Medical Equipment and Supplies Resource Guide

Medical Equipment and Supply Types

The vast medical field features a wide variety of medical equipment and supplies that meet the needs of health issues. Understanding the various equipment and medical supplies available gives you the necessary information to purchase or rent medical equipment.

Bathroom safety aids

When mobility is limited, bathrooms introduce some risk to a person’s well-being. Bathroom safety aid supplies, such as shower stools, grab bars, bathtub lifts and toilet safety frames, make bathroom tasks easier and safer.

Orthopedic devices

Orthopedic devices are those devices that are placed within or around a body’s skeleton to provide stability and correct issues such as deformities. Such supplies include braces placed on the outside of the body like leg braces and internal supports such as plates and rods used to reinforce bones and connective tissues. Replacement joints are also considered orthopedic devices.

Prosthetics

Prosthetics refer to custom-made artificial limbs and other devices that replace lost limbs and their functions. Prosthetics are constantly evolving in complexity and effectiveness and are often part of new medical equipment introduced every year. When an individual first learns to use a prosthetic, he or she seeks the assistance of physical therapy to do so.

Walkers

Walkers are a common item on lists for home health care supplies. They assist those individuals who have difficulty standing and walking on their own. There are standard and rolling walkers, as well as walkers featuring a basket for carrying items.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are part of standard hospital equipment. They transport those individuals who are temporarily unable to walk, as well as individuals with permanent or sustained injuries and conditions that prevent them from moving themselves without assistance.

Wheelchairs come in manual and motorized electric models; the latter tends to be expensive. If purchasing a wheelchair will strain your budget, you may be able to find a well-priced model appropriate for your needs by checking with used medical equipment suppliers. Motorized wheelchairs also sometimes have technical difficulties, requiring that you consult with a company that provides medical equipment repair.

Familiarity with the various medical equipment and supplies available helps you make the right choice in home health care resources.