Choosing hospice means you have a team of experts to assist you and your loved one through serious illness and end-of-life care. Additionally, you receive necessary medical equipment and supplies to provide that care at home, free of charge. Your nurse will assess your equipment and supply needs and manage their use and replenishment with your family’s comfort and dignity in mind. V Care Hospice has taken utmost care in selecting equipment vendors and medical suppliers that provide the highest quality and services. All durable medical equipment (DME) will be delivered and set up by our highly trained DME vendors, and additional supplies will be delivered by a member of the hospice team.
You and your family will learn about the safe and effective use of the medical equipment from our vendor, with additional reinforcement from our nurse. Education will cover the basic purposes, operating instructions, including what to do in case of problems, and safety precautions.
The most common DME includes:
Hospital Beds: Hospital beds are adjustable beds that provide comfort and support for patients with mobility issues or who spend a significant amount of time in bed. These beds can be raised or lowered, and the head and foot sections can be adjusted for optimal positioning.
Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other mobility aids may be provided to help patients move around safely and independently. These aids improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life.
Oxygen Therapy Equipment: Oxygen concentrators, tanks, and tubing are used to deliver supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or advanced lung disease, to alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and improve comfort.
Enteral Feeding Equipment: Enteral feeding pumps, tubes, and feeding bags are used to provide nutrition and hydration to patients who are unable to eat or drink orally due to illness or swallowing difficulties.
Wound Care Supplies: Wound dressings, bandages, and wound care kits are used to manage and treat wounds, pressure ulcers, and skin breakdown in patients with limited mobility or compromised skin integrity.
Alternating Pressure Mattress with or without a pump to prevent the development of pressure sores.
Medical equipment in hospice care, including items like hospital beds, oxygen therapy devices, pain management tools, and wound care supplies, is crucial for ensuring comfort, symptom management, and safety for patients with terminal illnesses. This equipment is tailored to individual patient needs and helps maintain quality of life during end-of-life care.