At Dunbar Medical, we are proud to carry many items that are essential to providing retirement home medical supplies. Below we set out the main categories of medical supply item required for proper care of seniors in retirement facilities. We then suggest some of our key product categories that can meet these needs.
Retirement Home Medical Supplies: 9 Key Categories
Retirement homes are designed to provide comfort, care, and medical support to elderly residents, many of whom may have chronic conditions or require assistance with daily activities. To ensure residents’ health and well-being, retirement homes maintain a steady supply of various medical supplies. These items are essential for routine healthcare, emergency situations, and ongoing treatments for chronic illnesses. Here is an overview of the typical medical supplies commonly purchased by retirement homes:
1. Mobility Aids
Mobility aids are critical for residents who have difficulty walking or standing. These tools help maintain independence and prevent falls, a common risk among the elderly. Retirement homes typically stock a variety of mobility aids, including:
- Wheelchairs: Both manual and electric wheelchairs are common, with customized options to accommodate different levels of mobility.
- Walkers and Rollators: Walkers with or without wheels, and rollators with built-in seats for residents to rest, provide stability while walking.
- Canes: Canes are often used by residents with mild mobility issues to assist with balance and walking.
- Lift Chairs: These specialized chairs help individuals move from a sitting to standing position safely and independently.
2. Incontinence Supplies
Incontinence is a common issue among elderly individuals. Managing this condition is crucial for maintaining dignity and preventing discomfort. Retirement home medical supplies typically include items of incontinence supplies, including:
- Adult Diapers: Various types of adult diapers, including pull-up style or tab-closure options, are available in different sizes and absorbency levels.
- Incontinence Pads: These disposable pads can be placed on beds or chairs to protect against accidents.
- Protective Underwear: Designed to look like regular underwear but with added absorbency, these are commonly used for residents with light to moderate incontinence.
- Barrier Creams: To prevent skin irritation from moisture, barrier creams and ointments are used regularly with incontinence products.
3. Wound Care Supplies
Wound care is essential for the elderly, especially since many may have conditions that impede healing, such as diabetes or circulatory issues. Wound care supplies found among retirement home medical supplies typically include:
- Bandages and Dressings: Sterile bandages, gauze pads, and adhesive bandages in various sizes for treating minor wounds.
- Antiseptics: Solutions like hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol to clean wounds and prevent infection.
- Medical Tape and Sterile Gloves: Essential for securing dressings and maintaining cleanliness during dressing changes.
- Specialized Wound Care Products: For residents with chronic wounds or pressure ulcers, specialized dressings like hydrocolloid or foam dressings are used.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
To ensure the safety of both residents and staff, especially in times of illness outbreaks like COVID-19, retirement home medical supplies should include adequate stocks of PPE. Common items include:
- Face Masks: Surgical masks, N95 respirators, and cloth masks are essential for preventing the spread of infections.
- Gloves: Disposable latex, nitrile, or vinyl gloves are used by staff when administering care to prevent contamination.
- Gowns and Aprons: Disposable gowns are used during personal care or when handling potentially infectious material.
- Face Shields and Goggles: Protective eyewear is used to prevent contact with infectious agents during high-risk procedures.
5. Medication Management Supplies
Many residents in retirement homes require medication for chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or arthritis. To ensure proper administration, various medication management supplies are necessary, including:
- Pill Organizers: Weekly or daily pill organizers help staff and residents keep track of medication schedules.
- Dispensing Aids: Devices that assist with the dispensing of medication, such as automated pill dispensers, can help manage complex medication regimens.
- Blood Pressure Monitors: Portable blood pressure cuffs allow staff to monitor residents’ blood pressure regularly.
- Blood Glucose Monitors: For diabetic residents, retirement homes stock blood glucose monitors and related supplies like test strips and lancets.
6. Oxygen and Respiratory Supplies
For residents with respiratory issues, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, retirement homes typically have a range of oxygen and respiratory supplies:
- Oxygen Concentrators: These devices provide a continuous supply of oxygen for residents who require supplemental oxygen therapy.
- Oxygen Tanks and Masks: Portable oxygen tanks with nasal cannulas or masks are used for residents needing oxygen intermittently or during emergencies.
- Nebulizers: Nebulizer machines and medications are used to treat respiratory conditions, delivering medication directly to the lungs in the form of mist.
- Suction Machines: Used for residents who have difficulty clearing their airways, these machines help remove mucus and secretions.
7. Vital Sign Monitoring Devices
Monitoring residents’ vital signs is a key part of managing their health. Retirement home medical supplies often include various devices to track the well-being of their residents, including:
- Thermometers: Infrared and digital thermometers are used to regularly check body temperature, especially during illness outbreaks.
- Pulse Oximeters: These devices monitor the oxygen saturation in residents’ blood and are essential for residents with respiratory conditions.
- ECG Monitors: Portable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors may be available for residents with heart conditions to monitor heart activity and detect abnormalities.
8. Lifting and Transfer Equipment
For residents with limited mobility, transferring from beds to chairs or assisting with bathing can be challenging. Retirement home medical supplies often include:
- Hoyer Lifts: These hydraulic lifts assist in transferring residents from beds to wheelchairs or bathing areas, reducing the risk of injury to both residents and staff.
- Transfer Boards and Slings: These aids are used to help residents move from one surface to another, such as from a wheelchair to a car seat.
- Shower Chairs and Grab Bars: Shower chairs provide a stable surface for residents to sit on while bathing, and grab bars offer support for balance and safety.
9. Emergency Medical Supplies
Retirement homes must be prepared for medical emergencies, so they stock supplies for urgent care, including:
- First Aid Kits: Comprehensive first aid kits with items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and instant cold packs for treating minor injuries.
- Defibrillators: Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are crucial for responding to cardiac emergencies.
- CPR Masks and Ambu Bags: Essential for providing emergency respiratory support during CPR or other life-threatening situations.
Conclusion
Retirement homes require a wide range of medical supplies to care for their residents effectively. From mobility aids and incontinence products to wound care, medication management, and emergency equipment, retirement home medical supplies help ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of elderly individuals. By keeping a steady stock of these essential items, retirement homes can provide a high standard of care tailored to the unique needs of their residents.