Assess Your Needs
What are your respiratory needs?
Millions of people with respiratory impairments live longer and experience a higher quality of life with the help of assistive medical equipment. Through advanced technology, oxygen-dependent patients can leave their homes for daily living activities and even travel by land, air or sea. Asthma patients have nebulizer options available that help increase independence and there are many options now available for the ever-increasing sleep disorder population. Use this handy assessment tool to determine the equipment that may best fit your needs. If you already use assistive devices, maybe you are not getting the full benefit because of discomfort, improper fit or other minor equipment issues. This guide may help you and your home medical equipment provider find a solution to maximize the benefits of your equipment use.
NEBULIZERS |
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| There are several styles and models of nebulizers on the market to meet the growing demands of an ever-changing population. Disposable, reuseable and portable nebulizers give users more options then ever before. Quiet compressor operation and multiple levels of medication delivery make it easier to fit any lifestyle.  |
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| Does the patient use the nebulizer regularly to get the medication and relief needed? | Compressor nebulizer systems are efficient and encourage adherence to medication treatment plans. |
| Is the patient active, and in need of a portable nebulizer system? | Battery powered compressors are available. A higher-end, compact, portable nebulizer may reduce treatment times and provide more freedom and independence. |
| Is the patient a young child? | There are several pediatric nebulizers available with fun designs that easily fit in a child's environment. |
| Is the length of each treatment longer than can be tolerated by the patient? | The medication cup may need to be replaced. |
| Do you understand how the treatment works to relieve shortness of breath? | The more you know, the better you can cope. Call us for answers. |
| Is the nebulizer cleaned after each and every treatment? | This is very important! Prevent infections with routine cleanings. |
CPAP |
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| Did you know? A CPAP user's feeling of well being and health is directly related to how often they use their CPAP. Some problems that may encumber patient compliance may include nasal irritation and dryness. Supplemental humidity is an important management tool. Did you know? Chin straps help keep your mouth closed while sleeping. During the stage of deep sleep, people lose muscle tone temporarily and often a result of this is that their mouth may come open. A chin strap will not keep high CPAP pressures from blowing through and forcing your mouth open. Air will just pass through your lips instead. It also will not stop you from voluntarily opening your mouth.  |
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| Is snoring a problem for you or your partner? Do you feel tired even after a full night's sleep? | If you answered YES to either of these questions, a CPAP machine may be helpful. We can help you assess your needs or those of your loved one. |
| If already using a CPAP, are you receiving the full benefit? If no, why? | |
| Mask does not fit right? | There are a variety of accessories available to optimize CPAP use. Masks come in several sizes with many fit and comfort features. |
| Area of vision is blocked? | When visibility is a must, you may want to choose a mask with an open vision area. |
| Are you a side-sleeper? Mouth breather? |
There are masks that lend themselves well to side sleepers, and a mask with a securing chin strap to aid mouth breathers. |
| Sensitive skin? Mask does not seal properly? |
A user who suffers a skin reaction to a mask has the option of choosing a mask made from other materials. |
OXYGEN |
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 A million Americans need supplemental oxygen. Technology has made this equipment much more tolerable. There are in-home and portable oxygen systems available and several options within those systems.Many patients use a combination of oxygen systems. We can help you explore the various options and find the system to fit your lifestyle and medical need. |
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| Will oxygen be necessary all the time? | Oxygen concentrators allow a user to breathe oxygen-rich air continuously in any room of a home without running empty. |
| Are there other disabilities, i.e. are you or your loved one confined to a wheelchair or dependent on other assistive mobility devices? | Cylinder systems are a good option for users who require intermittent low-liter flow and portability. |
| Are you mobile and independent within the home or on an exercise program? | Portable equipment options exist. Those who want to remain active, especially those on an exercise program, can find equipment to fit their needs. |
| Will you or your loved one be traveling outside the community? | Portable systems are handy for travel and allow users more freedom and independence. |
What is your level of mobility?
Life situations change. Sometimes independent people in our lives suddenly find themselves very dependent. A stroke, a sudden fall, debilitating surgery, ....these things can drastically impact the quality of life for all involved. There are resources, technology and equipment that can ease the transition for the patient and caregiver alike. But how do you know what is needed? Take a few minutes to consider the questions below. Use the adjacent guide to simplify your decision-making process by narrowing options based on medical necessity, quality of life, safety and independence.
Click here to start the mobility assessment
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