Home medical equipment (HME) is a type of equipment which is used for the patients whose care is being taken by home members or professional caregivers at home. Some times home medical equipments are referred to as durable medical equipment as well because of it’s repeated use. There are many kinds of HME such as air Ionizer, Wheel chairs, Lift chairs, Respiratory and Sleep therapy, Nebulizer and Suction units, Bed accessories, Adjustable beds, Hospital beds, Recliners, Walkers and walking aids, Patient lifts and slings, Exercisers, Light and heat therapy, Physician scales, Commodes, Bath safety products etc.
Adjustable beds are similar to the hospital beds, on which patients can sleep. It has a firm orthopedic inner spring mattress that will change the patient’s position to the desired position with the help of a remote control. Shower chair is to fit it inside the bath tub. With the help of this equipment those who can not step in to the tub can transfer themselves. Nebulizer is a devise that reduces a liquid to vapor. We all know what wheel chair is. It is a device which is used by those who can not move from one place to another using their legs. Patients who can not breathe enough oxygen from normal air can use oxygen concentrators. Patient lift is a product which can be use to minimize chances of back injury or other accidents. Sleep therapy is another HME which can be used through CPAP machines.
In order to use these products one must be prescribed by a physician or a doctor. There is a great supply of this type of equipments all over the U.S.A and many other countries. Supply companies can be small or large. Walgreens, Linacre and Apria are the examples of such type of companies. Patients or care givers have to provide the supplier with the prescription and insurance information of the patient.
How ever there are many more equipments which have reduced the difficulties of the caregivers in taking care of the patients. Because taking care of patients who has physical handicaps which does not allow them to move, is very difficult. But these equipments are used in the developed countries more than the undeveloped countries as these equipments are very expensive. Even though in the hospitals of the undeveloped countries some of the equipments are used but in the home people still take care of the patients physically.
