Medical Supplies for the Elderly

Mobility and safety are of vital importance for seniors who live independently. Due to declining agility and slower reflexes, anyone with limited mobility or health issues may be prone to falls and other injuries, even in their own homes.

Medical equipment that facilitates daily activity can significantly enhance their peace of mind. When used correctly, this equipment can also increase the user’s independence and improve quality of life. 

Here is a list of medical supplies, tools, and other equipment that will significantly assist seniors and folks with mobility needs:

Medical Supplies for Mobility Aid

Walkers and Rollators

Walkers and rollators are standard mobility aids designed to support you as you walk around. Their main difference is that rollators have wheels while most walkers do not. A walker has four legs that stay in contact with the ground, so you must lift it to move forward. A rollator has four wheels and brakes, making them more comfortable and easier to maneuver.

Walking aids like the STELLA rollator offer maximum mobility and walking control. With its lightweight aluminum frame and 8" wheels, the STELLA allows you to achieve your goals and complete your daily activities — at your pace.

Manual Wheelchairs

Operating a manual wheelchair requires using your upper body strength to propel yourself forward or having someone push the chair from behind. As such, manual wheelchairs are helpful for people needing assistance getting around but don't require the extended features of a power wheelchair. 

Manual wheelchairs like the FLEXX are lightweight and compact, making them easy to maneuver and fold up for storage. With this portability, you can bring your chair with you on outings and use it inside or outdoors for short distances on flat ground. With a manual wheelchair, you can meet your mobility needs wherever you go.

Electric Wheelchairs

Power wheelchairs are motorized, operating off an electric-powered battery that pushes the chair forward. These vehicles have four wheels, a seat, a backrest, and armrests for full-body support. Power wheelchairs require minimal effort from the user, so they're perfect for those recovering from an injury or needing assistance getting around. 

With long battery life, extended range, and folding capability, power wheelchairs like the Electric Carbon Fiber Wheelchair will get you anywhere you need to go — without worrying about charging it on your journey. 

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters are vehicles that help you to move around on land. They have a central steering column to drive forward and backward and turn in different directions. Additionally, these vehicles run on electric-powered motors, enabling you to travel farther and faster than you could on foot without relying on your energy and strength. These features make mobility scooters the ideal solution for people needing more mobility than they can get from walking.

Folks in the market for a mobility scooter should look for one with power and versatility, like the Zero Turn 10. This top-of-the-line mobility scooter offers complete control and maneuverability, delivering an aggressive performance guaranteed to turn heads. This model also has built-in safety features such as headlights and rear light illumination, ensuring safety and reliability for all riders. 

Wheelchair Ramps

Once you have your mobility aid, you can invest in a wheelchair ramp for your home. These ramps provide a safe and easy way for wheelchair and walker users to get over curbs and thresholds. 

Ramps like the Portable Aluminum Threshold Ramp are lightweight and easy to place, making them great for use inside and outside your home. Available in multiple dimensions and designed to have a fixed or adjustable height, aluminum ramps like this model are ideal for helping you move confidently around your home.

With a ramp from Harmony Home Medical Supply, you can push pesky steps out of your mind for good. 

Keep an Eye On Your Health with Medical Monitoring Aids 

Health monitoring aids are among the most critical medical supplies you can have at home. As the name implies, medical monitoring aids allow you to monitor and manage your health needs. There are various medical monitoring aids on the market, each serving specific health or medical conditions.

Oxygen concentrators are one of the most common examples of medical monitoring aids. Concentrators are machines that filter and purify air into an inhalable form for breathing. They use electric-powered pumps to concentrate the constant oxygen supply from your environment so that you can breathe better at home or on the go.

Medical Supplies with Lifting Capabilities

Patient Lifts 

Patient lifts are assistive devices that enable caregivers to transfer a person from one place to another. There are two types of patient lifts: sit-to-stand and sling lifts. While they are used most often in hospitals and nursing homes, they are also helpful for home health care. 

Lift Chairs 

Lift chairs can shift you from one position to another in one fluid motion, making them perfect for people who need assistance getting in and out of their seats.

A lift chair like the MaxiComforter Day Dreamer has top-of-the-line recline technology that enables users to adjust to their favorite position or move to a standing place at the press of a button. Additionally, its Power  Pillow and lumbar support offer maximum customized comfort. All you have to do is sit back and relax.

Stair Lifts

Due to disability or age, folks with physical limitations often find navigating the steps in their homes challenging, especially if they live on an upper floor. Stair lifts take care of this problem. 

Stair lifts are mechanized chairs that move up and down staircases. This equipment benefits people with limited mobility because it helps them safely, efficiently and reliably get around their homes — without relying on family members or professional caregivers for assistance.

You can't put a price on living independently in your own home. With a stair lift from Harmony Home Medical Supply, there are no restrictions on how frequently and how far you can use the stairs. 

Improve Safety with Bathroom Medical Supplies 

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous parts of the house for seniors. As such, it is essential to invest in bathroom safety equipment to ensure ease of use and maximum comfort. 

If you're worried about whether or not you can access the washroom safely on your own, install grab bars around the toilet and tub. Grab bars give you something to grip on, supplying support when you stand up from the toilet or  get out of the bath.

While you’re at it, invest in a shower bench. A shower bench helps to transfer a person into the tub safely. This type of bench has skid-resistant rubber tips and an extra broad base for stability, so you won't have to worry about slipping on wet floors or falling over while bathing. 

Finally, we recommend installing a toilet support frame. These safety frames have handles on either side, allowing for easier sitting and stable standing from the toilet seat. While toilets are permanent fixtures, you can use a commode chair anywhere. A portable commode can help make things easier for you by providing a safe place to relieve yourself no matter where you are. 

Closing Considerations

Our bodies change as we get older. Our bones become weaker, our muscles lose tone, and the slightest bump can throw off our balance. These changes are inevitable, but they don't need to prevent you from enjoying life.

Medical equipment like the above-listed supplies can give you back your sense of control and autonomy. Rather than waiting for someone else to help you with daily tasks, you can buy products that will help make your life easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. 

At Harmony Home Medical Supply, we're confident that when it comes to maintaining your independence, you'll find that at-home medical supplies are just what the doctor ordered.

A mobility scooter can make life easier for both you and your loved one. If you're thinking about renting a mobility scooter, you should ask a few essential questions beforehand. It will guarantee that the equipment is appropriate and satisfies your requirements in every way.

Wondering where to rent a mobility scooter in San Diego or Vista? Harmony Home Medical Supplies is your go-to home medical equipment distributor.

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