How Should I Choose Home Health Equipment for Myself or a Loved One? Start Here With These 4 Tips!
Let’s be real!
Buying home health equipment can be overwhelming. Whether you need wheelchairs, grab bars, or electric beds…there are so many options to choose from depending on what you need or want! Not to mention, many home health equipment can come with specific features, in various shapes, and designs! Also, there is the question of cost. Home health equipment such as a power wheelchair can be a pricey investment, but it can have a significant impact in maximizing a person’s quality of life! So where does one begin in selecting an equipment that is right for them? Well, you’ve come to the right page!
Here are 4 pointers for you, the buyer, to consider when purchasing home health equipment for yourself or a loved one:
- Do your research!
As each individual is unique, so are all the different kinds of home health equipment. For example, there is much to consider if you are seeking to purchase a wheelchair. Depending on what you need, either a power wheelchair or a manual wheelchair could be more suitable! It is recommended for you to speak to a healthcare practitioner such as an occupational therapist for an in-depth assessment. Occupational therapists work with you to determine which equipment is best suited for either you or a loved one’s needs! To find an occupational therapist near you, you can connect with your physician, local health authority, or access the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists OT finder which can be found in AssistList’s Partners page.
2. Would the purchase be friendly on your wallet in the long-term?
Some equipment might require maintenance, especially equipment with lots of moving parts such as a power wheelchair. Ask yourself if the cost of routine maintenance or professional repair services is within your budget. There could be other alternatives for you!
3. Consider the length of time that you will want or need the equipment.
Two great questions to ask yourself is, “How often will I use this equipment?” and “How long will I be using this equipment?”
Asking yourself these questions will give you a better sense of how this equipment will fit in your life, and the different options available to you! For some folks, renting the equipment through programs offered within their local community is easier on the wallet — especially if they only need the equipment for a short amount of time!
4. Purchasing gently-used home health equipment within your community.
If you decide that purchasing medical equipment is the right choice for you, one great option is to purchase gently-used home health equipment! One free online resource that you can use to look for home health equipment is AssistList. AssistList is a charity organization that seeks to promote public health by empowering folks in the community to buy, sell, or donate gently-used medical equipment.
Thank you for reading! Until next time :)
Buffy
