Bottle Magnifier

Medicine bottles have a lot of information that the consumer needs to know. Unfortunately, those bottles are also tiny, so the crucial instructions and warnings are printed in such a small font that even people with perfect vision may have difficulty making out the words. If people with perfect vision have difficulty reading the bottles, imagine how it would feel for someone with diminished vision to try to read directions on a bottle of aspirin or other needed medications! Bottle magnifiers aid these frustrating situations. The magnifier clips to most standard bottles and will enlarge the print to three times the size. This will provide seniors a little more independence because they won’t have to ask for someone else to read bottle directions. The magnifier is lightweight and has retractable arms for easy storage on a night table or pen holder.

Syringe Magnifier

Living with diabetes is difficult by itself, so when you add having difficulty reading the small print on an insulin syringe, it can create a new problem. Measuring and injecting insulin is an exact process that requires the correct dosage to be effective and safe. Measuring and intaking too little or too much insulin could lead to severe medical problems. In these cases, a syringe magnifier will help. The print on the syringe is magnified 1.7 times, making it easier to see, fill, and inject insulin. The syringe magnifier is also designed to snap simply onto insulin bottles; this is helpful for seniors that have difficulty grasping objects.

Jitterbug 5

Many seniors enjoy the benefit of owning their own cell phones. They can carry it with them and use it in case of emergencies. Unfortunately, they face drawbacks with a standard cell phone: keys can be difficult to read and the speaker can be difficult to hear out of. The Jitterbug 5 is a cell phone that features a backlit keyboard so the user does not have to struggle to find the right key when dialing, and a powerful speaker that makes it easier to hear the other end of the line. It also has easy-to-use navigation buttons, a camera for photo sharing, and even a calling plan that matches today’s seniors’ lifestyle. The calling plans offer unlimited access to nurses and board-certified doctors, which is helpful for seniors with severe medical problems or who suffer a bad fall. With the Jitterbug 5, they can always reach help within arm’s reach.

Serene CL-60PC Amplified Phone with Answering Machine

This all-in-one phone features large, easy-to-see, backlit buttons, making it easy for seniors who have difficulty seeing. It’s a cordless handset that can amplify sounds up to 50+ decibels and has a visual ringer for the hard of hearing. Seniors with hearing aids or cochlear implants can use the compatible output jack that fits easily around the neck, making important phone calls easier to hear.

Getting older does not mean having to lose independence. Seniors who struggle with diminished hearing and sight do not have to suffer in silence, but rather can take advantage of and utilize specially-made tools to live and communicate freely. For more information on any of these products or other KC Home Medical Supply services, contact us today.

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For lift chairs to function effectively, they should be well-maintained. Follow these tips for maintaining and keeping uplift chairs to ensure they function optimally and last for a long time.

• All lift chairs have a maximum weight capacity that should not be exceeded when in use. Failure to adhere to weight capacities increases the chances of the lift chair being damaged. It may also put the user at increased risk of an accident, especially if it breaks under heavier use.
• When plugging in the lift chair, ensure that it is plugged directly into the wall and not an extension cord. An extension cord may overheat and destroy the electrical mechanism of the lift chair.
• Most lift chairs have backup batteries that need to be inspected and replaced on a regular basis. Routine inspection prevents oversight of acid corrosion that may damage the battery unit.
• Wipe down the lift chair on a regular basis to keep it clean. Make sure it is unplugged from the electrical outlet before cleaning, especially if any solvents are used. This reduces the risk of electrical accidents.
• Keep moisture and liquids away from the electrical components of the lift chair. These can damage the electrical parts and could put the user at risk of electrical accidents.
• When moving the lift chair, do not pull by the footrest as this can damage the lifting mechanism in the chair.

We offer lift chairs that can make it easier for you or your loved ones to easily sit up and down. For more information about lift chairs, maintenance tips, or our other home medical equipment and supplies, contact us today!

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Pressure sores, also known as pressure ulcers, develop when patients who are ill and immobile stay in a fixed position for a long period of time. When this happens, blood supply to the skin over the area is reduced. Ultimately, the skin and underlying tissue become damaged and may become infected. This infection may then spread throughout the body, thereby worsening the patient’s condition and delaying recovery. Pressure sores typically develop on bony body areas, such as heels, hips, elbows, and more.

