Treat the patient’s stiffness, speech problems, unsteadiness and inability to stand or walk, difficulty feeding, incontinence, etc. it is quite difficult even when you have help. The items listed here are things I have used for my husband who has Parkinson’s disease. Being elderly is a consideration. If your patient has other conditions (diabetes, heart problems), your list may be considerably longer or different.
You can buy the items you need at online medical supply stores or through the yellow pages of your phone book. Most people appreciate saving money where they can. Garage sales, flea markets, or estate sales can lead you to buy used wheelchairs and other reusable supplies. I have purchased 3 used wheelchairs over time, in various conditions: some chipping paint, a small part missing, or barely used. Prices ranged from $15.00 to $40.00. One wheelchair stays in the car, one on the porch to carry you to and from the car, and one in the basement workshop.
Other items you may find useful:
*The folding table, the kind that can be moved closer to a sofa for snacks, works well with the wheelchair. I especially like it because it easily moves where needed, tilts so you can read the paper at a better angle, and is washable. You will occasionally eat a meal at this table.
* Bedside table with wheels, like the one used in the hospital. I bought several of these tables when our county nursing home did a remodel a few years ago. My husband was not sick at the time, but these tables are handy to have around the house for other uses. And I sure use them now: by the bed, on the dining room table, and one in the living room to store your magazines, tissues, and a bottle of water.
*Toilet/potty chair, tub chair, walkers, exercise equipment. It was hard to find a potty with a split toilet seat for a male patient, but I finally found one at an estate auction, for $10.00.
* Handrails and grab bars. I bought some at garage sales and a home building center. Some I made myself with 1 1/2″ dowels (actually an old tent pole) and brackets bought at a flea market.
*Eating utensils, bibs, bedspreads, urinals, etc. I found a urinal at a camping/sports supply store called Little John. It is shaped differently than those found in medical supplies. It is red in color so it is easily found in a hurry, and it has a long neck that makes it easy to get between your legs while sitting. I have saved several places around the house.
*Mobility aids such as a seat belt for transfer, a sliding seat to assist once the transfer is complete, and a mechanical, manual, or hydraulic patient lift, for when the patient is beyond a seat belt. We have a Medicare-supplied hydraulic patient lift, which is used to help the husband get in and out of bed when necessary. We’re not using it much right now, but it’s nice to know it’s there if needed. We have also used it to pick him up off the ground after a fall. I also bought a slightly beat up used one at a real estate auction that I actually use for moving heavy stuff around the shop.
* Motorized scooter. The patient must be physically able to handle the controls. Medicare may pay for the scooter, but not always. Sometimes you can find a used scooter at an estate sale. Be careful when buying a scooter or any item at auction. Everything is sold “as is”. Unless you can check it to see if the batteries are good and it works properly, I would avoid buying it unless you can get it for next to nothing. Batteries can cost $40-50 each and more, some scooters have two batteries. If the gear is worn, it can cost too much to repair. This just happened to my husband’s scooter, the gears wore out. One quote for the repair was over $1900. Almost the price of a new scooter. We were able to find help getting a new scooter.
*Used hospital beds should be treated in the same way as the scooter mentioned above. Buy used with caution. Buying used equipment is always a calculated risk. If you have a problem with the equipment, who do you take it to to get it fixed? Sometimes it’s better to pay full price and buy a new one from a reputable dealer.
When it comes to getting these items, that is, the smallest household items, do not hesitate to get more than one, perhaps several of each item,… you will need them. Plan to have multiples – for the car; the house, in different rooms of the house; the base, etc. If you can’t go out and shop these “bargain hunter” deals, let your friends or family know so they can keep an eye out for items. It may seem heartless to take advantage of someone else’s hardship when you sell items your loved one used while being cared for at home. Most sellers are happy to see the items go to someone else who can use them.
Your county Department of Public Welfare can help you obtain new equipment, such as a wheelchair, if the patient qualifies. They will only provide one wheelchair, so if you need additional chairs, you may need to buy used ones as I mentioned above. They may be able to help with other mobility assistance equipment: grab bars in the bathrooms, sliders to go up and down stairs, even remodeling the house to accommodate the disabled patient, the idea is to keep the patient at home for as long as possible. that is necessary. possible. They may also be able to provide assistance to caregivers to help care for the patient. Having assistance when you need it can help prevent caregiver burnout and depression.
Medicare can help pay for the equipment if its requirements are met. The combination of Medicare and County Assistance can go a long way in making a difficult situation available.
Finally, remember to take care of the caregiver. If that’s you, allow yourself time to breathe. I should talk. I feel guilty every time I feel the need to walk away, so I usually don’t. “My time” is while he sleeps late or goes to bed early. I can’t go out and leave him alone. I try to have time on the computer or to read. Whatever you can do, and still be within hearing distance of your call.
