The Right Equipment, Right Now: Walkers 101 with Tara Slaughter Certified Durable Medical Equipment Specialist - Episode 96
This episode is your comprehensive guide to understanding and choosing the perfect walker 🚶♀️. Join your host, Diane Carbo, RN, and durable medical equipment specialist, Tara Slaughter, as they demystify the world of medical equipment and help you make informed decisions for your loved one 💕.
Episode: Walkers 101 ⚕️
In this episode, Diane and Tara cover the essentials of durable medical equipment (DME), focusing on walkers and their various types. They share valuable insights on how to select the right equipment, highlighting common mistakes and crucial safety tips. Whether you're a new caregiver or looking to upgrade, this episode is packed with information to ensure safety, durability, and comfort. 😊
What You'll Learn:
- Understanding DME: What is durable medical equipment, and how does it differ from general medical supplies? 🤔 Tara explains that DME is built for durability and can be reused, unlike disposable supplies such as bandages or braces. Examples of DME include walkers, wheelchairs, and hospital beds.
- The Importance of Personalization: Discover why a "one-size-fits-all" approach to DME is a dangerous mistake. The right device must match the individual's specific condition, environment, and lifestyle. A clinical assessment is key to determining the appropriate walker based on the patient's gait, hand strength, and mobility.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Learn about the most frequent and sometimes dangerous errors people make when purchasing DME. For example, buying a rollator with handbrakes for someone with memory issues can lead to falls because they might forget to engage the brakes. Tara recommends considering alternative walkers with seats that don't have handbrakes and automatically engage when the person sits down.
- Asking the Right Questions: Get tips on what questions to ask doctors and DME specialists. Since doctors often don't have a full understanding of all DME products, caregivers should be prepared to ask if a specific type of equipment is truly the best fit for their loved one's condition.
- The Dangers of Choosing the Cheapest Option: Tara explains why opting for low-cost, unstable equipment can be a costly mistake in the long run, leading to potential falls and injuries. Quality, premium brands may be more expensive but offer better safety, durability, and a longer lifespan.
- Future-Proofing Your Purchase: For progressive conditions like Parkinson's or dementia, it's wise to select equipment that can adapt to future needs. For example, when buying a bed, consider one that allows for the addition of rails later on. Similarly, wheelchairs and transport chairs with removable or flip-back arms can facilitate easier transfers.
- The Role of Proper Sizing and Adjustment: Learn why correct measurements are crucial for safety and effectiveness. A walker that is too tall or too short can cause pain and increase the risk of falls.
- Red Flags to Watch Out For: Be cautious of companies that sell "everything" but don't specialize in any particular product. Tara recommends supporting local DME companies that provide personalized service, expert advice, and ongoing support, which you won't get from big box stores or many online retailers.
- Top Safety Tips: Tara's top tips include ensuring the home environment is clear of hazards like rugs, verifying that the equipment (like a walker) fits through doorways, and getting proper training on how to use the device safely.
A Message from Tara Slaughter:
Tara, of CFS Medical Supplies and Equipment, emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion when dealing with caregivers. She states that people seeking DME are not just shopping; they are looking for help and should be treated with care and respect.
Connect with the Experts:
You can find Tara at CFS Medical Supplies and Equipment. You can visit her websites at www.cfsmedicalequipment.com and www.cfssolutionsdbs.com, or call her at 310-417-5373. For personalized assistance, you can also book a consultation or access her modules on navigating the healthcare system and choosing the right equipment.
Listen to the full episode to get all the insights and expert advice! 🔊
And remember, as Diane says, you are the most important part of the caregiving equation. Please be gentle with yourself and practice self-care every day because you are worth it. ❤️
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming — but you're not alone. If you have questions, big or small, our expert team is here to help.
👉 Click here to Ask the Expert
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Diane Carbo
Diane Carbo
