Family Caregiver – Part 3 – Patient Aids – What You’ll Need and Where to Get It

Treat the patient’s stiffness, speech problems, unsteadiness and inability to stand or walk, feeding difficulties, incontinence, etc. it’s 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 old 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 medical supply stores online 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 purchase used wheelchairs and other reusable supplies. I have purchased 3 used wheelchairs over time, in various conditions: some chipped 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 get 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 pulled over to a sofa for a snack, works well with the wheelchair. I especially like it because it moves easily where it’s needed, tilts so you can read the paper at a better angle, and is washable. You will occasionally eat a meal at this table.

*Nightstand with wheels, like the one used in the hospital. I purchased several of these tables when our county nursing home did a remodel a few years ago. My husband wasn’t sick at the time, but these tables are handy to have around the house for other uses. And I sure do 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.

*Commode/potty chair, tub chair, walkers, exercise equipment. It was hard to find a potty chair with a split toilet seat for a male patient, but I finally found one at an estate auction for $10.00.

* Handrails and support bars. I bought some at garage sales and a home builder center. Some I made myself with 1 1/2″ dowels (actually an old tent pole) and brackets purchased at a flea market.

*Eating utensils, bibs, bedspreads, urinals, etc. I found a urinal at a sports/camping supply store called Little John. It is shaped differently than those found in medical supplies. It’s red so it’s easy to find in a hurry, and it has a long neck that makes it easy to get between your legs while you’re 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 done, 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 needed. We’re not using it much at the moment, but it’s nice to know it’s there if needed. We’ve also used it to lift him off the ground after a fall. I also bought a used, slightly beat up one at a real estate auction that I actually use to move heavy things in the shop.

* Motorized scooter. The patient must be physically able to operate the controls. Medicare can 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’s working properly, I’d 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 may cost too much to repair. My husband’s scooter just had that happen, 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 the same 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 for repair? 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, don’t hesitate to get more than one, perhaps several of each item,… you’ll need them. Plan to have multiples – for the car; the house, in different rooms of the house; the foundation, etc. If you can’t get out and buy these “bargain hunter” deals, let your friends or family know so they can keep an eye out for the items. It can seem ruthless 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 welfare department can help you get new equipment, like a wheelchair, if the patient qualifies. They will only provide one wheelchair so if you need additional chairs you may need to purchase used ones as I mentioned above. They may be able to help with other mobility aid 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 in their home 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 may help pay for the equipment if its requirements are met. The combination of Medicare and County Assistance can go a long way toward making a hardship available.

Finally, remember to take care of the caregiver. If that’s you, give 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 you sleep late or go 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.