One way to prevent pressure ulcers is to ensure that patients are repositioned frequently. The current recommendation is that patients should be repositioned every two hours. In a home setting, accessories can also be used to shift body weight and alleviate pressure around the bony areas, thereby minimizing the risk of developing pressure sores. Some accessories that can be used in a home setting include:

• Feet Elevators: Heels and ankles are highly susceptible to pressure ulcers in immobile patients. Feet elevators serve to keep feet raised up, so that the heels and ankles are not in direct contact with the bed.
• Heel/Elbow Protectors and Heel Pillows: Protectors provide extra soft padding for the bony joints, thereby minimizing pressure over these areas.
• Alternating Pressure Mattresses: The special mattress offers control over the bubble cells to change pressure to suit the user to prevent soreness and skin breakdown. This mattress relieves pressure on the skin by alternating the pressure every 10 minutes on any portion of the body coming in contact with the bed, providing great comfort for a bedridden patient.

Prevention of pressure sores is essential to the comfort and recovery of an ill patient. At KC Home Medical Supply, we have various accessories that can be used to minimize the risk of pressure sore development. Contact us today to learn more about our products and to find which would best meet your home care needs.

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A hernia is a condition in which a portion of organ or soft tissue pushes through a hole or weak spot in a muscle or surrounding connective tissue that lines your abdomen or groin. It can be caused by an action that puts pressure or strain on an organ in that weak spot.
Sometimes you can see the hernia, depending on its location and size. Certain activities can worsen the condition, like bending over or lifting heavy objects. Hernia’s can be very painful and disrupt your daily activities.

There are several types of hernias:
• Inguinal. This groin hernia involves a portion of intestine or bladder protruding. It is the most common type of hernia and far more common in men than women.
• Femoral. In this type of groin hernia, the intestine pushes through tissue near where the femoral vein enters the upper thigh. These affect women more often than men, but they are uncommon.
• Umbilical. A hernia at the belly button, or naval, is common in infants, as well as women who are obese or have had several children. There is a natural weakness in that area. It is where the muscles and tissues come together.
• Hiatal. This hernia occurs when the upper stomach squeezes through the hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus passes through.
• Incisional. These hernias happen at the site of a surgical incision.

Signs that you might have a hernia include:
• A visible bulge in the affected area.
• Discomfort in the groin area that gets worse when you bend or lift something.
• Heaviness in the groin or abdomen.
• Pain or discomfort during a bowel movement or urination.
• Other symptoms that have been reported are bloating, heartburn, and constipation.

Treatment options depend on the type of hernia you have and your state of health. At first, your doctor may suggest monitoring your condition for changes. If the hernia does not improve or worsens, your doctor may discuss surgery. KC Home Medical Supply carries hernia belts, or trusses as well as abdominal binders. A physician may suggest these in place of surgical treatment or to ease symptoms until surgery can be done. Our staff can help you choose which product best suits your condition.

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• Reduce Edema – Excess fluid can build up around the injury and block helpful nutrients from reaching the site for effective healing. If the injury is near a joint, that excess fluid can also minimize your range of motion, which will impact your body’s natural way of pumping and moving your muscles to enable healing. Wearing a compression device along with elevating the injury can reduce this excess fluid.
• Minimize Swelling – Swelling and inflammation can negatively impact your healing process and reduce mobility. Using cold therapy in combination with compression, the body will help your injury site feel more comfortable.
• Increase Oxygen – The more blood that the injury site receives, the more oxygen can be delivered to help with body repair. If the area is swollen and blocked, oxygen levels are reduced. Using a compression aid will help to keep blood flow moving more freely.
• Assist Lymph Fluids – Lymph fluids help in healing by carrying nutrients to the damaged tissues around the injury and removing waste from body tissue to create a clear field for tissue regeneration. Compression devices help circulate these fluids for improved healing.
• Add Warmth – Wearing a compression aid can also help to keep the area warm, promoting the flow of helpful fluids and maintaining good comfort and care overall.

KC Home Medical Supply carries a wide variety of compression therapy options. Choose from a wide selection that fits you and your particular situation and injury for faster recovery. For more details on compression therapy, sizing assistance, or for more details on our other medical supply products, contact us today!

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What is ALS?  

