You are receiving this Caregiver Newsletter because you participated in a caregiver event or received a caregiver service.  If you want the newsletter in MS Word for use in print or electronics newsletters, posting on bulletin boards an other uses please click July Newsletter.      Equipment, Supplies, and Assistive Devises to Make Life Easier,  Part 1 of 2 Parts   As health changes for an older adult he or she may need help at home to support recovery after an illness or hospital stay and to help maintain independence.    Discharge planning at a hospital may include suggestions for equipment and assistive devises to ease recovery and maintain independence.  Ask if this information is not provided automatically by a hospital staff member.    The types of equipment and supplies that you need depend on the person’s medical condition. Some may be permanent needs and some of the needs may be temporary until the person recovers.   Before buying or renting equipment talk to the doctor about what to buy and where to buy it.  Ask for an assessment by an occupational or physical therapist who can identify needs and suggest low-cost substitutes. Be sure to ask what might be covered under Medicare.   Where to Buy Medical equipment should only be purchased from a well-established dealer.  Find supplies and equipment listed in the yellow pages of most phone books or using most online search engines using the words “Medical Equipment and Supplies.”  Many supply items are available at local pharmacies and large retail stores.  Never buy equipment from a telephone solicitor or a person who calls on you before the doctor or discharge planner has told you what equipment you need.   What if you could use many of these ideas, but can’t afford them or want to know how to find them at the lowest cost?  Call 2-1-1 for help through your local Area Agency on Aging and many nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals, Catholic Charities, senior centers and Cancer support chapters organizations who may loan or sell used equipment. Another idea is to ask a local senior center or assisted living center if you could post a sign in the lobby asking for used equipment or ask them to publish the request in their newsletters.     Equipment for the Bedroom – Below is a list of equipment that might be helpful. Hospital bed—allows positioning not possible in a regular bed Alternating pressure mattress—minimizes stress on skin tissue from pressure Egg carton pad—a foam mattress pad shaped like an egg carton that reduces pressure and improves air circulation Portable commode chair—for ease of toileting at the bedside Trapeze bar—provides support and a secure hand-hold while changing positions Transfer board—a smooth board for independent or assisted transfer from bed to wheelchair, toilet, or portable commode Hydraulic lift—for use on a difficult-to-move person Over-the-bed table—provides a surface for activities such as eating, reading, writing, and game playing (could be an adjustable ironing board) Urinal and bed pan—for toileting in the bed   Equipment for the Bathroom - Equipment needs depend on individual circumstances. Raised toilet seat—a seat used to assist a person who has difficulty getting up or down on a toilet Grab bars for tub and shower—properly installed wall-mounted safety bars that hold a person’s weight Bath bench—aid for a person who has difficulty sitting down in or getting up from the bottom of the tub Bath transfer bench—a bench that straddles the side of the tub and allows a person to get out of the tub easily Bathtub safety rails—support for getting Toilet frame—a free-standing unit that fits over the toilet and provides supports on either side for ease of getting up and down Safety mat and strips—rough vinyl strips that adhere to the bottom of the tub and shower to prevent slipping Hand-held shower hose—a movable shower hose and head that allows the flow of water to be directed to all parts of the body in and out of the tub    Edited by Zanda Hilger, on behalf of Caregiver Education programs Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties For information about home-delivered meals, help with transportation, or to schedule a caregiver seminar or presentation at your library, church, company, or group:   Call (817) 558-2840 or (972) 351-9943 email info@mowjec.org