Patient Care Items, Products & Equipment - Home Patient Care Supplies

Caring for a patient is more than providing treatment. It involves the prevention and management of illness. It also includes looking after the mental well-being of the patient. Patient care consists of the various services offered by healthcare professionals and at-home caregivers to treat a sick or aging patient either temporarily or long-term.

To be able to offer your patients the best possible care, you will need the appropriate patient care supplies based on their individual needs. If a patient is bedridden, caregivers may need to learn more about bedridden patient care products in order to provide their patients with everything they need to be comfortable, happy, and – above all – safe. Patient care may also include physical therapy treatment, administering medications, and helping patients with tasks like eating, bathing, and going to the bathroom.

Patient care is not just about giving a medical diagnosis. It involves the practice of caring for a patient’s overall well-being including listening to patients with empathy, respecting their dignity, and involving them in their care. When caring for patients, healthcare professionals will also provide relevant information about their care. This includes giving guidance about medication, patient care products and devices that help patients manage their condition on a daily basis.

A Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine is a motorized device that helps joints move through the normal range of motion during the rehabilitation process. Most often, these devices work well for individuals just beginning to recover from trauma to their joints. Home patient care supplies like the CPM machine help people get back into shape by moving the joints naturally to prevent stiffness, muscle atrophy and limited range of motion – which can often delay recovery. If patients do not consistently move their joints, these conditions can cause permanent issues. The CPM machine provides an effective and affordable option to patients. While these machines can be used at home, it is vital to consult with your doctor and work with a professional physiotherapist.

Enteral feeding is employed when a feeding tube is required to nourish an individual who cannot safely chew or swallow. The tube will supply nutrients in a liquid form directly to the stomach or the small intestine when solid food cannot pass down the esophagus. Enteral feeding can be given via different types of feeding tubes, including gastrostomy feeding directly into the stomach and nasoenteric feeding through the nose. A physician will prescribe the correct equipment and amount of food for the patient for each feeding time to ensure the patient remains properly nourished with the appropriate calories, vitamins and minerals.

A gait transfer belt is an assistive device used to transfer patients who have limited weight-bearing capacities and are partially dependent. When used properly, transfer belts prevent injuries and falls by helping patients safely move from a bed to a wheelchair, in and out of chairs, or in any situation when an individual cannot easily switch from a standing to a sitting position. To use a transfer device, the gait belt is attached to the patient’s waist so the caregiver can grab hold of it rather than grabbing hold of the person. A gait transfer belt can also reduce the caregiver’s chances of injury during the movement.

Anyone who is confined to a bed or a chair for a long time can develop bedsores. Also called pressure sores or decubitus ulcers, these sores are open wounds on the skin caused by prolonged pressure in those areas. They usually occur on the skin that covers bony areas such as heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone.

Bedsores can be very painful and range from red to purple in color. If the skin breaks on the sore, the patient will be susceptible to infection, as well. The best way to prevent bed sores is through pressure reduction. In severe cases, bed sores may require antibiotic treatment or ointment. Patient positioners can also be used to help safely move the bedridden patient and relieve pressure in specific areas. Regular rotation of positions can help prevent bed sores from occurring in the first place.