ALS is an abbreviation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is a chronic degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord. It is also commonly known as Lou Gerhig’s disease after the legendary baseball player who eventually succumbed to the illness. The term “amyotrophic” comes from the Greek language and translates to “no muscle nourishment,” referring to the deterioration of muscle control that occurs with ASL. Nerve transmission follows a path from the brain, to the spinal cord and then to muscles throughout the body.  However, as the disease progresses the motor neurons carrying signals from the brain die, causing loss of muscle control. Those afflicted may lose the ability over time to walk, use their arms, speak, eat, and even breath.  The life expectancy of those suffering from the disease is variable but typically ranges from 3-5 years.

How does a person get ALS? 

    The exact cause of the disease has not been determined but research efforts continue in search of answers. We do know that ALS is not contagious and that only 5-10% of ALS cases are deemed familial or genetic. The majority of cases are sporadic, or without a hereditary cause.  The most common age at diagnosis is greater than 40 years. The rate of diagnosis is higher in men than in women. Military veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS than the rest of the population, the reason for which is still unknown. There are approximately 16,000 people living with the disease in the US at any given time.

Is there a cure for ALS?

    Unfortunately, there is no cure for ALS. The FDA has approved the use of several medications to manage the symptoms of the disease. Research is ongoing in hopes of more effective treatments and ultimately a cure.  Visit http://www.alsa.org/  for more information or to make a donation.

How can we help?

KC Home Medical Supply staff realize the obstacles that daily life can present for people living with ALS. Our staff are compassionate individuals trained to identify how adaptive products can improve the quality of life for patients and caregivers alike. We would be happy to talk about your specific issues or needs and find the product that best suits you. Please call or stop by one of our three locations for more information.

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Care of a patient at home usually involves a single caregiver; there is usually no extra personnel to assist him or her. As such, home-based patient care can become challenging for both the patient and caregiver. However, these bed accessories are available to ease the burden of meeting the needs of a patient at home.

Trapeze

Patients often face bedsores when bed-bound. It is recommended that patients are repositioned every two hours to prevent risks of developing this complication. With a trapeze attached to the head of the bed, patients can self-reposition with or without assistance from the caregiver. The trapeze also helps the caregiver, because patients can assist in holding and moving their own body weight during bed baths or when sheets are changed.

Eggcrate Bed Pad

This pad is an overlay placed on the patient’s bed, so the patient is not in contact with the hard mattress constantly. This serves to reduce pressure on the patient’s skin, especially in areas prone to skin breakdown. These pads also minimize the risk of bedsores.

Overbed Table

The overbed table is positioned over the patient’s bed for feeding and for any other tasks the patient may wish to perform. This eases the burden on the caregiver of having to get the patient out of bed during mealtimes.

Bed Rails

These are attached securely to the sides of the patient’s bed. With bed rails, both the patient and caregiver can rest assured knowing there is no risk of the patient rolling about and accidentally falling out of the bed.

At KC Home Medical Supply, we supply bed accessories that make taking care of your patients and loved ones easier. We offer different kinds of tools and products to accommodate a wide array of home-based care needs. For more information, contact us today.

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Power Wheelchairs

A power wheelchair is battery-operated with an electric motor. That means users don’t need to expend much effort to move. All they need to do is touch a button. Power or electric wheelchairs are well-suited for people who have limited use of their arms or become tired easily. People who sometimes use manual wheelchairs might also want a power wheelchair to conserve their strength on long days or during flare-ups of a chronic debilitating condition.

Power wheelchairs are tough enough to travel long distances both indoors and outdoors, and they’re precise enough to maneuver in small spaces. Some models also offer adjustable seats that make them more comfortable to use for long periods of time. Typically, power wheelchairs also offer four-point tie downs that can convert them into safe seats in a moving vehicle.

The downside of a power wheelchair is they tend to be heavy and bulky, so they’re not easy to store or carry. Often, since they are made of a lot of electronics and tech equipment, they come with a heftier price tag. However, for many users, the independence and wealth of options that a power wheelchair offers are worth the cost.

Electric Scooters

Electric scooters offer greater flexibility than a wheelchair. Scooters can travel over more types of terrain and still navigate narrow spaces like a school hallway or grocery store aisle. They move at faster speeds and can even travel down paved roads to transport users from place to place. They’re often equipped with safety features such as headlights, mirrors, and turn signals, so they can be used as a personal vehicle. Many models also come with storage space for added functionality, allowing scooter users to make independent shopping trips and more. In most cases, they’re also significantly less expensive than wheelchairs and are easier to store.

