Medical Supplies for Cancer
Home Health Care Products Make Treatment Easier
Medical supplies can help cancer patients remain at home during cancer treatment, and can help hospitalized patients transition back into the home.
When you received a diagnosis of cancer, you might have envisioned lengthy hospital stays during your treatment. In fact, doctors give many cancer treatments on an outpatient basis. This allows you to recover from your disease in the comfort of your home, and maintain your job and regular family commitments.
To facilitate your recovery and make yourself as comfortable as possible during the rigors of cancer treatment, you may consider purchasing some medical supplies for your home. Quality home health care products also ease the burden of caregivers. You may not need all the products discussed in this article. Talk to your doctor about what to expect during your treatment regimen, and ask the doctor or nurse for product recommendations as well.
Ambulatory Products
Cancer treatments can cause temporary weakness or dizziness. This is due to many factors, including a lowered red blood count, weight loss, or nervous system effects. Ambulatory products such as canes and walkers can help you maintain your independence and prevent falls.
Bath Safety
The bathroom is the most injury-prone room in a cancer patient’s home. Navigating slippery tiles, climbing in and out of the tub, and rising from the commode present challenges to a patient weakened by cancer treatments. Consider a raised toilet seat or a toilet safety frame to help you rise from the commode. Bath benches and bathtub rails provide stability when bathing.
Bed Accessories
A bed rail allows cancer patients to help their caregivers transfer them in and out of bed. You can grab the rail for stability as a caregiver pivots your legs onto the bed. An over-the-bed table or laptop bed tray makes dining comfortable when you feel too ill to eat in the dining room.
Cushions
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause skin changes, such as itching, rashes, or skin breakdown. You must protect pressure points and bony protrusions such as hips with cushions. Medical supply companies produce cushioned mattress overlays that allow you to sleep comfortably. A sheepskin pad can provide cushioning and air circulation while you rest.
Incontinence Care
Cancer patients may experience a loss of bowel or bladder function, either due to the disease process or as a side effect of treatment. You must keep your skin clean and dry to prevent skin breakdown that can lead to bedsores. Disposable briefs keep ammonia-containing urine away from your skin, and disposable bed pads protect your mattress and bedding.
Lift Chairs
A lift chair is an expensive investment that few cancer patients will need for a long duration. You can rent lift chairs from some medical supply companies while you receive cancer treatment. However, you may want to consider purchasing your own lift chair if you live alone and the chair means retaining your independent living status.
