Home Medical Equipment

When it comes to home medical equipment, no one knows more that Meridian At Home. Our trained Advisors work with you and your healthcare provider to assess your needs, and to deliver the latest in technology and quality directly to home. The following is about the use and care and equipment of medical equipment. When your medical equipment is delivered, use will be demonstrated and written instructions provided. 

Ambulatory Aids – Walkers and Canes 

Walkers and canes provide assistance with walking. This is accomplished by transferring some of the function normally performed by the legs and feet to the arms and hands. Canes and walkers assist with weight bearing, as well as balance and standing or walking stability. If you are using a cane or walker for the first time, it is advisable to have someone present who can provide assistance until you become familiar with its use.  If you have the benefit of instruction by your Physician or Therapist, follow their instructions carefully. 

Canes

Hold the cane in your strongest hand or your hand opposite the injury.  Lift the cane and place it forward a few inches ahead of you. Then step  forward so that your legs are about even with the cane. Always take short steps. 

Walkers

Follow slightly behind the walker, taking care not to step all the way into the front of or ahead of the walker. This could result in the loss of balance or the tendency to fall forward. Instead, lift the walker and place it forward so that the rear legs of the walker are a few inches ahead of your body. Then step forward so that your legs are about even with the rear of the walker. This procedure keeps the walker steadily ahead, providing four stable legs on which to lean, if necessary. Always take short steps.  

Height Adjustment

The height of the handgrips should be at the level of your wrists if you are standing in an upright position with your arms at your sides. Do not attempt to stand if you cannot do so safely. You may have to approximate the height until a later time when a more accurate fitting can be accomplished safely. After making the height adjustment, check carefully to insure that the leg(s) are locked securely in the selected position. 

Care and maintenance

• With a folding model, become familiar with the process of folding and unfolding.
• When unfolded, check carefully to ensure that the folding mechanism is locked securely in the open position before using.
• All folding mechanisms, locking mechanisms, and height adjustment mechanisms should be inspected on a regular basis to assure they are functioning properly.
• Inspect the rubber tips regularly. Worn or damaged tips should be replaced immediately.
• Check the handgrips frequently. A handgrip that rotates during weight bearing can cause a fall. 
• Frequently check the security of height adjustment mechanism.
• Safe use of your ambulatory aid requires care, discretion and common sense.
• Clean weekly with a damp cloth and mild dish detergent. 

Wheelchairs

A wheelchair should provide easy transportation, comfortable seating, and as much independence as possible.  

Care and maintenance

• Check hand grips on the brake mechanism and the rubber  tips on the tipping levers to ensure that they are tight and secure.
• Check the locks for proper adjustment to confirm that they lock the large back wheels securely when engaged.
• Remember to engage wheel locks before transferring to or from the chair.
• Do not lean forward in the wheelchair unless both feet are flat on the floor. This may cause the wheelchair to tip forward and possible result in injury.
• Clean at least once per week with a damp cloth and mild dish detergent. A disinfection solution (1 part bleach: 10 part water) can be used to disinfect your wheelchair after it is cleaned.   

Hospital beds 

Hospital beds permit body positioning that is difficult in a regular home bed. Hospital beds make it easier to get in and out of bed, to reach a standing position for walking, and to transfer to a wheelchair or commode. If bedbound, hospital beds are needed for caregivers to provide personal care. 

Care and maintenance

• Locks on the wheel casters should always be locked to avoid the bed from moving when the client enters or leaves the bed.
• Clean weekly with a damp cloth and mild dish detergent, disinfect as needed. 

Nebulizers

Nebulizer Treatments or aerosol treatments consists of a small compressor that is connected to a plastic nebulizer kit that converts the liquid medication to a fine mist, enabling you to inhale it deeply into your lungs where it is deposited. It is particularly important to keep your nebulizer clean. Failure to do so may lead to lung infections.  

Care and maintenance

• Rinse well after each treatment.
• Clean daily with mild dish detergent and rinse well.