Senior Home Safety - What you need to know about Durable Medical Equipment

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posted by Ryan Whittington on November 22, 2010

Part of a good assessment should include assessing the needs for devices such as a wheel chair, bedside commode and/or grab bars.  In the medical industry, this is called Durable Medical Equipment (DME).

Is my need covered by Medicare?

Medicare generally defines durable medical equipment as equipment that:

• Is reasonable and necessary for the individual patient
• Can withstand repeated use.
• Is primarily used to serve a medical purpose;
• Is not useful to a person in the absence of illness or injury
• Is appropriate for use in the home.

This includes items such as:

• Alternating Pressure Pads and Mattresses, and Lambs Wool Pads: Covered in certain cases. Your loved one’s doctor must specify that he or she will be supervising their use in connection with your loved one’s treatment.
• Bed Side Rails: Covered if your loved one’s condition requires them, and if Medicare has already determined that your loved one requires a hospital bed.
• Hospital Beds: Covered under very specific conditions and must be ordered by a doctor.
• Wheelchairs: Covered if your loved one’s condition is such that without the use of a wheelchair he or she would otherwise be bed or chair confined. Your loved one may qualify for a wheelchair and still be considered “bed confined” for purposes of other Medicare equipment benefits.

This excludes items such as:

• Bathtub Seats: Not covered. Not primarily medical in nature.
• Grab Bars: Not covered. Not primarily medical in nature.
• Incontinent Pads: Not covered. Non-reusable; not primarily medical in nature.
• Mattress: Covered only when a hospital bed is medically necessary.

Medicare regulations change often, so check with your local Medicare office for information on any specific equipment that you may need.

Non-Medicare Covered Items

Even though there are many items not covered under Medicare, it does not mean they are not needed.  Most elders require greater assistance as they age.  New modern technology allows seniors to live independently longer.  To create a safe home environment, a professional should review the condition of the home, and can make recommendations.

Seniors Home Care is holding a Home Care Equipment Fair on Wednesday December 8th, Thursday December 9th, and Friday December 10th.

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