The elderly population is increasing every year and it is estimated that the number of adults over 65 years of age will be larger than the number of children by 2030 for the first time in the United States history. Having so many older adults mean more burden on the health system. Medcottage is the best alternative to cope with this situation. By keeping the elderly in Medcottage, you not only remove the burden on healthcare but also save a few bucks while providing your loved ones with a quality life at the last stage of their life.
To keep your loved ones in the medcottage means continuous monitoring of their health with devices. Also, if you hire a caregiver, he will need some medical devices to monitor vital signs, and items to assist in daily activities like feeding, grooming, dressing and even transferring from one chair to another.
We have made a list of what will be required to assist the caregiver while taking care of the old ones.
1. Medical Devices.
Medical devices are necessary for continuous monitoring of vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and oxygen saturation. Vital signs should be checked regularly to keep a record of the health. The following devices can provide continuous health monitoring,
- Sphygmomanometer measures your blood pressure and is used in hypertension and cardiovascular disease patients.
- Glucometer monitor blood sugar level in Diabetic and chronic kidney disease patients
- Pulse oximeter measure oxygen saturation and heart rate in asthma, COPD, and pneumonia patients.
- Thermometer keep a record of your body temperature.
- Weigh scales for measuring weight.
2. Pain management equipment.
Arthritis, spines diseases and cancer is associated with chronic pain commonly occurring in old age. Your elder one needs pain relieving devices to ease the pain. Following are the devices that may be helpful
- Heating pads.
Heating pads reduce joint and muscle pain by applying warmth to the area. You can increase or decrease the intensity of the warmth. Moreover, after turning on these pads you can set the timer and they automatically turned off.
- Compression clothing.
Compression clothing is very helpful for arthritis patients. By building the pressure around the area, this clothing reduces inflammation and increases the blood flow to the area.
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Therapeutic devices.
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Suction machine
Suction machines are mostly used in bed-bound patients who suffer from recurrent respiratory tract infections. This machine can remove fluids such as mucus, saliva, blood, or other secretions that block the airways in the throat.
5. Nebulizer
A nebulizer is used to administer the medication directly into the lungs in patients suffering from asthma, COPD and chest infections.
Other useful equipment.
Wheelchair
A wheelchair is a must equipment to have in Medcottage. This mobility device is very useful for those who have limited mobility due to weakness, exhaustion, breathing problems, poor balance, or other health difficulties.
First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit is very necessary to be placed at the Medcottage. The first aid box should include items to treat cuts, scratches, and minor injuries. It is vital to keep the kit well-stocked and easily accessible to use it efficiently in an emergency. First aid kits are available at major merchants as ready-made packages, or you may make your own.
Shower transfer bench
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the most frequent caregiver injuries are back, neck, and shoulder pain.
A shower transfer bench is placed on the side of the tub so the person can sit down and slide sideways to sit over the tub. This eliminates the need to step over the raised edge of the tub to get in. A tub transfer bench is especially designed to help people with mobility issues, balance issues, or flexibility issues.
Positioning transfer sheet
A study has shown us that moving a patient with a frictionless sheet required substantially less force than moving a patient without one.
A patient transfer sheet is a bedsheet composed of specialist textiles such as nylon that makes repositioning a person in bed simpler. Many transfer sheets include handles and are waterproof. They are capable of turning, lifting, and repositioning a person in the bed.
Over-bed table
Overbed tables are also used in hospital rooms. These tables have wheels and can be changed to various heights. These tables can provide a surface for eating, writing, reading, or working while in bed. Tables can also be utilized as an extra surface in the room when sitting at the edge of a bed or in a wheelchair.