Electric scooters have a few possible disadvantages: they are not as stable as a power wheelchair, so users should take care when turning sharp corners. The increased number of features and uses means they might require a higher level of maintenance and more frequent repairs, so consider its cost over time.

Regardless, both electric scooters and power wheelchairs offer flexibility and freedom that allows users to live their lives to the fullest. Contact us for more information about our range of mobility products and services.

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Keep It Dry

Keep your wheelchair dry and away from moisture. You don’t want the battery, gears, or other electrical components to get damaged by liquids. If drinks spill on the wheelchair, clean them up right away.

Maintain the Wheels

Check your wheels and tires regularly to make sure that they are in good functioning order. After all, without tires, your wheelchair is immobile and worthless. If you have tires that are filled with air, check and maintain the tire pressure. If they are solid tires, make sure they have good tread. Replace the wheels as needed.

Charge the Batteries

Try not to let batteries die entirely before you recharge them. Better yet, try not to let them lose more than 80 percent of their power. Always keep the batteries at room temperature, avoid freezing or really hot temperatures. Never replace the battery with cheap imitations, as they may not be as high quality or up to standards and could malfunction. This can damage the wheelchair or even cause injuries.

Listen for Odd Noises

If you hear loud, unusual noises while operating your chair or while it sits idle, make sure to check to see what is wrong. Don’t let problems fester until you are forced to take action; call for professional help right away if needed.

Keep the Owner’s Manual

Don’t throw away the owner’s manual or lose track of it at home. Keep it handy for when emergency need arises for it. As a tip, keep it in the pocket at the back of the wheelchair, so that you can always consult it whenever an issue comes up.

KC Home Medical Supply offers a variety of power wheelchairs and essential accessories to suit your mobility needs. For more help and information about power wheelchairs, home care tips, and our wide array of medical products, contact us today!

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What You’ll Need

Be sure to gather all supplies required to treat the wound, which can all be found at KC Home Medical Supply. These include:

• Latex gloves
  • KCHMS sells a variety of glove sizes to fit a wide range of hand sizes.
• Gauze pads and gauze rolls
  • Our variety of sterile gauze pads and bandages offer great elasticity to form to any wound area while maintaining great absorbency.
• Medical tape
  • Our stores offer many types of tapes for your needs. Our tapes are stretchy, comfortable, and securely hold and stick to ensure wrappings are gentle on skin, but adhere strongly.
• Alcohol pads
  • KCHMS’s alcohol pads are sterile and tough to provide adequate wound cleansing to reduce infection and irritability.
• Tweezers
  • Clean tweezers help to precisely grab and hold delicate small pieces in the cleaning, aiding, and dressing process.

First Aid

Remember to wash your hands with soap and water or cleansers, if possible, before doing anything else, and put on the latex gloves. Bare hands should be used only as a last resort, as that leaves both parties at risk to infection and blood-borne diseases. Once you have taken necessary precautions, have the injured person lie down if possible. From there, follow these steps:

• Remove any visible debris near the injury, using tweezers if needed, and clean the area as best as you can with the alcohol pads.
• Cover the area with gauze pads. If an object cannot be removed from the wound, wrap the cloth around it, not over it.
• Keep steady pressure on the injury until the wrap is in place.

Dressing the Wound

Depending on the location and size of the injury, there are a couple of ways to dress the wound. Use a gauze roll, but a large bandana can also be used in an emergency.

• Fold the cloth into a triangle before placing it on the person’s head, with the tip pointing to the back.
• Wrap the two ends around the back of the head, cross them back to the front, and tie the ends together.
• If there is excess fabric, tuck it under the wrap.

For minor cuts and forehead wounds, a gauze roll can be wrapped around the head like a sweatband and either taped in place or tied off at the ends. Remember to avoid doing this too tightly. You want it snug enough to keep the bleeding under control, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation or irritates the injury.

KC Home Medical Supply has all the first aid supplies for head and other injuries. Be sure to prepare your first aid kits with the right items, in case of emergency when taking care of someone at home or while out and about. Contact us today for more information, tips, and find all first aid and home medical supplies you’ll need!

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