Aging in Place
Explore Home Medical Equipment

By Maura Keller

Not long ago, when elderly people became frail and disabled, they often had few alternatives but to enter a nursing home. Today, things are changing. For one thing, people are simply living longer due to advances in medicine and preventive health. It’s more common today, as opposed to 50 years ago, to see people live into their 90s—and continue to live in the comfort of their own homes.

For those older individuals who are able to stay in their homes, certain medical equipment may be required. Experts advise people to take their time and evaluate all facets of medical equipment.
Often called durable medical equipment, items such as walkers, wheelchairs, or hospital beds are considered ‘durable’ if they are reusable. One of the key issues with durable medical equipment is cost and whether insurance will pay for it to keep you independent. Many things such as shower chairs, commodes hand rails and reach extenders tend to not be paid for by insurance. These items can usually be purchased at local pharmacies and may be covered by insurance if they are needed in the case of a recent injury.
According to Medicare.gov, anyone who has Medicare Part B can get durable medical equipment as long as the equipment is medically necessary and is prescribed by your doctor or treating practitioner for you to use in your home.

Items such as crutches, canes, and walkers need to be fitted to the patient and need a prescription to purchase. They are usually fitted by a professional or a physical therapist. Depending on how the insurance contract is written, this type of equipment may be covered or there may be an extra deductible.

Hospital beds, oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, scooters and wheelchairs all need to be ordered by a physician and may need testing prior to delivery. They are usually covered by insurance if the correct procedure is ordered prior to delivery.

Of course, determining if you or your loved one is in need of at-home durable medical equipment is paramount. According to Kitty Tirone, marketing representative for Philips Lifeline, a company that provides Personal Emergency Response Service to “at risk” seniors who want to continue to live at home independently, three tools that can help determine the appropriate need for medical device equipment include their, “Are You at Risk for Falls” survey; “Is it Time for a Medical Alert Service” survey; and a new tool sponsored by Lifeline but developed by a Boston University test that measures a senior’s level of independence. All of these surveys can be found on the Lifeline Web site: www.lifelinesystems.com. Be sure to work with your health care provider to determine the medical device needs that may help you or your loved one maintain independence.

Once you determine a need for specific home medical equipment, how do you find a reputable medical device company? The best way to find a reputable company is to talk to your doctor or insurance provider.
To find a supplier that is enrolled in the Medicare Program, visit www.medicare.gov and select “Find Suppliers of Medical Equipment in Your Area.” You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get this information.
And remember, it is always a good idea to try to negotiate for the best prices for medical device equipment. Members of large associations, such as AARP, typically benefit from discounts because they are a part of an organization with “group purchasing power.” You may already be a part of one such organization. If so, visit that organization’s Web site, or call them, to determine if you qualify for their pre-existing discount programs on medical device services.

Is It Time For A Hearing Aid?
Hearing loss is one of the most common health problems among Americans. According to the Better Hearing Institute, 28 million people suffer from hearing loss. But only an estimated 20 percent of people who might benefit from a hearing aid get one.

Millions more pay thousands of dollars on their own for a hearing aid, but stick it in a drawer and rarely wear it. They complain that hearing aids squeal or are too loud. Some never really wanted a hearing aid, but bought one because family members insisted.

Hearing loss doesn’t have to mean losing out on life. A properly fitted hearing aid and appropriate instruction in its use can help many people who have impaired hearing.
Who should consider wearing a hearing aid?

According to the American Academy of Audiology, anyone who has problems communicating should talk to a doctor or audiologist, a health care professional who specializes in preventing, identifying and assessing hearing impairment.

You may have a hearing loss if you:
• Hear voices when people are talking, but have to strain to understand their words
• Often ask people to repeat what they said
• Frequently complain that people mumble
• Play the television or radio very loudly
• Find that looking at people when they talk makes what they say easier to understand

How does a hearing aid work?
A hearing aid is an electronic device with a small microphone that amplifies weak sounds through a small speaker. You must have some ability to hear for the device to work. And because
hearing loss affects people in different ways, you need to get the right device for you.
What are some of the problems with hearing aids?
One of the most common complaints is, “My voice sounds funny.” Hearing aids also might whistle or pick up too much background noise or feedback. Other people say sounds come in too loud, or they can’t hear as clearly as they once did. Unlike eyeglasses that can correct to perfect sight, hearing aids don’t automatically bring perfect hearing. But most of these problems can be adjusted.

Where do I start?
If you think you have hearing loss, there are
great resources to help you. In addition to undergoing an annual hearing test, check out the Audiology
Awareness Campaign at ww.audiologyawareness.com.

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