's rules for getting approval before buying.
Where to Buy Needed Supplies
Buy medical equipment and supplies from dealers that are well established and that are well known for good service. Be sure to get advice about where to buy from your health care professionals or hospital discharge planner.
Look in the Yellow Pages under Surgical Appliances, Physicians and Surgeons, Equipment & Supplies, and First Aid Supplies. Sources include
- surgical supply stores
- pharmacies
- hospitals
- home health care agencies
- medical supply catalogs
Where to Borrow
For short-term use, think about borrowing equipment from the following local groups:
- Salvation Army
- Red Cross
- Visiting Nurses Association
- home health care agencies
- National Easter Seal Society
- charity organizations
- faith-based groups, senior centers, leisure clubs
Hi , Thank you for your comment. You may find some helpful information in our "Paying for Care" section, located here: ( http://www.caring.com/paying-for-care ). I hope that helps. Good luck! -- Emily | Community Manager
I am 46 years old and I have a foot drop in my right foot I have try a brace and it doesn't help I was researching the internet and came across a new item the walk-aide make the appointment try it it was the answer to my prayers but medicare will not cover if anyone does of any agency that helps with medical devices not cover by your insurance please let me know.
For those of us facing this problem for the first time or expecting to face it in the near future, an article on what equipment would be helpful or even what should be considered, subject to cost considerations, would be immensely helpful. If it were organized along the lines of absolutely necessary, helpful and cadillac treatment, it would probably be even more helpful.
I recently bought a portable toilet at a local thrift store for $15. My mom has Alzheimer's and I wanted to have a toilet closer to where she watches tv since she is becoming incontinent. Medicare wouldn't pay for it since having Alzheimer's doesn't mean you need durable equipment. Buying used works...inspect it and disinfect it, make sure it works for what you need. My retirement community has a lending closet that also helps. Now if someone would find an easy way to store all this stuff in the house, that would help.