Senior Resources 2024 Health Care Guide

H OME M EDICAL E QUIPMENT AND S UPPLIES

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ndependence. Security. Good health. Goals desired by us all. But, as we grow older, attaining and maintaining these goals is more challenging. Innovations and advance ments in home medical equip ment have made it easier for older adults to reach these goals and to remain in their own homes. Home can be a personal residence or an apart ment in a continuing care/retirement community or other complex. Whether recovering from an accident, illness or surgery; liv ing with a disability; or, adjust ing to the normal effects of growing older, living at home can be a realistic and attainable goal. Home medical equipment companies provide the services, equipment and supplies to assist many individuals who believe home is where they want to be. In consultation with your physician and other health care professionals, the right products and services can be prescribed and provided. Many of these products and services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. Here is a partial list of home medical equipment and supplies: • aids for daily living • ambulatory aids • bathroom safety products

vices. To help you decide which provider to use, ask your physi cian or relatives and friends who may have been served by a home medical equipment com pany. Or, contact the companies yourself and ask questions that include: • Will the provider bill my insurance, Medicare and/or Medicaid when appropriate? • Does the provider train, supervise and monitor its clinical services and delivery personnel? • Will the company deliver the products and provide instruc tions on their use? • Does the company provide 24-hour service? • Is the provider accredited? Using products and services provided by home medical equipment companies can add to your good health and feeling of independence and security.

• braces and supports • compression hosiery • diabetes management supplies • infusion pumps and supplies • incontinence management products • lift chairs • ostomy and wound care management products • oxygen tanks and respirato ry care equipment • tube feeding pumps and supplies • wheelchairs and scooters Home medical equipment companies provide more then products. They can provide a range of professional services that include: • certified compression garment fitter • certified orthopedic fitter • enterostomal therapist • nutrition support dietitian • registered and licensed prac tical nurses • registered pharmacist • rehab specialist • respiratory therapist Your insurance coverage may include several preferred providers of home medical equipment, supplies and ser

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