By Gregory Ullman,
Kin-Care Home Medical & Mobility
When a patient comes home from the hospital or a rehab facility, it is often a time of relief and anticipation. It can also be a confusing time as loved ones try to anticipate needs within the home. Proper home equipment is essential to a smooth and safe transition. Below is a list of commonly required equipment for someone coming home from the hospital. Items that may be covered by Medicare are marked with an (M). (To determine for sure whether Medicare will cover the item, consult with the experts at Kin-Care or your local medical equipment supplier.)
Commode (M) Often referred to as a “3-in-1 commode” because it can be used bedside, over the toilet, or as a shower bench.
Mobility Aids Wheelchair (M), walker (M) and/or a cane (M). Careful consideration should be given to the patient’s mobility abilities. Even someone who has no specific problem with walking may need assistance when first coming home, due to a weakened state.
Hospital Bed (M) If the patient is bedridden or has special needs, Medicare may cover the rental of a hospital bed, which mechanically raises and lowers the head and legs, resulting in a more comfortable and safer recovery.
Over-Bed-Table Can be used with a hospital bed or home bed, for meals, and/or other activities.
Bed Rails If a hospital bed is not required, it may still be advisable to install bedrails to prevent a fall off the bed. These can be inexpensive and easy to install.
Underpads In case of temporary incontinence, washable or disposable underpads can be essential.
Support Surface (M) Pressure ulcers (aka bedsores) are an ongoing risk and can have devastating consequences. The patient should be carefully checked before coming home or upon arrival for any skin breakdown. Even a reddish spot may be classified as a Class I pressure ulcer, qualifying the patient for a Medicare-covered gel pad or air mattress. Use of preventative measures such as these can be critical to maintaining the skin health of the patient.
Reacher As a convenience to pick up items and/or to avoid bending down and possibly falling.
Sockaid To help put on the stockings.
Hip Kit Containing a kit of useful items, such as a dressing stick, long handled shoehorn, long handled bath sponge to help with common hygiene requirements.
Aids to Daily Living (ADL’s) There are a myriad of useful items available – call bells, special eating utensils, elastic shoelaces, etc – that can make life easier for the patient in recovery. Stop by Kin-Care or your local medical supply store to see the wide variety of products available.
Wound Care Products (M) Bandages, tapes, gauze, and ointments as necessary. It is helpful to request a list of necessary or useful items upon discharge.
Cast Protector Protects a bandaged wound or cast from getting wet when bathing.
TED Stockings (for the bedbound / Compression Hose (for those who are able to walk) to help reduce or prevent swelling of the legs and feet.
Overnight Bags and related items. Many items and options are available if the patient has more severe incontinence issues. We are happy to consult with you to determine a strategy to most appropriately deal with incontinence.
Heel and/or Elbow Protectors To help prevent injury or skin breakdown in these sensitive areas.
Special Pillows/Cushions A bed wedge behind the back or a special cushion to raise the knees or legs to make the patient comfortable or in some cases necessary to reduce/prevent swelling or for other reasons.
Lift Chair (M, in some cases) An electric recliner that also helps the patient get up. A wonderful item for the recovering patient who does not need to remain in bed but who has difficulty with a regular chair.
Hip Chair An alternative to the lift chair for the patient recovering from hip surgery or other procedure that makes it difficult to sit down.
Bath Safety Items, including grab bars, shower bench, raised toilet seat, and toilet rails. The bathroom is the place in the home where most serious injuries occur. For those with limited abilities, it is crucial to add or install these items to decrease the risk of falling. The ideal time to obtain or install these items is before the patient comes home from the hospital.
Bed Pan/Urinal For obvious reasons.
Blood Pressure Kit It might be necessary to take the patient’s blood pressure.
Heating Pads / Ice packs For pain relief or to reduce swelling or recommended by the medical professional.
This list is intended as suggestions for items that may be required or desirable. It is not intended to constitute medical advice–you should always rely on the recommendations of medical professionals.
Planning ahead can increase safety and comfort and result in a smooth and happy transition from hospital to home. Feel free to call or stop by your local Kin-Care store for more information and advice. ◙
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